Domestic violence charges are taken very seriously in Virginia and around the country. Even unproven allegations can lead to strained personal relationships, custody disputes, job loss, and more. If you have been accused of domestic violence, you need a team of criminal defense attorneys on your side immediately.

Our team at the Law Office of Seth C. Weston, PLC, has years of experience helping clients in Virginia protect themselves from domestic violence charges. Whether you are a first-time offender or you have a criminal record, we are confident we can get you the outcome you deserve.

To learn more information and receive a free consultation about your case, contact our law office by calling 540-384-4585 today.

How Does the Law Define Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence may be viewed as a pattern of behavior in a relationship that is used to maintain or exert control over another person. Domestic violence can include physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, and more. Under Virginia law, domestic violence charges may be brought against persons related to, living with, or sharing a child with the complainant. This means that a domestic violence charge may be brought against someone who is just sharing an apartment with someone else regardless of whether they have a romantic relationship.

Domestic violence charges come in various forms. Assault and battery, abduction, and malicious wounding are very common domestic violence charges. If convicted of a domestic violence charge a protective order will be issued against the defendant, and a violation of the protective order requires a sentence of active incarceration. When facing domestic violence accusations, it is essential to have a team of experienced attorneys on your side. Contact our firm today to get started on your defense case.

What Are the Potential Penalties of a Domestic Violence Charge?

Domestic violence charges can lead to criminal penalties. Legal consequences will depend on the severity of your charges and the specific circumstances of your case.

You could face the following criminal penalties if convicted of domestic violence:

• Prison Time: A domestic violence conviction can lead to a jail or prison sentence, depending on the severity of the offense and any prior criminal record.
• Probation: Courts may impose probation terms, which include specific requirements and restrictions that you must follow to avoid further penalties.
• Fines and Court Fees: Convictions often result in financial penalties, including fines and court-related fees, adding a financial burden to the legal consequences.
• Mandatory Counseling or Anger Management Programs: Courts may require participation in counseling or anger management classes aimed at rehabilitation and reducing the risk of future incidents.
• Restraining Orders: A conviction may lead to a restraining order, which can limit your contact with certain individuals, affecting your relationships and daily life.

If you are involved in a child custody dispute, a domestic violence conviction can impact your ability to maintain custody of your children. Generally, judges favor the parent without a criminal record and may give you less custody or require supervised visitations.

Domestic violence convictions will also have an impact on your personal and professional life. Prison time can lead to job loss, and many family members and friends may take the side of the alleged victim. The best way to avoid these penalties is by working with our team of defense attorneys.

How Do You Defend Against Domestic Violence Allegations?

While domestic violence charges are serious, there are ways to defend yourself against them. Your specific defense strategy will depend on the nature of your charges and the unique circumstances of your case. However, some common strategies may be useful for you.
Common defenses against domestic violence charges include:

Self-Defense

Our team can investigate your case to develop facts in support of self-defense and present these facts at trial. It is essential that you have a reasonable belief of harm and react in a proportional manner to the threat.

False Accusations

Some people use domestic violence accusations to damage your reputation or win a child custody case. If you and your partner are going through a tumultuous breakup or divorce, our team can argue that these allegations were made to tarnish your reputation.

Lack of Evidence

Many domestic violence charges are based on little to no evidence. If the prosecution cannot prove that you committed a crime beyond a reasonable doubt, our team could argue that the case against you should be dismissed.

How the Law Office of Seth C. Weston, PLC, Can Help You Fight Domestic Violence Allegations

Domestic violence charges can have significant, lasting effects on your life, reputation, and future opportunities. The Law Office of Seth C. Weston, PLC, understands how challenging and overwhelming these accusations can be. With a commitment to defending your rights and advocating for fair treatment in the justice system, our team provides the dedicated representation you need. Here’s how we work to support you through each stage of your case.

• Building a Strong Defense Strategy: Our firm tailors each defense strategy based on the unique circumstances of your case. We can thoroughly investigate the details of the alleged incident, we gather the necessary information to challenge the prosecution’s claims effectively. 
• Examining Police Reports for Errors: Errors or omissions in police reports can significantly impact the credibility of the case against you. Our team scrutinizes these reports to identify any inaccuracies or missing information that may benefit your defense.
• Questioning Witness Credibility: Witness credibility can be critical in domestic violence cases. We analyze witness statements, searching for inconsistencies, contradictions, or biases. By identifying these flaws, we can challenge the reliability of witness testimonies and support your defense.
• Reviewing Physical Evidence: In cases where physical evidence is presented, such as photographs of injuries, we evaluate the context and validity of this evidence. By investigating the timing, cause, and relevance of such evidence, we work to present an alternative perspective to the court.
• Providing Clear Communication: We keep you informed about the status of your case, court dates, and any developments along the way. Open communication is essential for building trust and ensuring you are comfortable throughout the process.
• Ensuring Fair Treatment: If there are instances of unfair treatment by law enforcement or the court, we address these issues. Our priority is to ensure that your rights are respected, and we do everything possible to safeguard your dignity and interests.

If you’re facing domestic violence allegations, contact our firm today. We’re ready to discuss your case, answer your questions, and begin building a defense that aligns with your goals. Let us stand with you and advocate for the fair treatment you deserve.

Contact Us Today

In Virginia, domestic violence accusations are serious and can lead to severe penalties. A criminal defense attorney on our team will create a legal defense strategy to reduce or remove the penalties you are facing.

At the Law Office of Seth C. Weston, PLC, we understand how devastating it can be to face domestic violence charges. We are dedicated to fighting for your rights in and out of court. For more information, contact us at 540-384-4585  today.