It is easy to get carried away if you are involved in a dispute with a loved one.
You may make accusations that are untrue, involve the police, or make threats that you have no intention of carrying out. That is why domestic violence charges can be dropped once the accuser has had a chance to cool off.
If you believe that your partner intends to proceed with a domestic violence case against you, there are legal strategies that you can use to increase the likelihood that the charges will be dismissed.
Most importantly, you should hire an experienced Oklahoma criminal defense attorney like Jacqui Ford to advise and represent you.
Steps to take in a domestic violence defense
Your actions following a domestic violence charge will impact your attorney’s ability to defend the case. Some important steps you can take to avoid conviction include the following:
- Find a good Oklahoma defense attorney. The sooner you retain counsel, the better. Law enforcement might want to ask you questions and interview you about your side of the story early on. Having an attorney present for such questioning can be crucial to getting domestic violence charges dropped.
- Write down a record of what happened. Think back through events carefully and document with as much detail as you can remember. Then pull together any evidence that might prove your innocence. Consider possible witnesses who could testify in your case or make a statement that aids in your defense. Other evidence might include text messages, social media posts, or photos and videos.
- Discuss with your attorney the idea of setting up a meeting between you, the accuser, a witness coordinator, and your defense attorney to discuss the allegations. Such meetings can be helpful in better understanding what the accuser is claiming and provides a chance for you to clear things up. Sometimes, an accuser will realize that they were angry or confused when they brought about domestic violence charges. They might be willing to drop their accusation upon seeing the evidence you have in the case. However, it’s very important that you don’t threaten or otherwise intimidate the accuser into dropping the case.
- Consider (with the help of your attorney) trying to convince the accuser to sign an affidavit of non-prosecution. Once a person has had time to calm down after an incident, they might realize that their accusation is unfair. They might be willing to drop the case in these circumstances. Again, keep in mind you cannot coerce this action in any way, and discuss this option with your attorney before you decide to attempt a discussion.
Is it Possible to Negotiate Domestic Violence Charges in Oklahoma?
Prior to going to trial, your attorney will attempt to negotiate with the prosecuting attorney’s office to get the charges dropped or downgraded. You have a much better chance of this if you are a first-time offender.
Your attorney might recommend counseling or therapy instead of jail time or plead the charges down from domestic violence. It’s extremely valuable to have a defense attorney working for you during these negotiations.
Throughout these negotiations, it is very important that you obey all laws, stay away from your accuser and remain an upstanding member of society. Any further reckless or illegal behavior could jeopardize these negotiations.
Be sure you show up to court and meetings related to your case on time, look presentable, and engage in the meetings. Don’t say anything without prior approval from your attorney, as what you say during these meetings can impact your case.
Why choose Jacqui Ford?
Finding a good defense attorney in Oklahoma to present your case is pivotal to getting the charges dropped or lessened.
At Jacqui Ford Law, our team works closely with every client to listen to and understand their story. We commit to each client, and for over a decade, we’ve helped thousands of clients fight their charges and get to the light at the end of the tunnel.
We are completely invested in your defense. We’ll listen to your story and start ironing out the details of your case, then, if necessary we’ll go to court with you and fight for your rights all the way to the end.
Contact your domestic violence defense attorney in Oklahoma today
Jacqui Ford Law provides criminal defenses for individuals facing a variety of charges in Oklahoma. Contact us so we can answer your questions and get started on your defense.
