What You Need to Look For When Hiring a Domestic Violence Attorney

January 7, 2017 Posted in Domestic Violence

Arguments happen in families and domestic relationships. However, when emotions intensify and a small dispute escalates into a full-blown physical or verbal battle that may include intimidation, threats, hitting, and shoving, it becomes an entirely different story. When abuse, assault or other types of crime happen in a domestic relationship and police are called, the alleged perpetrator may be charged with domestic violence.

False Allegations

Unlike in years past, cases of domestic violence are now taken quite seriously by the courts. The topic has become so highly politicized that it has provided many opportunities for false allegations. It is not uncommon to hear about a case where the alleged victim lied to get revenge against a philandering domestic partner or to get even for other perceived wrong-doings in the relationship.

Scope of Domestic Violence

By itself, domestic violence is not a crime. The allegation of “domestic violence” enhances charges for an abuse or crime committed by an alleged perpetrator against an alleged victim who is a past or current significant other, a past or current spouse, a child or grandchild, a sibling, a parent or grandparent, or an in-law.

In Arizona, abusive behavior can be classified as domestic violence if the alleged victim is in a domestic relationship with the alleged perpetrator and experiences assault, sexual assault, intimidation, stalking, harassment, threats, malicious mischief, trespassing, criminal damage or violation of a protective order.

The Right Domestic Violence Attorney

A conviction for a crime deemed domestic violence brings far-reaching repercussions; therefore, you need to face it head on with all possible legal weapons in your arsenal. This includes working with the most professional domestic violence defense lawyer around.  You will need a lawyer with sufficient skills, knowledge, and experience in handling similar cases.

Your lawyer must have the following qualities:

• Answers your post-arrest phone call- People are usually confused, scared, and do not know what to do immediately after their arrest and that is the time they need their lawyer most. Because your future is in jeopardy the moment you are arrested, your lawyer should answer your post-arrest phone call as soon as possible to help you protect your rights and to answer your questions.  
• Understands and believes you – As discussed above, false domestic violence allegations are common these days. Your family, friends, and  community will start to doubt you just because you have been charged. Your attorney must understand and have faith in you. Good defense attorneys like Gary Rohlwing and Associates will understand the difficult ordeal you are experiencing.
• Has successfully handled similar cases – Your case may be complex, depending on the issues, strategies, and evidence involved. Only an experienced lawyer can expertly sift through all matters involved in your case and use them to your advantage.

If you have been arrested for domestic violence, immediately get in touch with the Law Offices of Gary Rohlwing and see what can be done about your case. Attorney Gary Rohlwing has handled hundreds of domestic violence cases in his more than 30 years of practice. He is a compassionate lawyer who makes sure that each client gets the time and attention that they deserve.

Additional Resources – 

Peoria, AZ Legal Services

Surprise, AZ Legal Services

Sun City Legal Services