Your Rights and the Rules for Evidence in Domestic Violence Case

Being accused of domestic violence can be incredibly scary. However, if you’re in this situation, it’s important to be aware that you have rights, and you can’t be found guilty without sufficient evidence to incriminate you. Here’s an overview of the types of evidence your accuser may bring to court and how a domestic violence lawyer can help defend you against them.

Physical Evidence

An accuser may supply physical evidence, such as photographs or medical reports documenting injuries they have sustained. They may also provide documentation of property damage associated with these injuries. Evidence like this may seem incriminating, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be found guilty. A skilled domestic violence attorney can provide alternative explanations for the causes of the injuries in question and make it clear that you were not necessarily responsible for them.

Verbal Evidence

Witnesses claiming to have seen or heard incidents of domestic violence may also speak in court. These witnesses can include acquaintances of you or the accuser, uninvolved bystanders, or police officers. While these people may make convincing arguments, it’s critical to remember that nothing they say holds any weight without proof. An expert attorney can draw attention to any inconsistencies in witnesses’ accounts and emphasize when their statements can’t be fully proven.

Remembering Your Rights

The important thing to remember during a domestic violence case is that your rights can’t be taken away from you. Perhaps most notably, you have the right to challenge evidence through a motion to suppress. By working with an attorney who puts your rights at the forefront, you can avoid facing undue legal repercussions. Even if the evidence against you is found to be sufficient, a domestic violence lawyer can combat it with evidence of their own demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or with a lack of knowledge. With the right legal representation, you can be found not guilty or be given a lighter sentence than you would receive otherwise.

If you’ve been accused of domestic violence, there’s no need to panic. Contact Ferguson Hill Filous PLLC today to discuss your options for defending your rights. Our expert legal team is highly experienced with domestic violence cases, and we’ll work tirelessly to advocate for you.