Domestic violence may seem straightforward — someone hits their partner, gets arrested, and goes to jail. However, it's not always that simple. A disturbing number of domestic violence accusations are false, and they can ruin innocent lives.
How common is this problem? Roughly 10% of Americans report being falsely accused of domestic violence at some point. That's millions of people.
What’s worse, the consequences go way beyond legal troubles. A false accusation can destroy your career, relationships, and reputation.
The motives behind false accusations vary, but custody battles are a major culprit. An angry ex might fabricate abuse allegations to gain an edge in court. Unfortunately, this kind of thing happens all too often.
Even celebrities aren't immune. Plenty of high-profile cases featuring popular entertainers and sports stars have highlighted how messy and complicated these cases can get when accusations start flying.
Understanding Nevada Laws on Domestic Violence
Nevada defines domestic violence as committing assault or battery or other abusive acts against one’s spouse or former spouse, a person one is dating, or a minor child related by blood or legal guardianship.
A domestic violence conviction can carry the following consequences when it’s your first offense:
Imprisonment between two days and six months
Community service between 48 and 120 hours
A $200–$1,000 fine
A second-time offense within seven years comes with the following possible consequences:
Imprisonment between 20 days and six months
Community service between 100 and 200 hours
A $500–$1,000 fine
If you’re convicted of a domestic violence charge for a third time within seven years, you risk:
Imprisonment between one year and six years
A $1,000–$5,000 fine
A court may also order weekly counseling sessions for domestic violence convictions. Given these possible consequences, false accusations can be quite distressing.
What to Do if You’ve Been Falsely Accused of Domestic Violence
It doesn't matter whether it's said during a heated argument or seems like an offhand comment — if someone so much as hints at accusing you, you should take it seriously.
Why? Because domestic violence charges tend to stick. They can follow you around long after the legal dust settles. Your social standing, your job prospects, and your relationships can all take a massive hit.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to mitigate the damage.
Talk to a Criminal Defense Attorney
Your first course of action should be to talk to a skilled defense attorney. You need someone in your corner who knows the legal system inside and out. Many defense attorneys offer free initial consultations.
Even if no charges have been filed yet, getting legal advice early can make a world of difference. It's not rash to protect yourself, so don't wait for things to escalate. If someone is threatening to accuse you of domestic violence, an attorney can help you protect yourself legally.
Inform Your Family and Close Friends
Be up front with your friends and family about what's happening. You may need character witnesses later, so keep your support network in the loop.
Avoid the Accuser
Once a person makes an accusation against you, avoid further interaction with them if at all possible. They may try to twist anything you say or do and use it against you, so don't try to reason with them or clear things up. Just stay away.
Domestic violence cases often involve restraining orders. Approaching your accuser could result in you violating a restraining order despite your intentions of resolving the matter peacefully.
Gather Strong Evidence
You’ll need compelling evidence to discredit your accuser’s claims. Make it a point to collect the following types:
Texts, letters, or email communication
GPS location data
Witness testimony
Photos or video evidence
Medical documents
Family law documents
Understanding the motive for the false accusation can help you determine which evidence is most relevant to your case. It may be wise to keep receipts of purchases wherever you go and take photos of places and people you visit, as this information could help you build a strong case.
Remain Calm
A domestic violence accusation can trigger an intense emotional reaction. If you’re someone with a history of emotional outbursts, your accuser could try to use those patterns against you.
It’s even possible for your accuser to try to bait you into an emotional or violent reaction to prove their case. Everything you do can be misconstrued, so it’s crucial to stay composed.
Let an Experienced Attorney Handle Your False Domestic Violence Accusations Case
False accusations are more common than most people realize. But by taking the right precautions and seeking reliable legal help, you can protect yourself, your future, and your freedom.
Enlisting the aid of an experienced defense attorney could mean the difference between clearing your name and having your life turned upside down.
If you're facing false accusations in Las Vegas, don't wait to get assistance. Contact the
DUI Doctor for a free consultation. Seasoned attorney Adam Vander Heyden is dedicated to protecting clients from the life-changing blowback of false domestic violence accusations.
Comments