Anchorage According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), Alaska’s statistics on violence against women are among the highest in the country. For this reason, and others, a domestic violence charge in Alaska can result in some serious consequences if you are convicted. Lengthy jail time, probation, community service, eviction, modified child custody, and a criminal record can have a substantial adverse effect on your entire life. If you have been charged with domestic violence, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney and protect your rights.
Common Defenses Against Domestic Violence
Here are a few effective defenses of domestic violence:
- False accusations are one of the most common cause of domestic violence charges. While the state has a duty to press charges when allegations are made, it doesn’t guarantee a conviction. If you have evidence that your accuser had the motivation to make these false allegations, it may be enough to have the charges dropped. An attorney can help you uncover the evidence necessary to exonerate you.
- In many domestic violence cases, there is simply not enough evidence to confidently convict you. If there isn’t hard evidence or witnesses who saw what happened, you may be able to have the charges reduced or dismissed.
- If your accuser struck you first, you can claim self-defense. It is a viable defense tactic against domestic violence charges, however, there must be proof that the other person instigated the violence and that you didn’t act beyond what was necessary.
- Finally, if consent was given, the charges may be dismissed. This is a rare defense, but it applies for things such as drunken fights or BDSM.
If you have been accused of domestic violence, please contact our Wasilla domestic violence lawyers at Denali Law Group today. Tell us about your specific circumstances by filling out a case evaluation form or calling us at (907) 357-5297.
