byAlma Abell

The courts take domestic violence very seriously. Penalties are often more severe for domestic violence than other assault-related crimes and typically involve restraining orders and restrictions on gun ownership. If you have been accused of assaulting your significant other, it is important to get legal representation right away and begin planning your defense with a lawyer who has the experience to help you win your case and get your life back.

While the prosecutor is working hard to present evidence to prove you are guilty of the crime, your Criminal Attorney in Anacortes will be working to present reasonable doubt. You can help your lawyer by being proactive. A good place to begin is by writing down exactly what happened to lead up to your arrest. Include dates, times, names of other people who were present, whether either of you were drinking, everything that was said and whether either of you were injured. Your lawyer will compare your statement to the complaint against you and use it to prepare your defense.

Men and women who are accused of domestic violence can benefit from keeping a detailed journal of their whereabouts and actions between the time they are arrested and the end of the trial. If your accuser claims that you violated the order of protection by either contacting or stalking them, your journal can help you recall where you were and who you were with at the time of the new allegation. Journals are very effective against false accusations and can even help defend against the original charge when the accuser makes false reports before the trial.

There are a few ways your Criminal Attorney in Anacortes can defend you against a domestic violence charge. The defense your lawyer uses will depend on the specifics of your case. By choosing an attorney who focuses on domestic violence, you can improve your chances of getting your charges dismissed or winning an acquittal at trial. Visit Skagitvalleylaw.com to find out how having excellent legal representation can help you fight your charges so you can work out your family issues without court involvement.