Domestic Violence Lawyer in New York

Defense Attorney for New York Domestic Violence Charges

Understanding more about domestic violence is important if you have been accused of, arrested for or are under investigation for this serious crime. A misdemeanor or felony offense in New York, domestic violence may be described as any act of abuse or assault against a spouse, former spouse, family member, cohabitant (person you are living with), parent of a shared child or person you are in a relationship with. Spousal abuse is typically the most common type of domestic violence, but child abuse and child endangerment are also potential forms of this crime. 

One thing that makes New York domestic violence charges particularly serious is that law enforcement will typically make an arrest when called to the scene (in the presence of probable cause that domestic violence has occurred) - even when the victim does not wish for this to happen. The same applies to filing charges of domestic violence - the prosecuting attorney will have the sole discretion to file charges against the alleged offender even if the alleged victim does not want to. Considering the penalties associated with domestic violence and the serious impact this type of criminal charge may have on your life, it is important to talk to a New York domestic violence lawyer about your options.

False Allegations of Domestic Violence

There are situations where someone will file charges for domestic violence or will call the police even when abuse is actually not occurring. Revenge, jealousy and anger are all powerful emotions that may cause a "victim" to place you in danger of facing criminal charges and harsh penalties. Domestic violence may also be alleged in a situation where a married couple is going through a divorce, where one spouse will claim that spousal abuse or child abuse occurred in order to gain custody of children or to make other terms of the divorce work in their favor.