Challenging Allegations of Family Violence
Helping Parents Stay Parents
If you are found guilty of domestic battery or assault, it carries not only criminal penalties but also enormous consequences for your ability to see your children and participate in their upbringing. Contact Engel Law Group immediately if you are facing a domestic violence protection order. Based in Seattle, Washington, our attorneys represent clients throughout the greater Puget Sound area.
Call Us at 206.625.9800 for a Free Initial Consultation
- We will fight for you with all the resources we have to prevent false or exaggerated claims from ruining your life.
- We also represent true victims of domestic assault or threatened violence. We will go to court with you to obtain a domestic violence protection order to protect you and your children.
Consequences of Domestic Violence Allegations
Accusations of domestic violence often arise in connection with a divorce or custody matter. Unfortunately, the charges are sometimes fabricated or trumped up to gain advantage in legal proceedings. A finding of domestic violence can have severe, long-lasting ramifications:
- You may lose joint physical custody of your children or visitation rights.
- You may be restricted from joint decision-making (legal custody).
- It can affect your current employment or future job prospects.
- You can lose your right to possess firearms and other rights.
- You may be required to attend anger management counseling, undergo a psychological evaluation, and submit to drug testing.
Fighting a DV Protection Order
Because of the potential consequences, it is necessary to aggressively challenge domestic violence accusations. It is necessary, but dangerous, to attack the credibility of the alleged victim. Any hint of intimidating a victim or witnesses will damage your case. Our attorneys proceed cautiously, but thoroughly scrutinize the police reports and investigate to find indications that the spouse or parent is making it up or angling for a favorable outcome in court:
- Has she previously stated to third parties that the relationship was good?
- Has she been to a hospital for treatment of injuries?
- Have there been previous calls to police?
- Has she consulted a divorce lawyer or recently initiated custody proceedings?
Free Half-Hour Consultation: 206.625.9800
The sooner you contact an attorney, the better. Restraining order and DV protection order hearings are set quickly, and your legal counsel needs time to gather the evidence to challenge a domestic violence allegation. We will take the time to explain your rights and your options, and determine with you the best course of action.
