What is a Domestic Violence Attorney

A domestic violence attorney defends either victims of domestic violence or perpetrators who have been charged with the crime. Domestic violence is generally defined as violence performed by a person against their spouse or significant other. Depending on the jurisdiction, however, violence against children may be considered domestic violence. Domestic violence may also encompass violence between boyfriend and girlfriend and even between roommates and others with whom you have a close relationship. In general, only physical abuse is considered as domestic violence rather than emotional or verbal abuse, unless it grows to become physically threatening.  Penalties for domestic violence include jail time as well as loss of child custody.

The duties of a domestic violence attorney include going to family court on behalf of a victim to get a temporary restraining order to prevent the abuser from coming near the victim and filing for a permanent restraining order, as well as seeking other types of protective orders such as ordering the alleged perpetrator to move out of the shared residence and prohibiting the accused from buying a gun. The lawyer will also work with state attorneys on the prosecution of the accused abuser. If the attorney was hired by a defendant accused of domestic violence, their main job is to prove their client innocent of the charges by using eyewitness testimony or other evidence. However, these attorneys usually only represent their clients in family court; if the charges proceed to a criminal trial, the defendant is generally represented by a criminal lawyer.

If you are looking for a domestic abuse attorney, make sure you engage one who specializes in family law and has experience in dealing with domestic abuse cases, to ensure that you are getting the best representation. They should also be familiar with the particular domestic violence law in the jurisdiction in which they are practicing, as well as what legal protections exist under said laws.