Detroit Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

Being charged with domestic abuse can bring on a whirlwind of emotions. And finding legal defense representation that understands you and your needs isn’t always easy.

But at White Law PLLC, we learn about you and your case before building a personalized domestic violence defense strategy. Our Detroit, MI, domestic violence defense lawyers are ready to help you with your case.

How Will a Domestic Violence Attorney Help Your Case?

Detroit criminal defense lawyer work on challenging cases but we are passionate about what we do. A high level of emotions can lead to case interferences and other issues. But our team of Detroit domestic violence defense lawyers is prepared to defend your case by doing the following: 

• Gather evidence that discounts the prosecution’s case
• File motions to throw out evidence that is irrelevant to your case or tries to manipulate the jury
• Create a personalized defense strategy just for you
• Protect you from any violations of your constitutional rights 
• Interview witnesses involved in the case to strengthen your defense
• Negotiate a plea deal that lessens your penalties

Our team has a wide range of tactics we use when defending our clients that have been accused of domestic abuse in Detroit, MI. We have the latest cloud technology that allows us to assess your case and protect sensitive information that the prosecution could try to use against you.

What Are the Penalties for Domestic Violence in Michigan?

When you’ve been charged with domestic violence in Detroit, MI, there are serious punishments you could face if you are convicted. Michigan takes domestic violence charges seriously and prosecutes with the following penalties:

• First conviction: You could go to jail for up to 93 days and may be ordered to pay a $500 fine.
• Second conviction: After your second offense, it’s considered a misdemeanor. You could spend up to a year in jail and may have to pay a $1,000 fine.
• Third conviction: After you’ve committed three domestic abuse offenses, it’s a felony. You would spend up to five years in jail and be required to pay a fine of up to $5,000.

We understand the impact these punishments could have on your life and future. That’s why our domestic violence attorney in Detroit, MI, is ready to help you avoid, appeal your conviction or at least get your charges reduced. 

What does Domestic Violence Look Like?

Domestic abuse comes in many forms: physical, sexual, emotional, and even financial. According to Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.81, domestic abuse is when you assault someone in your household as a means to have control over them. You may be facing charges from:

• Current or past spouse
• A current or past partner
• The other parent of your child
• Another member of your household

Common Instances of Domestic Violence

The definition of domestic violence may seem broad, but there are common situations that qualify as domestic abuse. Domestic abuse can mean:

• Intentional and non-consensual touch that may cause harm, injury, or death.
• Unwanted communication, threats, and insults that could lead to harm or death of people or pets.
• Forced sexual contact or viewing of sexual materials.
• Prevention from working and spending money.

If your accuser has charged you with any of the abovementioned domestic abuse actions, our team of domestic violence defense lawyers in Detroit, MI, is here to help you. We’ll review your case in a free consultation and tell you how we can help.

How Can You Help Your Defense While a Lawyer Advocates for You?

While our lawyers at White Law PLLC are building a strong Detroit domestic violence defense case, there are some things you can do to improve your chances of proving innocence in your case. While your case is active, you’ll want to maintain a good reputation so the prosecutor has nothing to pin against you. Here are some ways you can help your domestic violence defense:

Follow Personal Protection Orders

Most times, when the accuser feels unsafe after alleged domestic abuse, they will file a Personal Protective Order (PPO) against you in a Michigan Circuit Court. This order could restrict you from doing the following actions:

• Approaching or following the accuser
• Having any contact with the accuser
• Buying a gun
• Enter the accuser’s workplace or home
• Perform actions that interfere with the accuser’s safety

These orders are serious, and it’s essential to your defense that you follow them. If you violate them, the accuser and prosecution will have additional evidence they can submit in their case, which increases the chance you’ll face conviction.

If you are unsure about the specific restrictions of the order, a domestic violence defense attorney in Detroit, MI, can explain any specifics. However, a good rule is to refrain from making or attempting any contact with the accuser.

Be Polite to Law Enforcement

Another way you can benefit your case is by being polite and following requests from any members of law enforcement. Remember, you should never communicate or interact with law enforcement unless you have an attorney. Any negative comments or interactions that could even be perceived as rude or harmful could hurt your case. 

You should understand that you could be met with impolite interactions due to the nature of your charges from various law enforcement members. Even though they may be impolite, you should maintain your composure and avoid escalating any situation. In the few instances you may be required to speak, keep calm.

Stay Quiet on Social Media

Staying quiet on social media during a domestic violence defense case can significantly help your case. Social media platforms can be easy for prosecutors to gather evidence against you, especially concerning domestic violence cases. Anything you post or share on social media can be used as evidence against you, even if it seems harmless.

By staying off social media, you can avoid providing any ammunition that could be used to incriminate you. Even innocent comments, such as venting about a tough day or posting photos of new possessions, can be misconstrued and used against you in court. In addition, staying quiet can also help prevent any negative public perception.

Often, people rush to social media to defend themselves or provide their perspective on a situation, but doing so in a domestic violence case can lead to backlash from the public, influencing the court’s decision.

Choose Our Team to Defend You from a Domestic Violence Conviction

At White Law PLLC, we know how to save your future and are ready to do it. Our domestic violence lawyer in Detroit, MI, is dedicated to building a strong defense to protect you from conviction.

Call us or fill out the contact form for a free case evaluation.