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Domestic Violence Lawyer Salt Lake City UT
Rasmussen & Miner
At Rasmussen & Miner, a domestic violence lawyer Salt Lake City UT residents trust does not take charges of domestic violence lightly. In fact, these types of cases can involve much more than charges and penalties. Assault, violation of an order of protection, child endangerment and other charges or issues can be added onto your case. To reduce the chances of an issue, such as the aforementioned, amplifying, you should understand some precautionary measures. Taking the right actions early can make a tremendous difference in the results of your case. The strength of your argument is dependent on a number of factors, but taking the appropriate steps to protect yourself is key. By doing so, you can ensure you set yourself up for the best possible outcome to your charges by speaking with a domestic violence lawyer from Rasmussen & Miner.
A domestic violence charge should always be taken seriously and should not be ignored. It can be difficult to figure out how to best handle such a charge brought against you. You may feel like you have limited options and there is only so much you can do once a charge has been determined. However, it is important to remember that a domestic violence lawyer can provide you the critical help you need to develop a defense. Consult with a lawyer right away so that they can get to work on your case.
If you were arrested for domestic violence, you may want to consult with a lawyer from our law firm. It is important that you seek legal help right away once you face any kind of criminal charge. The sooner you act, the better your chances of having the strongest defense. When you go to a lawyer, you can gain peace of mind that you don’t have to go through your dilemma alone. We have years of experience with criminal defense cases and we may be able to provide invaluable counsel on your case.
What Are Resources That Are Available for Victims of Domestic Abuse?
Survivors of domestic situations have a lot of options—from a protection order to a shelter, they can even explore their options through a support group or call a hotline anonymously. There are a lot of steps being taken these days to protect victims of domestic abuse.
When you enter into a shelter, they provide you with safety. The location of the shelter is often secret. They also provide counseling and help you with legal fees and other resources for yourself and your children or dependents.
Listed below are a few resources:
Hotlines:
If you are in danger, call a hotline if it is safe for you to do so. The National Domestic Violence hotline provides confidential and anonymous support in regards to domestic violence twenty-four hours of the day. Another hotline is Love Is Respect, which focuses on young teens and young adults, so that these young folk never wind up in a situation they don’t need to be in.
Information:
Ensuring that people of all ages can learn about domestic violence, and how it can be useful to them. Knowing the signs and statistics surrounding domestic abusers and abuse can help people recognize when they are in poor relationships.
By providing information to people who may be victims of domestic abuse, they can learn that technology can be used against them; they must be vigilant in protecting their privacy, but to do so you must understand how an abuser might abuse, harass, harm or find victims using technology. Other types of abuse that a victim of domestic abuse may experience is the abuse of finances.
It is a horrible truth that abusers have used technology to spy on their victims. They might access your phone, go into your privacy settings, get your passwords, install tracking software, they might even go through your text messages and other private documents.
With Google Maps on the rise, sometimes partners are able to be tracked through their Google Map or phone’s GPS by downloading stalker ware onto the devices they use. Some of these softwares even allow key-type tracking, or the abuser is able to track everything you do on the phone as if it is a recording.
Smart homes are even a threat to domestic violence survivors, because things such as smart doorbells, which sound like an amazing piece of technology that can help you to protect yourself, can actually be used to spy. The smart doorbell has a camera that records, and this means your abuser can review who is coming, when they come, when they go, when you go and how.
And if you have children, well… your own children can be used against you. You may have smart devices in your home that are used for your protection and your children’s, which means, if you decide to remove those devices, and your abuser is using them to track you, they may very well bring the children’s safety into it so that you feel guilty about removing the device.
What Constitutes Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence occurs when a person physically harms or threatens to harm a cohabitant. Emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse can also be included in a domestic violence case. These different types of abuse can all be valid when a domestic violence incident is being investigated. Cohabitants may include spouses, romantic partners, people who have children together, and family members such as children. A credible threat of physical abuse or evidence is used as a basis for a domestic violence charge to be initiated. There must be probable cause for the police to arrest a person for domestic violence. For example, if the person who reported the domestic abuse has a black eye, the police may have probable cause to arrest the accused.
What Should I Do After The Incident?
Domestic violence incidents often result in some kind of case, whether that be criminal or civil. So you were arrested after an incident with another person, there are steps you can take to increase your chances of winning the case. Talk to a lawyer immediately to receive guidance about the right steps you should take to boost your defense. At Rasmussen & Miner, we suggest doing a few things right away to help protect your best interests:
Identify whether you have serious injuries.
If you were injured during the altercation with another person, take photographs or video of the injury as evidence. Photos are one of the strongest pieces of evidence in a domestic violence case. Take photos of your injury on the day of the incident, as well as in the days following it. Discoloration and other changes to your injury can develop, so these details should also be mentioned in your argument. This can be influential proof and is critical to use against the complaining person. If you inflicted harm against the complaining person and acted in self-defense, then your charge may be reduced or even dropped. This kind of evidence can also help build your defense if you were acting out of protection for your own well being. All of these factors will be considered in court, so it is crucial to present as much information and evidence as possible to bolster your defense in a domestic violence case.
