Are you trying to figure out what to do when charged with domestic assault and battery? If so, you have come to the right place.
Any criminal charge can be scary, and if you are not familiar with the process, being charged can be frightening and confusing. Therefore, it is important that you take the time to calm down and think things through. Fortunately, you are in the right place, and by reading on, you will learn more about your situation and what you should do.
Domestic assault and battery is actually a multi-faceted charge. Depending on the specifics of a case, everything changes. After all, assault and battery are two very different things wrapped up in one charge.
Assault does not necessarily require physical contact.
Battery is the use of physical violence with the intent to cause harm.
While neither is good, by understanding the specifics of your incident, you can get a feel for what you need to do next. Of course, it helps to know what the law in your area says about the definitions of assault and battery. You can also request information from the police about your specific charges.
While you are figuring out your specific charges, consider writing your own account of events and getting it on record. Also, consider any special circumstances, like the age and status of the person you are accused of accosting. Certain things such as age and if they are pregnant can impact the severity of the charges.
Chances are, you will have to go to court. Even if the person involved doesn’t want to press charges, things will go forward. The same is true during the arrest as well. It does not matter if the other party does not wish to press charges. Once the police see such a situation, they must arrest you. The same is true of a trial. No matter what the victim wants, it will go forward. After all, it is still assault and/or battery.
Hire a Lawyer
You want to hire a lawyer, no matter the situation. Even if you believe yourself to be innocent, hiring a professional will ensure the best outcome. In fact, in many cases, hiring a lawyer who deals with domestic assault and battery cases regularly is the best option. Find someone who specializes in similar charges and let them do the heavy lifting.
Be honest with your lawyer. They are there to defend you. Listen to what they say as well. If you hire a professional and heed their advice, you have far better chances of beating the charges. At the very least, you will likely face lesser charges and know that nothing slipped by that you weren’t aware of. They can also help educate you on what comes next.
Even if you do not have to serve jail time, you will likely have to go to anger management courses or something similar. This is not only something you will have to spend a lot of time attending, but it will cost you a decent amount of money as well. You have to shoulder all of the expenses.
Conclusion
Understand your situation and act accordingly. It is always best to hire a lawyer, particularly one specializing in the case you are facing. Moreover, it is important that you prepare for what is to come, whether it is the trial itself or what happens after. Things will change, but now that you know what to do when charged with assault and battery, you will get through it.
Johnny Thompson is a senior reporter for Generator Research in Los Angeles, reporting on technology, business, finances, and more. He previously worked as a reporter for the Wall Street Journal and got his start at newspapers in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
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