Anyone found guilty of domestic violence-related crimes in Canada can face severe repercussions, including fines and even several years in jail. Knowing this, it can be frightening when you’ve been wrongly accused of this crime. If you’ve found yourself in this very situation, there are several important steps to take to navigate the legal system confidently:
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Gather Evidence
Ask Liberty Law criminal lawyers Edmonton residents use, and they’ll tell you that gathering evidence is a crucial part of putting together a strong case to support your position.
For example, if you’re being accused of a physical attack at a specific time and in a certain location, provide evidence to a criminal defense lawyer that proves you weren’t there and couldn’t have been involved. The stronger your evidence is, such as receipts, CCTV, text messages, and GPS data, the harder it can be for the other side’s lawyers to prove you are guilty of the crime.
Request Legal Help
As confident as you are that you’ll be found innocent because you didn’t commit the crime, it’s important to seek legal help. Competent criminal lawyers with experience in family violence can answer any questions you have about the legal process and guide you through the justice system. Lawyers are your support system while you fight to clear your name. They can also assist in putting together a strong case by using their knowledge of local laws.
Keep Calm
It’s only natural to get angry and feel frustrated when someone you love has accused you of domestic violence. However, getting angry won’t do your case any good. In fact, if you act out in anger or frustration, the other side could use this to provide evidence of your character to strengthen their case.
Keep calm and composed at all times. If you’re experiencing a range of emotions and are struggling to manage them, seek mental health support. You can also try effective techniques like meditation to regain control.
Be Smart with Communication
When a spouse or someone else has accused you of domestic violence, it can be tempting to contact them to find out why they are accusing you. However, communicating with someone now involved in your legal case can be harmful.
The only form of communication you should have while domestic violence proceedings are playing out is the legal kind. What’s more, all legal communications should be made through your chosen criminal defense lawyer.
Keep to Yourself
You deserve to have a support network, but you also need to ensure that you don’t discuss your case with anyone other than your lawyer. Anything you say, be it to a close friend, an acquaintance, or on social media or other online platforms, could be used against you. Not only can you experience reputational loss, but you may also harm your case.
If there’s anything you need to discuss regarding your case, talk to your lawyer and request their advice.
Take Care Of Yourself
Being on the wrong side of the law can be a traumatic experience. Your mental health can suffer, and you can feel stressed and anxious. Even while all your time is taken up by legal proceedings, make time to de-stress.
Find a support network of people you trust and seek help from trained mental health professionals. It’s also important to make time for self-care activities, like sports, getting out in nature, and your hobbies.
Being wrongly accused of domestic violence in Canada can be life-changing. However, you may improve your chances of experiencing a straightforward legal process by taking these five crucial steps above.