Keep communication exchanges between you and the other person.
When you are in the midst of a domestic violence case, it is crucial that you are cautious and mindful about your communications. If you think that there are incriminating messages, you may be tempted to get rid of them. However, this may only harm your case. Do not delete emails, voice messages, text messages, or handwritten notes. You may be tempted to block this person on your social media and from your phone, so that you don’t receive their attempts to contact you. We may suggest not getting into further arguments with the other party, but by leaving a line of communication open, it can work in your favor later on. Depending on what they say, it can be used to support your side of the story in court. Don’t antagonize the other person, instigate conflicts or confront them about anything. Do not communicate with them at all at any time during your case. If there is a specific topic that you are concerned about, mention it to your lawyer and they can advise you on how to best approach it.
Be proactive and get a lawyer immediately.
Do not wait until after your first court date to see if you need a lawyer. You want to be proactive and hire experienced legal representation before the situation escalates. Domestic violence charges can be complex, and it can be challenging to put together the best defense strategies that will work for you. You may be tempted to approach the situation with a “wait-and-see”, but we advise against it. Delaying action is one of the biggest mistakes that clients involved in a domestic violence case can make. Because you may be at-risk for a domestic violence charge, it is crucial that you get assistance from the very start. Early action is necessary if you want to maximize your chances of getting the best results.
Talk with witnesses and get contact information.
If there were witnesses to the incident and you feel their perspective could benefit your side, then we encourage you to speak with them and pass on their contact details to us. We can ask questions to see if they should be part of your defense strategy. When vetting the witness for credibility, we will be considering the following:
- The witness’ demeanor
- The angle and clarity in which they saw the incident
- Whether they were intoxicated at the time
- What they did in response to the situation
- Their relationship to you and the other party
When Is Domestic Violence a Felony and When Is It a Misdemeanor?
Your experienced domestic violence lawyer knows that not all domestic violence charges are created equal. Some are treated as more minor offenses and some are treated as far more severe criminal offenses. It is important to understand the differences in the ways these charges are implemented for a number of reasons. First, misdemeanor domestic violence offenses are generally punished less severely than felony domestic violence offenses.
Second, because one category of offenses is treated more severely within the criminal justice system, that category of offenses generally leads to more long-term consequences “outside” the criminal justice system as well. A domestic violence lawyer at Rasmussen & Miner is here for you.
Domestic Violence Charges: The Basics
Domestic violence is a term used to describe any number of violent (and some non-violent) actions taken against another member of one’s family, household or romantic partnership. A spouse, unmarried significant other, child, roommate, parent, sibling or other individual meeting certain basic qualifications can be considered a victim of domestic violence.
If an individual is not a romantic partner, family member or member of one’s household, violence against that person can be treated as a misdemeanor or felony in another category of criminal offenses. If someone hits a fellow patron at a bar, for example, this would not be considered domestic violence but the offender would likely be charged with assault and battery.
It is also important to understand that some states consider certain forms of economic and emotional abuse to fall under the category of domestic violence. One does not always necessarily need to have been sexually and/or physically abused in order to be considered a victim of domestic violence.
Each state treats domestic violence offenses somewhat differently. An act that may be considered a misdemeanor offense in one state may be considered a felony in another. As a result, it is important to consult an experienced domestic violence lawyer if you have questions about how certain domestic violence behaviors may be categorized where you live. It is also possible that aggravating factors may elevate a misdemeanor offense to a felony, under certain circumstances.
For example, if an individual charged with a misdemeanor domestic violence is a repeat offender currently on probation, that offense may be elevated to a felony by prosecutors. In general, felonies are treated as more egregious as they carry potential terms of imprisonment greater than one year. Misdemeanor offenses may not be punishable by more than one year in prison (in addition to fines, community service requirements, etc.)
Criminal Defense Assistance Is Available
If you have questions about domestic violence charges, please consider speaking with an experienced domestic violence lawyer. Whether you have been accused of this offense or you are a victim seeking information about what might happen to your abuser if charges are brought, we can advise you after learning about the specifics of your situation.
Situations involving either domestic violence or unfounded accusations of domestic violence are highly charged in nature and leave all affected parties feeling vulnerable. Speaking with a domestic violence lawyer may provide much-needed clarity to the situation at hand.
What Are the Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction?
Domestic violence charges aren’t something to take lightly. At Rasmussen & Miner, we believe it’s important for individuals to have plenty of information regarding possible outcomes of their cases. Here are some of the consequences you may face with a domestic violence conviction:
- Prison or Jail: If you are convicted of domestic violence, you may face incarceration. This means time away from your job and your family. An experienced domestic violence lawyer may help you build a defense to avoid time in prison.
- Fewer Employment Opportunities: With a domestic violence conviction on your record, you may have fewer employment opportunities. Employers have the right to ask for an applicant’s criminal history before making a hiring decision. They may choose to avoid hiring someone who has a conviction for domestic violence.
- Limited Rights to Children: If you have children, a domestic violence conviction could limit your custody rights and visitation rights. A domestic violence lawyer may help you retain rights to your kids.
