How Can I Deal with a False Domestic Violence Claim?

Domestic violence is a crime that affects millions of Americans annually. However, not all accusations of domestic violence are rooted in the truth. A person may make a false claim of abuse for various reasons whether it is to benefit their divorce case, gain custody of their children, or inflict revenge on the other person. Regardless of the reason, any false claim of domestic violence can be damaging to the accused’s reputation and well-being.

A conviction in New Jersey can result in years of imprisonment, hefty fines, probation, mandatory anger management courses, and more. Contact a knowledgeable Mercer County domestic violence defense lawyer for legal assistance during your case.

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence can present itself as any form of abuse between spouses, former spouses, intimate partners, parents, children, people who live together, and other relationships that are domestic in nature. Various types of abuse fall into this category of crime including the following.

• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Financial abuse
• Stalking
• Harassment
• Cyberstalking

If one or more of the above actions are being committed between domestic partners it can be considered domestic violence. Because of the dangerous and serious nature of the crime, any accusation will be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.

What Should I Do if I’m Falsely Accused?

You are likely feeling a lot of anger, frustration, and confusion. It is important to clear your name and restore your good reputation. Take the following steps into consideration when deciding what to do after being falsely accused.

• Begin collecting evidence. You will need information to back up your statement that the claims are false. Effective evidence can include text conversations, pictures, security footage, etc. Witness testimony is also important as well as having character witnesses to vouch for your behavior.
• Reach out to a trusted friend. You might be feeling a combination of emotions so reach out to a friend or family member for support. They can help you make sense of the issues at hand and offer guidance and emotional support.
• Seek legal counsel. It is important to hire a skilled attorney to represent you during this time. You may be unaware of your rights or the legal process taking place, so having an experienced advocate on your side will greatly benefit your case. They can help you gather and organize evidence as well as present your side in a compelling manner.
• Comply with the court. If you are given court orders or are served with a restraining order, abide by all terms. Any failure to comply can be used against you. Your cooperation can go a long way in ensuring that the truth is revealed.

When you are falsely accused of something as serious as domestic abuse, you need to take the situation seriously. Speak with an attorney and follow the above steps to ensure you can clear your name and avoid penalties for a crime you didn’t commit.