A domestic abuse conviction can tear a family apart, forever altering a defendant’s life. If you have been recently charged with such a crime, it is important to hire a Hamilton Township, NJ domestic abuse defense lawyer to defend you.
In Hamilton Township, NJ, a person can be charged with domestic abuse only in certain scenarios. The accused must have a specific relationship with the alleged victim and engage in certain behaviors. In Hamilton Township, NJ, these cases are often prosecuted aggressively, resulting in lengthy prison sentences if a defendant is convicted. Because of that, it is crucial for defendants charged with domestic violence to hire a skilled attorney. Your experienced lawyer will thoroughly investigate the charges against you to prove your innocence and clear your name.
We understand how damaging domestic abuse allegations can be to Hamilton Township residents in New Jersey. For a free case evaluation with the Hamilton Township, NJ domestic abuse defense lawyers at Lombardo Law Group, LLC, call us today at (609) 445-4300.
Common Circumstances of Domestic Abuse Charges in Hamilton Township, NJ
In order to be arrested and charged for domestic abuse in Hamilton Township, NJ, the accused has to meet certain criteria. Part of that criteria relates to an individual’s relationship with an accuser and the specific behavior a person is accused of.
In Hamilton Township, NJ, domestic abuse charges can be brought against an individual accused of violence against a current or previous partner or family member. In New Jersey, a person cannot be charged with domestic abuse if they are below 18.
Domestic abuse charges may be brought against you for several reasons. For example, a partner or family member can accuse you of domestic violence and press charges. Hamilton Township, NJ law enforcement officials may arrest you if a neighbor has reported what they believe are sounds of a struggle or violent disagreement.
If police officers believe they have probable cause to arrest someone for domestic abuse, they can do so without an arrest warrant or a complaining witness.
Potential Penalties for Domestic Abuse in Hamilton Township, NJ
Being convicted of domestic abuse can have dire consequences for Hamilton Township, NJ residents. New Jersey tends to prosecute such cases aggressively, so it is important to hire a Hamilton Township, NJ domestic abuse defense lawyer if you have been arrested and charged with a crime.
Disorderly Persons Charge
Depending on the abuse allegations, or the circumstances of the arrest, a defendant may be given a disorderly persons charge for alleged domestic abuse in Hamilton Township, NJ. Defendants can face up to six months in jail and probation if convicted of a disorderly persons charge for domestic abuse.
Felony Charge
It is possible that a person accused of domestic violence might face felony charges. Should they be convicted, defendants in Hamilton Township, NJ can be sentenced to several years in prison. The maximum sentence for your specific charge will depend on whether you are standing trial for a first-, second-, third-, or fourth-degree felony.
When to Hire a Hamilton Township, NJ Domestic Abuse Defense Lawyer
If you were recently arrested for domestic abuse in Hamilton Township, NJ, hiring an attorney right away is crucial. If you do not do so, you may be pressured into agreeing to a bad plea deal that alters the course of your life.
When faced with a frightening domestic abuse charge, Hamilton Township residents may feel at a loss. Without an attorney by your side, you may be more likely to plead guilty to crimes you did not commit for fear of a longer prison sentence. Prosecutors may take advantage of defendants without legal counsel and pressure them into accepting a bad plea deal.
Hiring a Hamilton Township, NJ domestic abuse defense lawyer immediately is also important so that you do not misspeak during conversations with law enforcement or prosecutors. Without an attorney, defendants may say the wrong thing to police officers, weakening their defense.
Building a Defense for a Domestic Abuse Trial in Hamilton Township, NJ
Building a strong defense against domestic abuse charges in Hamilton Township, NJ requires a skilled attorney. Your experienced lawyer can compile evidence invalidating a prosecutor’s case, resulting in a case dismissal or not guilty verdict.
If you have been recently charged with domestic violence in Hamilton Township, NJ, it is important to be completely honest with your attorney. For example, sometimes, defendants may be hesitant to reveal that they were acting in self-defense out of fear that a loved one will experience consequences. However, the truth can help your lawyer build a strong defense that proves your innocence.
If you have been accused of domestic abuse but have an alibi, that can help your attorney build a defense. If there are witnesses or evidence that proves you were not with an accuser at the time of the alleged abuse, our attorneys can use that to strengthen your defense.
In some domestic abuse trials in Hamilton Township, NJ, there is no complaining witness or sufficient evidence to prove a defendant’s guilt. Perhaps you were falsely accused or a complaining witness retracted their statement, but a prosecutor still chose to pursue a case against you. Any changes in an accuser’s story or lack of evidence can help your attorney build a defense.
It is important to remember that the prosecution has the burden of proof in a domestic abuse trial. Your attorney’s goal is to illuminate the problems a prosecutor’s case and show that there is reasonable doubt of your guilt. Our lawyers will aim to do so by thoroughly investigating the charges against you and building a strong defense on your behalf.
Call Our Hamilton Township, NJ Attorneys if You Have Been Charged with Domestic Abuse
If you or a loved one has recently been charged with domestic abuse in Hamilton Township, NJ, get an attorney you can trust. For a free case evaluation with the Hamilton Township, NJ domestic abuse defense lawyers at Lombardo Law Group, LLC, call us today at (609) 445-4300.
