Domestic violence is a serious criminal allegation that can come with major penalties in the form of fines, jail time, and convictions on your record. But there are many other possible implications of a domestic violence allegation.

Child Custody

If you’re accused of domestic violence in the midst of a custody battle, this could strongly impact the rights you have to see your children. For example, if the other parent is arguing that you abused the children at any point,  you may lose the right to spend time with your children or  be ordered to see your children under court supervision. This is not the way that most parents wish to interact with their children, so you need to respond to any allegations seriously and take action to protect yourself in court.

Damaged Reputation

Family and friends who discover that you have been accused of domestic violence might start treating you differently, wondering if the allegations are true or not. It can be very difficult to untangle these kinds of allegations after the fact, so be prepared for an uphill battle. Getting a criminal defense attorney to represent you will be helpful in showing that you take these accusations seriously.

Coworkers or business partners who learn about the charges might treat you differently, too, even if the charges are trumped up. You might find it more difficult to advance at work due to a perception that you may be guilty.

As you can see, the repercussions for a domestic violence accusation run deep. Respond accordingly and retain an experienced New York criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after you have been charged. Julie Rendelman is a lawyer with over 22 years of experience both as a prosecutor and a defense lawyer. Ms. Rendelman offers free consultations. Call 212-951-1232 to arrange for a consultation. Even if you have not been charged with a crime, but you are concerned that you are the subject of a criminal investigation, it is best to work with a lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can help guide you through the criminal justice process and represent you in court, if necessary.