Domestic violence charges are simply too serious not to bring a solid defense in support of your rights and in pursuit of your case’s most favorable resolution.
If you are facing domestic violence charges in the State of Utah, it is a serious matter, and you are strongly advised to consider consulting with a dedicated Utah domestic violence attorney at Conyers & Nix to learn more about your legal rights. The outcome of your case will have overarching consequences to your future—therefore, bringing your most solid defense is paramount. Your case will not be exactly like anyone else’s, but the answers to questions that defendants ask most frequently can help you gain a better understanding of your options or even your best path forward.
What Are the Most Common Defenses Against Domestic Violence Charges?
While every domestic violence case is unique and your defense will be tailored to the exact circumstances of the domestic dispute involved, the basic categories of defense tend to include that you didn’t do it, the accuser is not telling the truth, the injury was unintentional, you were defending yourself, there is not enough evidence, you were provoked or your rights were violated:
- You didn’t do it – Your domestic violence attorney will fight to demonstrate that you are not responsible for your accuser’s accusations or injuries and that you have a credible alibi that puts you elsewhere at the time.
- Your accuser is not telling the truth – Some accusers fabricate stories (for wide-ranging reasons). Your domestic violence lawyer will scour the evidence for any and all indications that this is the case.
- The injury you caused was unintentional – In the heat of the moment, accidents can happen, and people can be unintentionally injured. If this is the case, your domestic violence attorney will build your defense around this premise.
- You were defending yourself – You have the right to use self-defense or defense of others in certain situations, and if the evidence does not refute such a claim, the law will take it into careful consideration.
- There isn’t enough evidence against you – Just because your partner accuses you of domestic violence does not make it so. If the prosecution does not have adequate evidence against you, your criminal defense attorney will work tirelessly to have the charges against you dropped.
- Your partner provoked you to do what you did – Perhaps you did what you are accused of doing, but you did so in response to ongoing abuse or trauma, for example, your partner has been abusing your child (or to some other mitigating circumstance). This can alter the course of your domestic violence case.
- Your rights were violated – The prosecution is legally bound by exacting standards and laws regarding your arrest and evidence gathering in your case. If your rights were violated along the way, it can lead to your charges being dropped, to your charges being lessened, and/or to a lessened sentence (depending upon the circumstances).
Any one of these (or a combination) can be used as the foundation for your strongest domestic violence defense.
Consider Consulting with an Experienced Salt Lake City Criminal Defense Team
Many people facing domestic violence charges are consumed with fear. Finding and hiring a knowledgeable domestic violence attorney may feel overwhelming.
However, the consequences of a domestic violence conviction can disrupt your life in ways you may not have even considered. With an experienced domestic violence attorney on your side, you will get the answers to your legal questions, and we can help you better understand your legal rights.
Domestic violence cases can be exceptionally complicated, and crafting a robust defense requires extensive experience, legal insight, and tireless dedication – all of which your skilled domestic violence lawyer will provide.
What Should I Expect from My Domestic Violence Attorney?
While your case is unique to your situation, a domestic violence attorney from Conyers & Nix will use every legal tool at their disposal to protect your rights. This includes:
- Compiling all the evidence relevant to your case
- Working to exclude any evidence that was gathered in violation of your rights
- Ensuring that any potential exculpatory evidence (evidence that tends to support your innocence) is found
- Building a defense strategy from all available angles
- Ensuring that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the process
- Skillfully negotiating with the prosecution to have your charges dropped or – barring that – to have your charges reduced and/or have your sentence lessened
Ultimately, your attorney will balance your legal rights and all favorable evidence against the prosecution’s case to achieve an advantageous outcome.
What Are The Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction in Utah?
The consequences of a domestic violence conviction can be severe in Utah and can include the following:
- Up to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines (for felony domestic violence)
- Up to 1 year in jail and $2,500 in fines (for misdemeanor domestic violence)
- Career consequences, which may affect your professional licensure and your ability to find a job
- Restrictions regarding your child custody arrangements
- Forfeiture of your right to bear arms
- Implications for your immigration status
- Serious social consequences (loss of professional licenses, loss of social network and more)
Consult with an Experienced Salt Lake Domestic Violence Lawyer Today
If you are facing a domestic violence charge, the Utah domestic violence attorneys at Conyers & Nix are committed to employing their experience in zealous pursuit of your case. We have represented hundreds of people charged with domestic violence. We have the experience, legal insight, and empathy to help you fight your domestic violence allegation. We are committed to building your defense and ensuring your legal rights remain protected, so please do not wait to contact us to learn more about how we can help you today.
