Protecting You Against Domestic Violence Charges

Domestic violence is a serious offense under New York law, encompassing a range of abusive behaviors between individuals in a domestic setting. Whether your charges involve physical harm, emotional abuse, threats or harassment, let a skilled criminal defense attorney stand as your shield against these charges.

At Michel Nolan P.C., we understand the sensitive nature of domestic violence cases. Our firm is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation for criminal charges. We are attorneys George Michel and Michael Nolan, bringing over 20 years of combined experience to the table. We take a meticulous and thorough approach to these cases as we work to obtain the outcome our clients deserve.

What To Do If Accused Of Domestic Violence In New York

The first thing to do after being accused of domestic violence in Mineola or Nassau County is to contact an experienced domestic violence lawyer. The initial stages of New York’s legal system move quickly once charges are filed, with arraignments occurring within 24 hours of arrest. As such, speaking to a lawyer earlier can make a significant difference in protecting your rights.

By hiring an experienced domestic violence lawyer, you enjoy benefits, such as:

• Knowledgeable guidance: The lawyer will guide you on what to say and what not to say to ensure positive outcomes. 
• Navigate the complex New York laws carefully: New York domestic violence laws are complex because various crimes are prosecuted under DV statutes within family or criminal courts. An experienced lawyer understands how to manage everything and protect your rights. 
• Building a defense strategy: The lawyer will ease your job by collecting police reports, witness testimony, medical records, text messages and social media interactions to organize and present all the evidence for defense.

At Michel Nolan P.C., our lawyers are ready to help you approach a domestic violence case in a detailed manner to protect your future. 

Defending Against False Domestic Violence Allegations

The emotional toll and social stigma that come with false domestic violence accusations can make it difficult to know what steps to take to protect yourself. In such a scenario, you should contact a domestic violence lawyer for prompt representation. Generally, take the following steps: 

• Comply with orders: You should follow any order from the law enforcement officers to avoid additional criminal charges.
• Avoid contact with the accuser: Attempting to confront the person who made the allegation may be misinterpreted as harassment and could jeopardize your case. 
• Gather and preserve your evidence: Start documenting anything that supports your innocence, such as texts, emails, GPS data, receipts, videos and witness statements. 
• Let your domestic violence lawyer offer a defense: An experienced lawyer knows how to identify weaknesses in allegations and challenge credibility.

Our experienced lawyer will help you challenge the evidence and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process from the arraignment to trial. 

Building A Defense For Your Rights And Future

Domestic violence charges in New York can include assault, stalking, harassment, and more. A conviction can lead to severe penalties, such as fines, restraining orders and imprisonment. Additionally, a conviction can have collateral consequences like damaged relationships, a tarnished reputation, and difficulties in keeping or obtaining a job.

With so much on the line, you can depend on us to look into all possible defenses in these situations, including self-defense or false accusations. We will investigate all the details of your case, from gathering evidence to crafting a custom-tailored strategy, and we will work tirelessly to combat the prosecution’s claims at every stage.

Frequently Asked Questions About New York Domestic Violence Charges

Domestic violence charges can affect your career, your reputation, your freedom and your family. After an arrest, you may have questions about what happens next. Our team at Michel Nolan P.C., is here to provide you with information about New York domestic violence charges, such as the answers to the common questions below.

Can I go home after a domestic violence arrest in New York?

No, you may not be able to return to your residence after a domestic violence arrest in New York. The courts may issue a protective order that limits your contact with the other party until the resolution of the pending criminal case. These orders are often already in place by the time the courts arraign defendants, making it necessary to seek alternative housing, at least temporarily.

Can the victim drop the charges against me in New York?

No, the alleged victim does not have the authority to drop or dismiss the pending domestic violence charges against you. That authority rests with the district attorney or prosecutor handling the case. Prosecutors often do not bring domestic violence charges unless they have sufficient evidence without the cooperation of the other party, due to how common it is for people to recant.

Any attempt to contact the other party could technically violate the temporary protective order likely imposed by the courts after your arrest. Additionally, attempts to influence the outcome of the criminal case could lead to allegations of witness tampering, which could lead to separate charges.

Your defense attorney may be able to coordinate with the alleged victim. They could testify on your behalf. The other party’s unwillingness to cooperate with the prosecution could help convince the courts to dismiss the case, especially if there are discrepancies among the evidence or testimony collected.

What happens if I accidentally violate an Order of Protection?

Orders of Protection can affect where you live, how you socialize and other aspects of your daily life. You could unintentionally violate an order by showing up to a business or social gathering where the other party is present, for example. In scenarios involving accidental in-person interactions, you have a responsibility to leave the area as soon as you identify the other party to avoid a violation. Ignorance or unintentional violations are not a defense. You could be at risk of a criminal contempt charge.

Turn To Our Experienced Defense Strategies

Your rights are our priority. We provide guidance and support, ensuring you understand each step of the legal process. If you are facing domestic violence charges, it is crucial to act quickly. Contact Michel Nolan P.C. for a confidential consultation. Our experienced team is here to help you navigate this challenging time and protect your future. Contact our Mineola office today by calling 516-748-8397 or reaching out online to set up a free consultation and explore your legal options.