Long Island Domestic Violence Lawyer Serving Suffolk & Nassau Counties

Domestic abuse charges are very serious. If you or someone you know has been accused of domestic violence, it is important to contact a qualified domestic violence lawyer as soon as possible. We have been protecting the rights of the accused in Suffolk and Nassau Counties for over 25 years. Schedule a free consultation and let our experience work for you.

Accusations of domestic abuse can lead to convictions and severe sentencing. Even when a person is falsely accused of this crime, their life may be ruined. An allegation of abuse can affect your reputation, your family life, and your ability to find work.

In New York, law enforcement officers are often quick to make arrests following domestic violence allegations. Many times, judges are quick to grant restraining orders or orders of protection to those making allegations. If you have been accused of domestic violence, such an order may prohibit you from residing in your own home.

Speaking to an accomplished lawyer can give you the best chance of effectively defending against these allegations. At the Matera Law Firm, we have over 25 years of combined legal experience.

Our skilled domestic violence lawyers have a long track record of fighting hard for our clients. Some of our criminal defense attorneys have experience as former prosecutors, which gives us a unique advantage in criminal cases.

Do not take an allegation of domestic abuse lightly. Contact some of the best domestic violence lawyers in Long Island, NY, to ensure that your rights are protected.

What Is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence (also known as “domestic abuse”) is characterized by verbal threats or physical maltreatment between two people with an intimate relationship. The people involved might be romantic partners, spouses, family members, or have a social relationship. They may have a child together, live together, or be dating.

There is no single type of person who is vulnerable to allegations of domestic violence. But in most domestic abuse cases, men are the accused and women are the victims. Though this is often true, it is not always the case.

The most extreme instances of domestic violence include rape and homicide. But more common forms include:

• Control
• Sexual abuse
• Emotional intimidation
• Manipulation
• Isolating the victim
• Coercion, blame, and threats
• Economic control or abuse

Stalking can also be considered to be a form of domestic violence. Any type of violent action, threat, or intimidation between people within a close social relationship falls into the category of domestic abuse.

How Can a Domestic Violence Lawyer Help?

When you are facing a domestic abuse charge in Long Island, it is crucial to speak with a qualified attorney. Hiring a domestic violence lawyer gives you a much better chance of securing a favorable outcome in your case.

This type of criminal case is usually highly emotional for all of the involved parties. Sometimes, the accused partner makes their situation worse by reacting in an angry or emotional way.

For instance, leaving an angry voicemail for your spouse after they have accused you of abuse will only hurt your case. In fact, rash behavior could result in further legal difficulties–such as another charge of abuse, stalking, or harassment.

An experienced domestic violence lawyer will discuss all of the potential legal ramifications of your case with you. They can help you to determine the best course of action, given the circumstances.

Beyond general guidance, an attorney will fight hard on your behalf. Experienced criminal defense lawyers can sometimes negotiate deals with prosecutors that result in a more advantageous situation for the accused.

If you are facing allegations of domestic abuse, do not wait. Contact the qualified domestic violence attorneys at the Matera Law Firm. Our former prosecutors have years of experience protecting the rights of those who are accused of domestic violence.

What Defense Strategies Can An Attorney Use In Domestic Violence Cases?

When you secure the services of an accomplished domestic violence lawyer, they will build a powerful defense for you. Each allegation of abuse involves a unique set of circumstances. Still, some defense strategies are common. When implemented by our team of attorneys, they are often effective.

Lack of Proof

A lack of determinate evidence can help to secure a favorable outcome in your case. To convict the defendant, the prosecution must reach the required burden of proof. All accused people are innocent until proven guilty. A skilled criminal defense lawyer can examine the facts of your case and uncover any weaknesses in the opposition’s arguments.

Mistaken Identity

Some cases are resolved when the defendant’s lawyer proves that they were not the person who committed the crime. If you have a reliable alibi for the time of the abuse, a conviction will be unlikely.

An accomplished domestic violence attorney may call witnesses to support your account of the events. This type of defense strategy is even more persuasive if there is photo or video evidence of your whereabouts at the time of the crime.

Intentionally False Allegations

Domestic violence victims deserve to be taken seriously. Unfortunately, some people undermine real victims by falsely alleging instances of domestic abuse.

Sometimes, false allegations occur during a contentious divorce. Sadly, this cynical strategy can be used to gain more money or child custody for the accusing spouse. In other instances, false allegations are a way for the accusing spouse to emotionally hurt the accused.

If you are facing a false allegation of domestic violence, an attorney can help you prove your innocence. Often, this involves securing an alibi or showing that the other person’s story is inconsistent. A domestic violence lawyer will fight hard to protect your rights and reputation.

Self-Defense

This defense strategy involves proving that your actions were done to protect yourself. For example, suppose that your spouse was hitting you and you had to retaliate to keep yourself safe. In an example like this, you were acting in self-defense.

This defense is more difficult if the physical abuse against you occurred in the wake of threats or verbal aggression on your part. If you were threatening, name-calling, or screaming at your spouse, self-defense may be an implausible defense.

These are only a few examples of the possible strategies in this type of criminal case. No matter what the circumstances of your domestic abuse allegation may be, contact an attorney as soon as possible.

The domestic violence lawyers at the Matera Law Firm will consult with you about the facts of your case. We will use our expertise to build the strongest defense possible on your behalf.

Orders of Protection and Restraining Orders

In most cases of a domestic violence charge, the accused person will face an order of protection. In Long Island, NY, these orders are issued by the courts. They make the accused person subject to certain legal restrictions.

An Order of Protection often prohibits the alleged abuser from certain types of contact with the accuser. If you have been charged with domestic violence, you might be prohibited from being around your accuser. In cases in which the two people live together, this means that the accused person will be unable to return to their home.

A violation of an Order of Protection can result in severe legal ramifications and more significant charges.

Schedule A Free Consultation Today

When you are facing a charge of domestic violence, you need the best legal representation in Nassau and Suffolk Counties:  The Matera Law Firm. Do not wait. Reach out to our legal team today.

We have nearly three decades of combined legal experience. We work tirelessly to protect our clients and secure positive outcomes in each case that we oversee. Contact the Matera Law Firm now to schedule your free initial consultation.

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