Domestic Abuse Defense Attorneys in New Jersey
False Accusations
Defending against a legitimate charge of domestic battery, spousal abuse, child neglect, or hurting the elderly can be traumatic and scarring whether you committed the crimes you are accused of, or not. If you have been falsely accused of such a crime, the pain, anguish, and confusion can literally be overwhelming.
Presumption of Innocence... or Guilt?
Although the courts presume criminal defendants innocent until proven guilty, the court of public opinion often leaps to a "guilty" verdict immediately upon hearing accusations of domestic violence charges like aggravated battery, sexual assault, marital rape, and child neglect. Thus, even if your spouse made up allegations to "win points" in a custody hearing; or an ex-girlfriend accused you of sexual assault and battery to extract money from you, your friends, family, and business colleagues may not take your side, even if and when exculpatory evidence is produced.
Furthermore, New Jersey domestic violence crimes are taken incredibly seriously. Even if you only threatened to hit your wife, you could be convicted of a misdemeanor and face as much as six months behind bars.
Situations in Which False Accusations Occur
- Vicious Divorce or Custody Battle
In the midst of a messy divorce, one spouse or partner may get desperate and concoct allegations that you abused the children, hit her (or him), or otherwise engaged in domestic violence. - Foster Home Fears
Children placed in foster home may exhibit aggressive dislike of their situation by alleging that their new foster parents neglected them, abused them, or otherwise harmed them. - Honest Mistakes
A child who gets a bruise on the playground may make up a wild story to explain the bruise simply as an imaginary game. If a teacher overhears that the child got the bruise from "wrestling with daddy," for instance, the concerned educator may set in motion a cycle of accusations and investigations that could wind up with a completely innocent father facing child abuse charges.
Protecting Your Rights and Holding the False Accuser Accountable
If you can prove that the accuser invented the allegations or wildly exaggerated them, not only can you get the charges against you acquitted, but you can also take the accuser to civil court to demand damages. Again, your course of action will depend on the nature of the charges you face, the severity of injuries alleged, the evidence that you can produce that exonerates you, and the evidence that you can produce to demonstrate that the accuser knowingly and willingly lied or exaggerated.
Remember, just because the facts ultimately are on your side doesn't mean that you will emerge victorious in a legal battle. Domestic violence cases commonly inspire strong emotions in people and it may not be as easy as just telling the truth to convince them of your innocence. Look to experienced and ethical Princeton criminal defense attorneys to give you the tools and strategic preparation you need to battle back against the heinous charges and hold your accuser accountable for your distress.
Call Lependorf & Silverstein at 609-240-0040 right now to get your free consultation.