Domestic violence is a serious problem throughout the United States, and Utah is no different. It can be terrifying, and even deadly, which is why the authorities must take any claim of domestic violence very seriously. Sadly, however, some people use the seriousness of this issue to their advantage, even when they aren’t actually being abused. When a person claims that they are being abused, even when they aren’t, it can cause huge legal and personal problems for the individual being accused. In addition, these types of false claims of domestic violence actually make it more difficult for those who are actually being abused to get the help they need.
If you have been falsely accused of domestic violence, or you believe someone may use this tactic against you, it is important that you seek legal help right away, and take some key steps to protect yourself as soon as possible. In addition to hiring an attorney, the following are some important steps you can take.
Try to Keep Emotions in Check
While this will undoubtedly be a very stressful and emotional time, it is important to always keep your emotions under control. If you lose your temper and yell at your partner, it could be seen by others as evidence that you may actually be abusive. If you feel yourself getting angry, just walk away from the situation.
Follow All Court Orders
These types of false domestic violence accusations often come up during or just before a divorce or separation. In some cases, there will be court orders to stay away from the other party until the case can be heard. If that happens to you, make sure you follow the court order exactly as it is written. If you are ever unsure about something, simply contact your attorney for clarification. The last thing you want to do is violate a court order.
Document Abuse You Experience
It is not uncommon for someone to be abusive, and then claim that they were abused as part of their defense. If you ever experience any form of physical or verbal abuse, make sure you document it well. Even if you don’t press charges, it may be important to have this type of documentation if or when you have to go to court to fight false domestic violence accusations.
Let the Attorney do the Talking
Finally, whether you are in court or just trying to communicate with your partner about something, it is best to have this type of thing go through your attorney. This will help ensure there are no misunderstandings, and helps to minimize any opportunity that your partner has to falsely claim any further abuse.
If you have been charged with any type of domestic abuse, especially if you are innocent of the claims, please contact the attorneys at Arnold, Wadsworth & Coggins right away to learn how we can help.
