Get Legal Advice When Faced With Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a serious problem with many negative consequences. Violence in a relationship destroys the stability of the home and puts the victim into difficult emotional and financial circumstances. When a victim is faced with domestic violence it’s wise to contact a good criminal attorney to obtain the best legal advice available.
There are several things victims of domestic violence need to know and protections that a criminal lawyer can provide. The most important aspect of domestic violence is the victim’s safety as well as that of other family members. Getting out of the situation is always recommended until the legal and counseling issues can be addressed. A criminal attorney representing the victim will file the appropriate paperwork with the court.
These papers will provide legal protection in the form of a court order that safeguards the victim and family from further aggression. In many situations this is a service of the publicly provided prosecuting attorney. Protection orders come in various forms with varying stipulations. At the heart of all written protection orders is the safety and security of the victim.
Violating the judge’s order to refrain from contact with the listed protected persons and to restrain from all violence is a serious criminal offense. The failure to obey this order can easily land the suspect in jail forthwith. Another important consideration for the victim is the legal right to property and housing mutually owned or under the control of the suspect and the victim. A criminal lawyer petitions the court to ensure that the victim’s right to the available finances and personal property is granted by the suspect.
The suspect is not allowed to withhold legal access or intimidate the victim into forfeiting the use of these things. Many victims of domestic violence fail to leave a dangerous situation because they believe they need the financial security normally provided by the suspect. Many other victims fear their property will be destroyed in their absence if they seek safety away from the situation.
Other victims are emotionally convinced they no longer have the right to their property or that they cannot survive on their own apart from the one who has abused them. The court upholds the victim’s rights in the face of these difficulties. Using the services of a criminal attorney provides the necessary legal representation for the victim and ensures that the victim’s rights are honored.
A good attorney will guide the victim throughout the prosecution of the suspect in the criminal court system. Since domestic violence is a highly contested crime it is safe to assume a defendant is represented by his or her own attorney. The attorney representing the victim’s interests in this case provides the needed legal protection. It’s always wise to be represented by an experienced criminal attorney when exposed to domestic violence.
Legal protection extended to victims of domestic violence involves more than just physical safety. Property rights, access to home and court orders are all secured by competent legal counsel available to victims. If you are faced with a domestic situation, seek the services of a lawyer who specializes in criminal law.
