The Handling of With Domestic Violence Charges In Roanoke, Virginia

This is the first post in a series which will discuss the handling of domestic violence cases in Roanoke, Virginia. We are writing on this topic due to the fact that many people do not know how to proceed once they have been charged with such an offense. The goal of our future articles is to provide information which will help people to better understand their situation. It is also our goal to provide information which will help people to make an informed decision when they are selecting a criminal defense attorney. If you or a loved one have been arrested for domestic violence then contact our office today to speak with an attorney.

We will address several topics over the coming articles. Issues which we will analyze include:

• Dealing with false accusations of domestic violence
• The process one will face after being arrested
• The right to claim self-defense in such matters
• What you can expect at trial
• Virginia?s penalties for a domestic violence/assault conviction

There are several reasons why it is crucial that Virginia defendants understand these issues. First, false allegations of domestic violence are quite common. It is important that defendants do not underestimate the seriousness of such a charge, even if it is false. Second, the process that follows a charge for domestic violence can be lengthy and difficult. Having an understanding of what will occur helps to make sure that the matter is handled efficiently. Third, sometimes police arrest the wrong individual in these cases and the ?primary aggressor? escapes prosecution. A persuasive argument for self-defense can lead to an acquittal. Fourth, it is important for defendants to have an understanding of what will occur once a trial has commenced. Lastly, having a grasp of the consequences of a conviction for domestic violence will help you decide whether you want to resolve this matter through negotiations with the prosecution.

One point we cannot stress enough is that you should contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately if you have been charged with domestic violence. Many people make the mistake of thinking that these incidents are just private matters between family or two parties. However, this is a misguided assumption as the defendant is being charged by a state or local government. Contact a Roanoke attorney to ensure that your rights will remain fully protected throughout this process. We also serve the cities of Cave Spring, Salen, the Botetourt County of Hollins, the Bedford County cities of Bedford and Forest, the Franklin County city of Rocky Mount, and the Montgomery County cities of Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Radford.