Facing Allegations of Domestic Violence in Wayne County? If so, we can help you!
False and exaggerated allegations of domestic abuse are prevalent. It takes a strong, skilled, and reputable defense lawyer to win. You need our team on your side!
Wayne County Domestic Violence Defense
Just because someone is accused of domestic violence doesn’t mean they should be convicted or go to jail. Police officers, prosecutors, and judges often rush to judgment and unfairly characterize and vilify those facing these complex and emotionally charged allegations. The truth is that the story is often far more complicated than it might seem at first glance. Anyone facing felony or misdemeanor domestic violence or abuse charges in Wayne County needs a strong defense attorney to protect and defend them!
Defenses to Domestic Assault Allegations in Wayne County
If you’re facing domestic violence allegations in Wayne County, it’s essential to know that you may have a range of defenses available to you, depending on the specifics of your case. A skilled defense attorney can evaluate the facts and develop a tailored strategy that challenges the prosecution’s case. Common defenses include:
- Self-Defense: If you acted to protect yourself from harm, this may serve as a strong defense, especially if evidence shows you were not the initial aggressor.
- False Allegations: False domestic violence accusations can sometimes be based on misunderstandings, exaggerations, or false claims due to personal or family conflicts.
- Lack of Evidence: Prosecutors must prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. Your attorney can argue for dismissal or reduced charges if there is insufficient evidence.
- Accidental Injury: In some cases, injuries may have occurred accidentally rather than through intentional acts of violence.
An experienced defense attorney from LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. can identify the best defense strategy, gather supporting evidence, and work to protect your rights throughout the legal process.
Precharge Representation
If you’re facing a domestic violence allegation in Wayne County, retaining a defense lawyer right away—even before formal charges are filed—can make a critical difference in the outcome of your case! A skilled defense attorney can intervene early by negotiating directly with the police or prosecutor to secure a less severe charge and potentially prevent charges from being filed at all. Even if charges are brought, this proactive approach can sometimes prevent an actual arrest altogether. Instead, the attorney may arrange for the client to voluntarily surrender at the court, avoiding the stress and stigma of a police arrest. A voluntary surrender can go a long way in the eyes of the Court and can help to resolve the case or provide you some gratuity in the charges brought, the plea process or sentencing.
Precharge representation also allows a defense lawyer to guide clients toward evaluations, counseling, or other steps that demonstrate a commitment to improvement. These steps may influence the prosecutor’s decision or impact sentencing if charges are filed. Additionally, the attorney can advise clients on steps to protect their rights, preserve favorable evidence, and avoid making statements or actions that could complicate their case.
The attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have helped thousands of clients facing domestic violence allegations in Wayne County. Through proactive precharge representation, they’ve successfully helped many clients avoid convictions, jail time, and the long-lasting effects of a domestic violence charge on their record.
Domestic Violence Charges and Penalties in Wayne County
In Wayne County, domestic violence charges are taken very seriously, and the penalties can have a lasting impact on your life. Even if the accused did not cause serious physical harm, the mere accusation can lead to significant consequences, both legally and personally.
The potential penalties for a domestic violence conviction in Wayne County depend on several factors, including whether this is a first-time offense, if other prior convictions exist, and the nature of the alleged conduct. A first offense for domestic violence in Michigan is typically a misdemeanor, carrying up to 93 days in jail, fines, mandatory counseling, and community service. However, if there are prior convictions, the charges may escalate to aggravated domestic violence, which can lead to up to a year in jail or even a felony charge with a potential prison sentence.
Made a Mistake? Here’s How to Avoid a Conviction and Jail Time in Wayne County
Facing a domestic violence charge can be overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that good people sometimes make mistakes or overreact in high-stress situations. A tense argument with a family member, partner, or roommate can quickly escalate, especially if alcohol or high emotions are involved. A single lapse in judgment doesn’t define you, and in Wayne County, legal options are available to help you avoid a conviction and jail time.
Michigan law offers alternatives for first-time offenders that a strong defense attorney can leverage. With the right defense strategy, your lawyer may be able to negotiate a plea to a non-assaultive offense or secure a plea under advisement through Michigan’s first offender program (MCL 769.4a). This program, specifically designed for individuals without prior assaultive offenses, allows eligible individuals to complete probation or other conditions without a conviction on their record.
The experienced attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have a reputation for successfully negotiating favorable outcomes, even in difficult cases. By thoroughly analyzing the details of your case and advocating with determination, they can often help clients avoid the life-altering consequences of a domestic violence conviction.
Solution-Oriented Domestic Violence Prevention Court (SODVPC)
The Third Circuit Court in Detroit, Michigan, has received a federal grant for a domestic violence prevention court known as the Solution-Oriented Domestic Violence Prevention Court (“SODVPC”). The mission of the SODVPC is to fill perceived gaps in the Personal Protection Order (“PPO”) system by using a solution-oriented approach in family law cases.
A report by the Michigan State Police indicates that 44% of domestic violence allegations in the State of Michigan, originate in the tri-county area (Oakland County, Wayne County, and Macomb County). According to program organizers, the Domestic Violence Prevention Court will provide and promote safety and enhance prevention. It will work with community domestic violence organizations to help facilitate these goals. If you face domestic violence allegations in Wayne County, you will want LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. to protect and defend you.
Winning and Influential Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
At LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., we concentrate our domestic violence defense practice on three things:
- defending those falsely accused,
- defending those overcharged (people charged with offenses that are a higher degree than appropriate or those whom the prosecution or court are seeking to punish unfairly), and
- helping mitigate and reduce the sentences of those who desire to take responsibility for an unfortunate incident and don’t want their lives ruined due to a mistake.
We offer a free consultation for those charged or accused of domestic violence in Wayne County. We will find a way to help you. Most importantly, we are NOT afraid to win!
Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.
We will find a way to help you.
We Are Not Afraid to Win!
