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Domestic Violence: The Proper Steps to Take After Being Falsely Accused

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Domestic violence crimes are viewed by society and lawmakers as some of the most serious charges against an individual. While there are countless individuals who harm their spouses and family members each year, there are many wrongly accused people who have to live with serious consequences. Additionally, the penalties for being accused of domestic violence are severe, even if you’re not guilty.

If you’ve been falsely accused of domestic violence, the odds are already stacked against you and could come with lasting consequences. However, there are steps that you can take to protect your future.

Contact Us!

Our team of compassionate domestic violence defense attorneys has been fighting to protect our clients’ rights for countless years at Lokken & Putnam. We know what steps to take to build a strong case to help prove your innocence in court. Call us today to learn more about how our team can help you fight for your future and move forward with your life.

What Is Domestic Violence?

It’s a common misconception that people have to assume that domestic violence is a physical act against a spouse or significant other. However, to be charged with domestic violence, you do not have to be in a relationship with the individual, nor do you have to harm them physically.

Domestic violence means that you committed abuse against:

  • A spouse
  • A former spouse
  • A cohabitant
  • A former cohabitant
  • An individual who you had a child with
  • An individual who lives under your roof

Additionally, domestic violence charges can extend to:

  • Stalking
  • Sexual abuse
  • Mental abuse
  • Online abuse (cyberbullying)

The way that your domestic violence charges are charged depends on:

  • Your criminal history
  • The relationship you have with the victim
  • The age of the victim
  • The severity of the crime

Common Reasons for False Allegations

Though it is unfair, individuals abuse the system to “get back” at their current or former spouses. When a domestic violence incident is reported, the police almost always take the victim’s side. Meaning that if you’re the accused party, you could be facing serious charges.

Common reasons why we’ve seen individuals falsely accuse their spouses of domestic violence include:

  • To “get back” at them following being cheated on or broken up with
  • To win a child custody battle
  • To shame them
  • To end a heated argument

Get the Experienced Defense You Deserve

False allegations can turn your life upside down within an instant, leaving you feeling hopeless. It’s common to feel as if there’s nowhere to turn and that you will just have to live life with a criminal record for something you didn’t do.

While it can be a challenge to fight domestic violence charges in Utah, there are things that you can do to move forward from your past. Our team of experienced Utah criminal defense attorneys has been fighting for our clients’ freedom for countless years at Lokken & Putnam.

We understand that things happen, and life isn’t always fair, but your future matters, and we want to be there for you. If you’ve been wrongly accused or have questions about your pending domestic violence charges, our team is here to help.

Call us today (801) 829-9783 to learn more about how we can help you protect your future.

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