Conover Domestic Violence Lawyer

Conover Domestic Violence Attorney

North Carolina law, while not having a specific crime called domestic violence, still treats the matter very seriously. On the civil side, there can be a host of potential issues, including loss of child custody, restitution, and other concerns. There’s also the possibility of a domestic violence protection order. For protection against these issues, as well as criminal charges, it’s highly advised to hire a Conover, NC domestic violence lawyer.

Defending against these charges is important, and it’s something we help with at the Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC.

How a Lawyer Can Help With Domestic Violence Charges

Working with a skilled and experienced criminal defense lawyer can be critical to putting up a strong defense against criminal charges. There are several important things that a defense lawyer is responsible for in defending you:

• Protecting Your Rights – You have rights during the criminal investigation and judicial process, which need to be protected. You have a right against unfounded searches, the right to remain silent, and the right to not commit other forms of self-incrimination. Your lawyer will see that these rights are observed.
• Investigating Your Case – It’s our job to investigate your case and gather facts and evidence that could be used in your interest. The nature of this investigation will depend on the accusation made and the particulars of your case.
• Preparing Your Defense – Even during the investigation, we begin to consider what a defense in your situation will look like. We need to think like the prosecutor and understand how they are likely to prosecute the case. We can look for weak points in their case that could be emphasized to encourage reasonable doubt in the mind of the jury. We can also look for evidence that contradicts the prosecution’s narrative.
• Negotiating on Your Behalf – In some cases, where the prosecution’s case is quite strong, it’s possible that a plea bargain may be worth considering. It’s our job to represent you in these negotiations. While you get the final say in whether to accept a deal or not, our experience can be helpful in ensuring that you are given a fair offer.
• Represent You in Court – We can attempt to take any viable options that could get your case dismissed before court. However, if the case does need to go to trial, it’s our job to represent you through the proceedings. We can aggressively attack the prosecution’s case and put forth a solid defense in your favor.

If the jury doesn’t come back with the verdict we desire, then we can make the case during sentencing for a lighter penalty. Finally, if there are avenues for a potential appeal, then we can put forth those challenges and represent you through that process as well.

FAQs About Domestic Violence

Q: What Should I Do if I’m Wrongfully Arrested for Domestic Violence?

A: If you find yourself being arrested for domestic violence, it’s understandable that you might be upset. However, you want to be careful about how you handle the situation. Doing something reckless could lead to you hurting your argument against the accusations. Some of the most important things to do are:

• Remain Silent – You have a right to remain silent, and you can help your situation significantly by using it. The officers will have a keen eye out for anything that could later be used in court. They are trained to get you to confess to things, and even what appears to be innocent small talk may only be to let your guard down. The wisest choice is often to say nothing until your lawyer is present.
• Stay Calm – Feeling angry and frustrated when you’re wrongfully accused isn’t an unreasonable thing. Still, you need to be careful not to act out of that anger. You don’t want to risk saying or doing something that could later be used against you or, worse, could add to the charges.
• Call the Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC – The sooner you get a hold of us, the sooner we can help ensure that your rights are protected, and the sooner we can get to work on your defense.

Q: What Is Restricted in a Restraining Order?

A: A restraining order, also known as a Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO), can carry a number of potential restrictions. The exact nature of the order will be tailored to the situation. However, they often involve an order to stay away from and cut off all contact with the individual filing the order and possibly the children involved. This means that there can be no contact. including digital means such as email, text messages, or social media.

Q: What Are the Penalties for Violating a Protective Order?

A: Violating a protective order is never a good idea and is treated very seriously by the law. At the very minimum, it is contempt of court, as a protective order is a court order. However, the seriousness of the penalties will depend on the nature of the violation. In many cases, it can result in misdemeanor charges, fines, and jail time. Probation and increased restrictions are also a possibility.

Q: How Can You Defend Against Domestic Violence Charges?

A: The specifics of how you might defend against domestic violence charges will be particularly dependent upon the case and the nature of the charges. North Carolina does not have a specific crime called “domestic violence,” but several things fall under that umbrella. It’s important to remember that, whatever the particular charges, the burden of proof is on the prosecution. Therefore, many defenses focus on creating reasonable doubt in the minds of the jury.

We Can Help if You’re Accused of Domestic Violence

Accusations of domestic violence are serious. The consequences, whether criminal charges or a protective order, can have a significant impact on your life. It’s critical that you take your defense against the accusations seriously. One of the ways to give yourself the strongest defense is by working with an experienced criminal defense attorney.

At the Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, we can put our experience defending against criminal charges of all manner to work for you. Contact us for help with your case today.