Domestic violence cases pose many problems for both the prosecution and defense. One of the biggest challenges that arise in these cases pertains to evidence. Domestic violence typically takes place behind closed doors in a private home. As such, they are very difficult to prove for the prosecution, and there is always a challenge for the defense when attempting to prove that something never took place. Below are a few types of evidence that the prosecution may use in a domestic violence case, and how a criminal defense attorney may argue against them.

Physical Evidence

In domestic violence cases, the prosecution will rely heavily on physical evidence. This is because juries are more likely to believe facts rather than evidence that may be clouded by a person’s own biases or opinions. For this reason, the prosecution may use photographs of the alleged victim’s injuries, or of property that was used during the alleged act.

Being falsely accused of domestic violence is extremely scary. You are likely confused, emotional, and wondering what to do next. These are all very natural reactions. However, the things you do, and do not do, in the next few days and weeks are important. They can help your case, or result in the prosecution pursuing charges. Below are the three most important things to do when someone has falsely accused you of domestic violence.

Do Not Speak to the Other Party

It is very common for those falsely accused to want to reach out to the other party. This is one of the biggest mistakes made in domestic violence cases. It is crucial you do not speak to your accuser. If there has been an order of protection issued against you, this is a violation that has serious consequences. Even if an order has not been issued, speaking to your accuser can have disastrous consequences. They may use anything you say against you later on, and could even take your words out of context.

Domestic violence is a problem in Illinois and all across the country. As such, the states have enacted strict laws to protect victims of domestic violence. In Illinois, one such law is the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986. This law allows protections and remedies for victims, but sometimes it is used inappropriately. Not everyone accused of or charged with domestic violence is guilty. Unfortunately, even when that is the case, juries tend to sympathize with the victim.

For this reason, anyone facing charges must speak to a Rolling Meadows domestic violence attorney that can build them a solid defense. Some of the defenses most commonly used in domestic violence cases are below.

Self-Defense

Being accused of domestic violence can be terrifying. It is likely that your accuser is someone you love, and there is a possibility you could end up with a criminal record. Not knowing what is going to come next is one of the most frightening aspects of the entire process.

While each domestic violence case is different, there are a few similarities they all share. They all typically begin with a phone call to the police, reporting the domestic violence. It is important for anyone to understand that once this happens, the decision to lay charges does not rest with the alleged victim. When police respond to a 911 call to report domestic violence, they must make an arrest. After the arrest is made, the accused will face a number of hearings and possibly a trial.

The Bond Hearing

People that live in the same house and are in close relationships sometimes fight and argue. Most often these arguments are vocal, with those involved saying things they did not mean before quickly forgiving each other. Sometimes though, these arguments turn into much more. When that happens, and an argument turns violent, it could result in a domestic battery charge.

It is natural for those charged with domestic battery to be confused about the charges. What exactly does a domestic battery charge involve? What penalties could a person be facing? Here domestic battery in Rolling Meadows is broken down, so anyone charged can understand what they are facing, and get the legal help they need.

The Legal Definition of Domestic Battery

Under Illinois statute 720 ILCS 5/12-3.2, domestic battery is defined as causing bodily harm to a person in the same household. Making physical contact with another person in the household can also be considered domestic battery if that contact can be considered provoking or insulting in nature.