Why You Need to Fight False Domestic Violence Accusations

 Posted on March 10, 2016 in Domestic Violence

As in most states across the country, domestic violence laws in Illinois are designed to keep families safe and to provide immediate protection to victims. The goal is to make it as easy as possible for victims of domestic violence to come forward and report their abuse and to obtain protection from further harm. While the purpose of the laws are sincere, they are often abused. False domestic violence allegations occur frequently both in Illinois and across the country, and can be seriously damaging to the accused abuser and their family. If you have been falsely accused of domestic violence, do not leave your future in jeopardy. A qualified Illinois criminal defense attorney can help. False Accusations Under Illinois law, domestic violence is defined as any abusive behavior such as harassment, intimidation, or physical abuse inflicted on a family member or household member. This includes psychological and physical crimes such as threatening, repeated contact with a victim, assault, and stalking. The goal of the state’s broad definition is to protect victims, but the system is unfortunately abused frequently. An individual could be accused of domestic violence for something as seemingly trivial as multiple text messages or a minor argument. Even a gesture that is interpreted as aggressive could result in domestic violence accusations. Understandably, those falsely accused of domestic violence are frequently angry, scared, and upset. It is important to understand that false allegations can be fought, and failing to do so could result in a lifetime of potential hardships. Serious Consequences Being falsely accused of domestic violence could lead to a serious issues if the accusations are not fought. Those accused face potential prison time, fines, and a mark on permanent records. Your future career, housing, education, and civil rights could be in jeopardy as well. Potential future employers, landlords, loan providers, and higher education officials all may have access to your records, and may make it difficult for you to obtain a job, housing, or further your education. Teachers, doctors, and other professionals may lose their licenses or face other consequences. They may be forced from their jobs, banned from working with firearms or explosives, and prevented from ever holding a government job or public office position. Additionally, those convicted of domestic violence may be required to pay for and complete treatment such as counseling and anger management. False domestic violence accusations can have serious repercussions for your family as well. If an order of protection is put in place against you, you may be prevented from spending time with your children and your parental decision making powers may be limited. While you may be banned from visiting your own home, you could be required to continue paying household utilities, your mortgage, insurance, and other household expenses. If you are convicted of domestic violence, your parental abilities may be restricted even further. You may be forced to only visit with your children while under supervision or in public locations. If you are deemed a threat to your children, you may not be granted any visitation at all. Weakening the Illinois Criminal Justice System In additional to consequences for you and your family, false accusations of domestic violence weaken the Illinois criminal justice system. False accusations take the spotlight away from the real victims of violence, who truly do need legal assistance.

All too often, alleged victims use the Illinois domestic violence system for personal gain. They attempt to leverage divorce proceedings or file false accusations to get revenge against their spouse. Do not let false accusations against you affect you for the rest of your life. Your future, and the future of your family could be in jeopardy. The skilled Chicago criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel LLC, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney are here to help. If you have been wrongly accused of domestic violence, call 312-629-0669 today to schedule your free consultation with us.

Source:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=2100