Getting Domestic Violence Charges Dropped in Wisconsin

Individuals who sustain convictions on Wisconsin domestic violence charges often face lifelong consequences. In addition to paying high monetary fines and serving jail time, convicted offenders may not be allowed to contact their children or other loved ones. Moreover, they may experience numerous collateral consequences that affect every aspect of their life.

Fortunately, in some situations, individuals accused of domestic violence in Wisconsin may be subject to a case dismissal. One of the best ways to increase your chances of success is to retain a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney to represent you as early in your case as possible. The skilled lawyers at Cohen Law Offices can determine if you’re eligible to raise a legal defense to your charge in court. If so, we can represent you in all courtroom proceedings, advocate for your legal interests, and help you obtain the best possible result in your case.

To find out more about how we can defend you in your pending criminal case, please call Cohen Law Offices today at (715) 514-5051 or contact us online.

Potential Penalties for a Domestic Violence Conviction

For you to be subject to domestic violence penalties, the state prosecutor handling your case must establish every element beyond a reasonable doubt. In many instances, domestic violence charges are bundled with other crimes, including battery, domestic disorderly conduct, and assault. The potential penalties for a Wisconsin misdemeanor battery conviction include a maximum of nine months jail time, along with maximum monetary fines of $10,000 and a domestic violence fee of $100. If you used a weapon or threatened the alleged victim with a weapon, you can receive an additional six months of jail time, along with court-ordered community service or probation.

Steps to Take When Pursuing a Charge Dismissal

In certain situations, you can take steps to have your pending domestic violence charge dropped. First, you should speak with a lawyer who can examine potential evidence that the State may introduce against you at trial and speak with potential witnesses. Although the prosecutor may try and bully you into accepting a plea deal, you should first speak with a lawyer about whether or not potential legal defenses have a good chance of success at trial. Those defenses may include that you did not commit the alleged act, that you were somewhere else at the time of the alleged incident, or that you were acting in self-defense.

In addition to taking this initial step, you should not have any contact with the alleged victim – either via telephone, email, text message, or any other physical or electronic means. You should not even try to contact them through a friend.

It may also be wise to take proactive steps, such as attending domestic violence counseling sessions or anger management classes. In fact, attending these sessions may make you appear more responsible and cast your case in a more favorable light before the judge or jury. However, speak with your attorney before attending any of these sessions.

In addition, you should keep quiet at all times – especially when speaking with police officers. Trying to tell police officers your side of the story is not going to help you. In fact, the police can use just about anything you say against you in court. Instead, before answering any questions, you should immediately assert your right to the presence of counsel.

Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Legal Matter Today

Domestic violence charges are some of the most serious charges that a person can face. To have the best opportunity for success, it is essential that you have experienced legal counsel on your side representing you throughout your criminal case. For a free case evaluation and consultation with a skilled criminal defense lawyer, please call Cohen Law Offices today at (715) 514-5051 or contact us online.