Criminal Lawyers Elizabeth, NJ
A common domestic violence situation may involve and injury as a result of an argument, and someone (you, family, friends, neighbor, etc.) called the police, as the criminal lawyers Elizabeth, NJ relies on from Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. can attest. After the police arrive, they arrest the alleged offending party and charge them with domestic violence.
At this time you might feel confused and scared about what could happen. You don’t want to be the victim of domestic violence, but you also don’t want your significant other to face the legal repercussions as the Criminal Lawyers in Elizabeth NJ from Risopli & Borneo, P.C. understand.. You might feel the need to protect your significant other, regardless of what they are charged of doing. You may wonder whether or not you, as the victim, can have the charges dropped.
The short answer is no. In most states, once police or a prosecutor has issued a domestic violence charge, the victim cannot have them dropped. As criminal Lawyers in Elizabeth, NJ can explain, domestic violence is simply put, a crime. Crimes are not governed by the victim, but rather the state. You did not issue the charge; therefore, you cannot drop them. It will be up to the prosecutor to decide whether to proceed with the case or drop the charges. Although you have no control over the charges, you do have an important role in the proceedings. It can help to have a lawyer on your side who can guide you through this process and help you to get the desired outcome.
The Role of the Victim
As the victim in a domestic violence case, you may have many roles to play. For instance, if the case goes to trial you may be asked to testify against Elizabeth, NJ criminal lawyers. In some states, you can refuse to do so, but this should only be considered after talking with a lawyer. You might also be required to retrieve documents or evidence, or appear in court. A victim might also be asked to explain their view or opinion of the situation, this is especially common when the judge is considering whether or not to release the defendant.
Victims also have the right file a civil suit against the defender. This means if the situation caused you financial losses related to medical expenses, lost wages, or psychological injuries you could seek reimbursement.
Victims can ask the judge for a restraining order against the defendant. These help to protect your safety and could order the defendant to give up any weapons for the duration of the order. You might also be able to legally break your lease agreement without encountering any penalties.
Retracting Your Statement
Although a victim cannot order the domestic violence charges to be dropped, you might want to retract your statement that was said to police or investigator, as criminal Lawyers in Elizabeth, NJ may recommend. Retracting, also known as recanting, means that you take back your original statement. In general it is not a good idea to do this unless you lied about what happened. Retracting a statement does not necessarily mean the state will drop the charges, since it can still assess police reports, photographs, medical records, witness testimony, and other evidence to determine whether or not domestic violence is actually going on. If you are found to have lied to authorities, you could also be charged for falsifying information.
Do You Have Further Questions About Domestic Violence?
Whether you have been charged with domestic violence or are the victim and would like to know what options might be available for you or the defendant, you should consult the skilled and professional criminal lawyers Elizabeth, NJ trusts from Rispoli & Borneo, P.C., today.
Common Mistakes To Avoid After Being Arrested
Getting arrested can be overwhelming, particularly if it’s our first experience. What we say or do in those early moments can have a major impact on what happens next. There’s no way to control every outcome, but there are several common mistakes that often cause unnecessary complications. Whether the charge is minor or serious, avoiding the wrong moves early on can help protect our legal rights. If we find ourselves in this situation, Elizabeth, NJ criminal lawyers can help guide us through the legal process.
Talking Too Much Before Legal Help Arrives
One of the most common errors people make after being arrested is talking too much. Whether trying to explain the situation or denying involvement, it’s easy to say things that can be used against us later. Police are trained to ask questions in a way that can build a case. Staying silent until we’ve had the chance to speak with an attorney is usually the safest choice. Anything we say can be taken out of context, and once it’s on record, it’s difficult to undo.
Assuming the Charges Are Not Serious
Our trial defense lawyer shares that even if the charge seems minor, we shouldn’t treat it casually. Misdemeanors and first offenses can still carry fines, probation, or even jail time, depending on the circumstances. More importantly, a conviction could show up in background checks and have long-term effects on employment and housing. Elizabeth criminal lawyers often work with clients who thought a charge wouldn’t lead to much—until it did.
Posting About the Arrest on Social Media
It might be tempting to explain our side of the story online or vent about the situation, but this can backfire. Anything posted publicly can be used as evidence in a criminal case. That includes photos, comments, and private messages. Social media activity is often reviewed by prosecutors and police. It’s better to keep a low profile and let our criminal proceedings lawyer handle the communication.
Missing Court Dates or Legal Deadlines
Missing a court date can result in a bench warrant and potentially more charges. It can also damage how we’re viewed by the judge. Even if the original charge was something small, skipping a scheduled appearance sends the wrong message. We should always double-check dates, keep paperwork organized, and talk to our attorney about what to expect. Taking the process seriously from the beginning helps build a better defense.
Not Hiring an Attorney Right Away
Trying to go through the criminal justice process without our defense lawyer is risky. From bail hearings to plea negotiations, there are multiple steps that require strong legal knowledge. The earlier we get a defense attorney involved, the more time they’ll have to review the facts, gather evidence, and prepare a defense. Waiting too long can limit our options and make it harder to get a favorable outcome.
Moving Forward With The Right Legal Help
Criminal defense lawyers in Elizabeth understand how the local court system works, know the prosecutors, and have the experience to help protect our rights after an arrest. If we’ve been charged, we shouldn’t leave things to chance or rely on online advice. It’s worth speaking with a legal team that can guide us through each step of the process. Serving New Jersey since 1994, it’s important to reach out to the attorneys at Rispoli & Borneo P.C. for trusted legal help. We are available to review the situation and discuss how we can move forward. Contact our firm today for a free consultation.