Being charged with domestic violence is a serious offense. The system has seen far too many cases of DV victims turning into homicide victims to not take it seriously.
But each circumstance is different, and there are cases where domestic violence charges are not necessarily correct. Regardless, the law recognizes that an individual accused of domestic violence gets a fair day in court.
If you are facing such domestic violence charges, it is important to know your rights and what to expect. This blog post will outline six things you should know about bail and domestic violence charges. Let’s get started.
1. You have the right to remain silent.
This means that you do not have to answer any questions asked by the police. It is important to exercise this right so that you do not incriminate yourself.
Too often, an individual gets caught up in the moment and says or does something that sways law enforcement toward the accuser’s side of the story. Police do not want to answer the question of why they didn’t do more, so they tend to take such accusations very seriously.
2. You have the right to an attorney.
If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you. You should always speak with an attorney before answering any questions from the police or making any statements in court. Otherwise, you could end up sitting in jail a day or two before your arraignment is able to happen (since so many of these arrests are made on weekends).
3. Bail is typically set at a high amount for domestic violence charges.
This is because domestic violence is considered a serious offense. Again, there has been case after case where a victim’s accusations were not taken seriously enough only to have that victim end up dead.
While not foolproof, a number of laws and provisions have come into effect to try and prevent such histories from repeating themselves. As a result, you could end up having to come up with $5,000 or even $10,000 to secure your release. And if you are unable to post bail, you will have to remain in jail until your trial date.
4. There are typically conditions of release set for those charged with domestic violence.
These conditions may include no contact with the victim, attending anger management classes, or wearing an ankle monitor. Sometimes, all three.
5. A conviction for domestic violence can result in jail time, probation, and/or a fine.
The sentence imposed will depend on the facts of the case and the state in which you are convicted. At the very least, you could be permanently banned from having contact with the accused, and you will no longer have the right to own a firearm for the rest of your life.
6. A domestic violence charge will remain on your record permanently.
This can make it difficult to find employment, housing, or obtain a professional license in the future. That’s because so few wish to be associated with the potential threat that a person convicted of this crime represents.
Domestic Violence Charges Can Upend Your Life
If you are facing domestic violence charges, it is important to know your rights and what to expect throughout the process. These charges are serious and can have long-lasting consequences on your life if you are convicted. Be sure to speak with an attorney as soon as possible so that they can help you navigate this complex process and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
And if you are granted bail, take advantage of it so you can start building the best possible case for your acquittal. That’s tough to do inside of a jail cell. And that’s where PCS Bail Bonds can help.
We are not the judge and jury, but we do believe that each person is entitled to a fair trial and the best representation possible. For more than 30 years, we have helped individuals accused of various crimes secure their own release–or families secure the release of a loved one–so that individual can build their best defense and get their affairs in order. Contact us today if we can help you do the same.