- Fewer Housing Options: Many landlords do background checks these days and may frown upon applicants with domestic violence convictions. A lawyer may help reduce or dismiss your charges so that you don’t have trouble finding housing in the future.
Do Not Violate Your No-Contact Order
If you were given a no-contact order by a judge, it is prudent you adhere to the terms. If you do not follow anything set forth in your restraining order or order of protection, you could face additional charges. Keep in mind, the protected party could try to contact you; they can do so – legally. However, an experienced domestic violence lawyer from the Salt Lake City, Utah area will advise that you should not respond to them, nor should you try to make any contact with them. Claiming this person contacted you first will likely not hold up as a defense against violating your order.
Do Not Represent Yourself
A judge is generally not going to give you special treatment because you are representing yourself. You will be expected to know the processes, laws, and any other applicable rules. You can also expect the prosecutor to take advantage of your potential lack of legal knowledge. If you choose to represent yourself, you may face greater penalties that could have been avoided had you had a lawyer on your side. It is recommended that you work with an experienced domestic violence lawyer.
Do Not Use a Third Party to Contact the Protected Party
If you have been given a no-contact order, you cannot contact the protected party in any way. This includes attempting to go through a third party to contact them. If you try this, it may be a violation and could result in further charges.
Do Document Any Injuries
If you were also injured in the domestic violence case, you should take photos of the injuries you sustained. You should also photograph torn clothing, broken items, or anything else that could aid in your defense. If you were injured, a domestic violence lawyer might argue reasonable self defense. It is possible that police ignored or disregarded your own injuries, especially if you are a male, were intoxicated, or are significantly larger than the protected person. Make the effort to document anything that could help your case.
Do Avoid Any Intoxicating Substances
Drugs and alcohol are common factors in domestic violence cases. You should avoid using them for the time being. You may also want to consider going to an alcohol or drug abuse meeting, such as AA or NA.
Do Safeguard Your Assets
If you have been charged with domestic violence, you may not be allowed to return to your home. A domestic violence lawyer can help you to protect your assets in the home as well as your financial assets such as bank accounts.
No matter what has happened, if you’re facing domestic violence charges, you should have a skilled legal advocate on your side. Call Rasmussen & Miner today to speak with a seasoned lawyer today.
Hiring an Experienced Domestic Violence Lawyer Today
If you are dealing with a domestic violence charge, don’t wait to contact a domestic violence lawyer. At Rasmussen & Miner, we understand how frustrating it is to be charged with domestic violence. We are here to protect the rights of our clients. We offer free initial consultations, so you don’t have anything to lose by just talking to a lawyer from our law firm. An initial consultation allows us to review each case in detail and determine possible defenses.
Our team has been practicing criminal defense litigation in Utah for over 20 years. We understand that cases involving domestic violence can be particularly tough for all parties involved. We’re dedicated to protecting the rights of Salt Lake City residents, even when cases become complicated.
What defense strategies are sometimes used in domestic violence cases?
At Rasmussen & Miner, our domestic violence lawyer represents those in the Utah community who have been accused of harming a loved one or a member of their household. If you were charged with domestic violence you may be concerned that a judge and jury will find you guilty despite the circumstances of what happened or didn’t happen.
The truth is that everyone is innocent until or unless convicted of the crime with which they are charged. This doctrine does not change for domestic violence cases, and you should exercise your lawful right to hire the best domestic violence lawyer who you can afford. Should you be convicted of this crime, even if you are not guilty, it can have a lifelong impact on your personal and professional life.
Common Defenses for Domestic Violence Charges
The defense strategy chosen by your domestic violence lawyer will be based on the circumstances of the event that you are accused of having been involved in. Here are several of the most common defenses used by those who were charged with the crime of domestic violence:
- Mistaken identity. Whether the accused knew that you were not their attacker, or if they mistakenly thought you were the perpetrator, your domestic violence lawyer may recommend that you plead not guilty because of mistaken identity. For this to be a successful defense strategy, it will be important to have a strong alibi. Your lawyer may call upon witnesses who were at the scene of the crime to testify that you were not the attacker. Your lawyer may also call upon witnesses who can vouch for the fact that you were somewhere else when the crime occurred.
- The “victim” is lying when they claim you harmed them. It’s an unfortunate fact that sometimes a person will make a false accusation against someone in order to cause that person legal problems or embarrassment. It’s possible that they did not mean their accusation to result in you being charged with a very serious crime but unless they are willing to recant their story, your lawyer will have to prove that you did not do the crime. There may be physical evidence or a lack of physical evidence that supports your version of what happened. Witnesses may be called in your defense, and character witnesses who can vouch for you may also be called upon by your lawyer.
- You were defending yourself from actions taken by the other individual. If someone attacks someone, the victim has the legal right to defend themselves to stop the threat in direct proportion to that threat. In a domestic violence context, that means that if the “victim” was hitting and punching you, and you stopped them from hitting you by hitting them back and knocking them out, your lawyer may recommend you enter a plea of not guilty by reason of self-defense. If your accuser has a record of committing violence against others, this can be used in your favor.