Richmond Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer
Defending Against Domestic Violence Charges in Virginia
Domestic violence is among the most common crimes in the nation. What’s important to understand is that accusations are not always true, meaning you could suffer life-changing legal punishments if you don’t take your charges seriously. Even if you know you are innocent, that’s not enough to fight your charges.
Whether you were involved in a heated argument or have a hateful ex with bad intentions, a domestic violence allegation could easily arise. The alleged victim could argue that you threatened them with violence or obtained a dangerous object that they perceived would be used as a weapon.
You have far too much to lose to overlook the seriousness of your domestic violence charges. Thus, it’s in your best interests to rely on Attorney Paul C. Galanides to defend your freedom and future.
With 27+ years of experience, he knows what is required for a successful outcome. To learn more about our experienced domestic violence attorney in Richmond, contact us online or give us a call at (804) 977-0110 now!
What Is Domestic Violence?
In Virginia, domestic violence is called “family abuse.” This means any act involving violence, force, or threat including any forceful detention, which results in physical injury or places one in reasonable apprehension of serious bodily injury and which is committed by a person against such a person's family or household member.
Who Is Considered a Family or Household Member?
A "family or household member" includes:
- Spouse, regardless of residence
- Ex-spouse, regardless of residence
- In-laws who live in the same home
- Persons who have a child in common regardless of residence
- Co-habitants
- Those who have cohabited in the past year and their children
According to the law, if the police have a reason to believe that domestic assault and battery occurred, they are required to arrest the suspect. Thus, your charge depends entirely on the police officers’ opinions when they arrive at the scene, which is usually after an alleged crime has taken place. Thus, they can make an arrest without knowing the full story.
What are the Penalties for Domestic Violence in Virginia?
The consequences of a domestic violence conviction could impact your life forever. Once your peers and loved ones learn about your charge, there is no going back: Your reputation is tarnished.
Even if they never learned about your situation, your criminal record would display your charge. As a result, you may lose your job and future employment opportunities, as well as the ability to secure housing and financial assistance.
Further, the victim may file a restraining order against you, prohibiting you from living in your home, seeing your children, and enjoying a stable livelihood.
How To Defend Against Domestic Violence Charges
If you are facing domestic violence charges, it is essential to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney to get advice tailored to your specific situation. Laws and legal strategies can vary, and a qualified attorney can provide guidance based on the details of your case. Some potential defenses against domestic violence charges in Virginia might include:
- Self-defense: If you can show that you acted in self-defense or in defense of others, it may be a valid defense. This generally means you reasonably believed you were in imminent danger of harm.
- False allegations: If you believe the accusations are false, gathering evidence to prove your innocence can be crucial. This might include text messages, emails, or other documentation that contradicts the accuser's claims.
- Lack of evidence: Prosecutors have the burden of proving the charges against you beyond a reasonable doubt. If there is insufficient evidence, your attorney may argue that the case should be dismissed.
- Consent: In some situations, both parties may have consented to the actions in question. This defense could be relevant depending on the circumstances.
- Mistaken identity: If there is confusion about who committed the alleged acts, you may be able to argue that you were wrongly identified as the perpetrator.
- Alibi: If you can provide evidence that you were not at the location where the alleged domestic violence occurred, it may serve as a strong defense.
Contact Our Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in Virginia Today
Following your arrest, it is imperative to retain an experienced legal advocate who understands the criminal court system and how to fight your charge. The Law Office of Paul C. Galanides, P.C. has defended clients for over 27 years and utilizes a hard-hitting formula to help clients better resolve their charges: Practice, preparation, and purpose.
He will guide you through your case every step of the way so you can understand what is happening throughout your experience. As a former prosecutor who served as Virginia’s Assistant Attorney General, Mr. Galanides obtains a rare yet invaluable insight into both sides of the law.
By staying up to date on changes to domestic violence laws, effective defense strategies, and criminal court procedures, he is the proactive defense lawyer you can depend on to defend your domestic violence charges.
Contact the Law Office of Paul C. Galanides, P.C. today to get started with our Richmond domestic violence defense lawyer.