After going to a party at a friend’s house, a businessman goes home and falls asleep. He wakes up startled by a knock on the door in the middle of the night. He realizes that police officers are at his door, but he does not know what is going on. All he remembers is that he had a few drinks while watching a game at his friend’s house. He thought everyone had a good time.
He does remember getting into a brief argument with his soon-to-be ex-wife, who he did not think would be invited to the party. They have been separated for six months. His soon-to-be ex-wife called the police after he left and reported him for domestic violence. It is late, and he is struggling to put together everything that happened. He is wondering what will happen next and what he can do to protect himself.
You Have the Right to Remain Silent
If you are arrested and taken to the police station, the police will probably try to pressure you into talking to them about the incident. They may hope that while you are disoriented, tired, and still recovering from having a few drinks, you will be more likely to confess. It is crucial that you do not discuss the case with the police until you have a lawyer present. Even if a police officer acts nicely to you and says that they think the other person is really at fault, they will use anything you say against you. It can be tough for people to refrain from defending themselves or justifying their actions to the police, but you need to protect yourself by waiting for your lawyer.
Do Not Communicate With the Accuser
Knowing that you have been arrested for something you did not do or something that the accuser has exaggerated is frustrating. It is even worse when the arrest happens out of the blue, when you least expect it. It can be extremely tempting to call the accuser and confront them after being arrested. We strongly recommend that you do not talk to the accuser. There may be a special condition of bond to stay away from the accuser, there may be a protective order against you, or the accuser could be pursuing one. Even if you are in the right, being aggressive can be seen as proof that you did commit domestic violence. It is best to discuss everything that happened in your case with your lawyer and have your lawyer communicate with third parties.
Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer as Soon as Possible
When you have been arrested for domestic violence, your future is on the line. Your job, personal life, reputation, and freedom are at stake. At Glasgow & Olsson, We understand that everyone makes mistakes, especially In the heat of the moment. If you are facing domestic violence charges in Illinois, we can help you protect yourself and your rights. Our award-winning criminal defense lawyers have a proven track record of success in many high-profile state and federal criminal cases. Contact Glasgow & Olsson today to schedule your initial consultation to learn how our legal team can fight for your rights if you have been wrongfully charged with domestic battery.