Charlotte Domestic Violence Lawyer

Charlotte Domestic Violence Attorney

When police are called to the scene of an alleged domestic violence incident, someone will likely be going to jail. Regardless of the truth of the situation, it could be you, and a conviction for domestic violence can have serious consequences. You can reduce your chances of facing serious jail or prison time by working with a Charlotte domestic violence lawyer from Steven T. Meier, PLLC.

Restraining orders, possible incarceration, steep fines, and the loss of the ability to see your children are just a few penalties associated with domestic violence convictions. If you live in North Carolina and face allegations of domestic abuse, you need the counsel of a Charlotte domestic violence attorney.

What Is Domestic Violence in North Carolina?

Domestic violence is an issue affecting men, women, and children in North Carolina. Despite this fact, there are times when someone is wrongly charged. The state’s domestic violence laws define it as a pattern of intentional violence. This explanation can also include controlling behavior. Typical behaviors include physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, and financial abuse or violence.

Having a domestic violence charge does not mean a defendant is guilty of domestic violence. Due to the nature of the offense, law enforcement and the prosecution may make incorrect assumptions that point to the wrong party or exaggerate the offense. Our Charlotte domestic violence lawyers can work to craft the correct defense strategy for your domestic violence case.

The First 48 Hours After an Arrest in NC: What to Expect

While every domestic violence case is different, they tend to start out in the same way. Here’s what to expect following your arrest:

• Arrest and booking. The first thing that will happen following your arrest is that you’ll be booked into a local jail, like the one at the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. You could be charged with anything from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a Class B1 felony, depending on the nature of the crime you’re accused of committing.
• Processing bond. Within 48 hours, you’ll most likely attend a bond hearing. During this hearing, the judge will set the conditions of your release. Common release conditions in domestic violence cases include staying away from the alleged victim’s home and work, refraining from harassment, property restrictions, and alcohol-related conditions if relevant.
• Setting court dates. During your initial appearance, the court will also set your next court dates.

You should ideally have a domestic violence lawyer lined up to represent you before your first court hearing. Having early legal guidance can help you avoid common problems and improve your chances of eventually walking away from the charges.

While it’s ideal to seek legal representation as soon as you’re arrested, even if you’ve already attended your bond hearing and been released, pending your arraignment, you can still benefit substantially from having a skilled lawyer on your side. Our team can help you with everything from understanding the charges being brought against you to coming up with an effective defense strategy.

Common Charlotte Domestic Violence-Related Charges We Defend

Domestic violence isn’t a single criminal charge in the Tar Heel State. Many individual charges fall under the general purview of domestic violence in North Carolina. Some of the most common ones we defend include:

• Assault on a female
• Assault by strangulation
• Domestic criminal trespass
• Violation of a domestic violence protection order
• Interfering with emergency communication

No matter what type of charges you’re facing, you need a skilled domestic violence attorney to represent you.

Potential Domestic Violence Penalties

The domestic violence penalties you’ll face, should you be convicted, will vary, depending on the exact charges. Most domestic violence cases are charged as misdemeanors, but more serious ones involving aggravated assault, assault with a deadly weapon, or sex crimes can be charged as felonies.

For misdemeanor cases, you’ll face both jail time and fines. You could face up to 150 days in jail if you have a prior criminal history involving other domestic violence charges. The punishments for felony charges are more severe. Depending on their level, you could do anywhere from three months to life in prison. Life sentences are generally reserved for the most serious cases, such as domestic violence-related homicides.

A Team Approach To Tackling Your Case

At Steven T. Meier, PLLC, we use a team approach to protecting our clients. Throughout the process, we can investigate the charges, negotiate with prosecutors, and aggressively advocate for you in court if necessary. There, we can assertively defend your rights as we seek the most beneficial outcome.

Utilizing Experience In State And Federal Courts To Protect Your Rights

Our attorneys have decades of combined experience, and Steven T. Meier alone has more than 15 years of experience representing clients charged with domestic violence in courts throughout Charlotte and the surrounding counties. This extensive experience has enhanced our familiarity with the prosecution and judge assigned to the case.

Domestic Violence in NC by the Numbers

Almost one in three North Carolina residents will face intimate partner violence or stalking at some point in their lives, including 35.2% of women and 30.3% of men. The results of these experiences can be devastating or even deadly, with a new domestic violence-related homicide committed in the Tar Heel State once every 5.5 days. The results of a domestic violence conviction can also be quite serious, as they can include both fines and prison time.

Why Hire a Domestic Violence Lawyer?

The consequences of a domestic violence conviction are severe, and these cases are typically pursued aggressively by the prosecution. Unfortunately, the prosecution may pursue the incorrect party. Because the consequences can be so serious, it’s crucial that you hire a domestic violence lawyer as soon as possible. If you have been accused of stalking, assault, communicating threats, or violating a restraining order, arrange to meet with our skilled legal team.

FAQs

Q: How Long Do Most Domestic Violence Cases Last?

A: The length of most domestic violence cases depends on the circumstances. There are many types of domestic violence cases, ranging from violating restraining orders to aggravated assault. Some cases can last a year or longer, depending on how many cases the criminal court has on its calendar. Most importantly, the prosecution and defense must have time to represent their client correctly.

Q: Are Most Domestic Violence Cases Reported?

A: The data on whether most domestic violence cases are reported is difficult to assess because of the nature of the statistics. To gather data on whether people report domestic violence or not, the people experiencing domestic violence would have to report it. This complex situation means that the legal system must focus on the cases reported and protect the rights of each side involved in a domestic violence case.

Q: What Percentage of Domestic Violence Cases Are False?

A: The percentage of domestic violence cases that are false is complex. Whether a domestic violence case is false or not is not what a domestic violence lawyer deals with in their cases. A domestic violence attorney can work to present evidence that their client is innocent of the charge they are facing. They may also attempt a plea bargain if the evidence against their client is overwhelming.

Q: Who Starts Most Domestic Violence Cases?

A: It is difficult to assess who starts most domestic violence cases. Every domestic violence case is specific to the individuals involved. Who starts a domestic violence case is not as important as whether or not both individual’s rights are protected if the case goes to trial. If a spouse is presumed to be guilty of a domestic violence charge, they deserve the same legal protection afforded to the other spouse.

Get Help For Domestic Abuse Allegations

If you’re ready to hire a Charlotte domestic violence lawyer, we can represent you. At Steven T. Meier, PLLC, we can assert your rights and advocate for your freedom. Take action as soon as possible to begin your defense strategy. Contact us today to arrange a consultation.