When accusations of domestic violence are made, they can be incredibly damaging. The state of New York imposes harsh penalties for domestic violence offenses as they intend to protect victims from further abuse. If you have been falsely accused or were acting in self-defense, it’s in your best interest to contact an experienced Rockland County Domestic Violence Attorney who can zealously represent your interests and defend your rights. Please continue reading to learn the benefits of connecting with a criminal defense attorney when facing charges of this nature in New York.
What Constitutes Domestic Violence in New York?
Under New York law, domestic violence is classified as a pattern of intimidating or bullying tactics that an individual uses against an intimate partner or family member to establish or maintain control. Although domestic violence is often associated with physical altercations, coercive tactics can also include abuse that is psychological, emotional, sexual, or financial. It’s crucial to understand that domestic violence can be a single incident or a longtime pattern of controlling behavior. There are various relationships that fall into the category of “domestic.” These can include the following:
- Those who are engaged in a legal union
- Those who are separated or divorced
- Those who have children together
- Those who have been intimate partners (even if they do not or have not lived together)
- Those who are related by blood or marriage
It’s important to note that to facilitate domestic violence victims’ access to protection, New York family courts and criminal courts have concurrent jurisdiction over “family offenses” such as assault, sexual misconduct, stalking, menacing, and strangulation. This means that victims of domestic violence can file civil and criminal charges, as well as apply for orders of protection from either court to keep a defendant from them and any children involved. Depending on the circumstances of the offense, you could be facing a misdemeanor or felony offense, which can result in steep monetary fines and jail time, among other harsh penalties.
How Can an Attorney Help?
If you are facing criminal charges related to domestic violence, it’s in your best interest to retain the legal services of a determined Rockland County domestic violence attorney who can evaluate your situation from all angles to determine the best course of action for achieving the most favorable outcome possible given the circumstances. Our legal team is prepared to discuss the best legal avenue moving forward so you can have those charges mitigated or, in some cases, completely dropped.
At The Law Office of Carl Spector, we have a decade of experience swiftly resolving these highly emotional disputes. Contact our dedicated firm today to learn how we can help formulate a robust defense strategy to avoid the potential consequences of a crime of this nature.
