With the #MeToo movement in full swing, victims of abuse are feeling confident enough to speak out against their abusers. This includes victims of domestic violence, who face abuse within their own families and relationships. It is great that real victims have support and a safe space to speak out without retribution. However, some have taken advantage of this safe space and falsely accused people they know of violent and abusive behavior.
False allegations of domestic violence have the potential to ruin a person's life. If you have been falsely accused of domestic violence it is important to speak with an experienced North Carolina family law attorney as soon as you can. At Caulder & Valentine, our experienced legal team can help you fight these false allegations and protect your future.
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence includes physical, sexual, emotional, and/or psychological abuse of an intimate partner, family member, or child. Acts of domestic violence include physically beating your spouse, forcing a family member to engage in unwanted sexual conduct, or engaging in harassing behavior that causes emotional distress.
Why Should I Fight False Accusations of Domestic Violence?
It is important to fight false accusations of domestic violence because your future is important. Any allegations of domestic abuse will be taken seriously. If you do nothing, you could potentially face serious criminal penalties, be required to pay substantial civil damages, lose the right to be around the ones you love, and forfeit the right to own a firearm. Fighting back against the false accusations of abuse is important if you want to avoid these (and other) life-changing consequences.
How to Protect Yourself If You've Been Falsely Accused of Domestic Abuse
If you've been falsely accused of domestic violence in North Carolina it is important to keep the following suggestions in mind. These simple steps can help to disprove false claims and protect your future.
- Determine the motive. Why has someone falsely accused you of such awful conduct? What is the motive behind the false allegations? Many times, false allegations of abuse will be made when spouses are having marital problems or can't agree on the custody of their kids. If you can pinpoint why the allegations have been made, it will be easier to disprove them.
- Gather evidence. Domestic violence cases often lack physical evidence. As a result, they often boil down to very serious “he said, she said” situations. When it is your word against the word of your abuser, it is important to gather any information and evidence that can support your side of the story.
- Find witnesses. When you have been falsely accused of abuse it is important to enlist the help of those who know you well. Ask friends and family members if they will testify on your behalf to rebut any claims of abuse. While this testimony may not directly disprove allegations of abuse, it can help to provide context and show that the allegations are out of place.
- Call a lawyer. False allegations of domestic violence should always be taken seriously. The best way to defeat these false claims of abuse is by hiring an attorney who is familiar with North Carolina's domestic violence laws to handle your case. An attorney will investigate the claims, find evidence to support your innocence, and fight aggressively to protect your rights.
Fight Back Against False Allegations
Have you been falsely accused of domestic violence? These allegations will be taken seriously and your future may be at risk. It is important to act quickly and defend yourself against these false claims. The experienced North Carolina family law attorneys at Caulder & Valentine know that your future is at risk and will aggressively fight to protect it. Call us today to schedule a consultation and learn more.
