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Being arrested for domestic violence can lead to the suspension of gun rights and other restrictions while the criminal case plays out. Violations of a protective order can lead to a defendant’s immediate arrest, even before their case is resolved. Given the high stakes of these types of charges, many defendants trust a Draper domestic violence defense lawyer to protect their rights and freedom in court.
A domestic violence charge is a serious accusation that requires a decisive response. When defendants are facing these types of charges in Draper, they trust Blackley & Wingad to provide trusted support and representation focused on protecting their rights and freedom. Our law firm was founded by two former public defenders who bring decades of combined legal experience.
Clients trust our defense team to go to great lengths to independently investigate the allegations and comb through the evidence to find weaknesses in the state’s case. What sets our law firm apart is our focus on securing the most favorable outcomes possible by exploring every viable defense strategy for protecting our clients’ rights and freedom.
The city of Draper has 16,981 households, with an average of 2.9 occupants per household, meaning there are many families that bring complex dynamics and potential conflicts.
Utah’s domestic violence laws focus on acts of harm or threats of violence committed by one cohabitant against another. According to state data, there were 13,846 incidents of domestic violence in Utah in 2023, with 13,552 incidents recorded the year prior.
Domestic violence charges can result from investigations or domestic disturbance calls in SunCrest, South Mountain, Corner Canyon, and elsewhere in Draper. Law enforcement is trained to look for signs of physical and emotional abuse.
Their quick judgments, even when they do not understand the full situation, can lead to someone’s arrest and transportation to Salt Lake County Metro Jail, which serves as the primary detention center for the county.
Law enforcement may gather evidence at the scene of the incident, along with statements from both parties, photographs of injuries, and available recordings from 911 calls and body camera footage. Prior incident reports can point to patterns of behavior that could determine the specific charges someone faces.
Criminal cases can be resolved through several means, with some being more favorable than others. A strong defense could uncover weaknesses in the state’s case, such as insufficient evidence, credibility issues with the victim or witnesses, or conflicting statements. The victim may also stop cooperating with the state. These and other circumstances could lead the prosecution to drop or reduce charges.
Most criminal cases are resolved through plea bargaining. The criminal courts simply do not have the capacity to provide everyone with a trial, so prosecutors often offer deals that may include reduced charges or penalties. In return, the defendant pleads guilty to an offense. This arrangement allows prosecutors to manage cases while allowing potentially favorable terms for resolving the accused party’s case.
Defendants can pursue a trial, which could extend their case’s timeline considerably. In situations where the defense has a strong case but prosecutors do not drop charges or offer a favorable plea bargain deal, the defense can prepare to take their arguments before a judge or jury. During a trial, the prosecution is tasked with proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
There are roughly 13,000 people currently serving time behind bars in Utah, and the right defense strategy can help a defendant avoid becoming part of that population.
Domestic violence charges differ from other violent offenses because they involve a defined personal relationship between the parties. The person accusing the defendant may be a family member or a former romantic partner. In some cases, the victim and suspect may still be in a dating relationship.
If the defense is able to build a case that shows the victim has a history of showing animosity toward the defendant or making past false accusations, it could complicate the state’s case. Relationships can be highly emotional and complex, and heated arguments or mutual attacks may not rise to the level of criminal activity.
Self-defense can be another defense strategy when the other party is committing an assault or preparing to cause harm. Testimony from witnesses to past conflicts can cast doubt on the state’s characterizations of the defendant. Any steps taken by the defense to contest the element of criminal intent could potentially lead to a favorable outcome.
The outcome of a domestic violence case can be significantly influenced by the right domestic violence defense strategy. Utah’s domestic violence defense laws carry heavy penalties for anyone convicted of harming or threatening a household co-occupant. The decision to hire a domestic violence defense lawyer can play a critical role in casting doubt on the state’s case and questioning the prosecution’s narratives at every turn.
A Draper domestic violence attorney can carefully review the evidence and gather new evidence to support their case. If witness testimony is contradictory or the victim appears to have a personal motivation for making accusations, the right defense strategy can work toward securing reduced or dropped charges.
Lawyers are skilled negotiators and investigators whose focus on protecting the rights of clients can protect defendants from having to face serious penalties.
Being convicted of domestic violence could lead to immediate and lasting consequences, from restrictions on your Second Amendment rights to confinement in jail or prison.
When you work with the dedicated team of defense attorneys at Blackley & Wingad, you can get your side of the story across. Our lawyers can take the time to learn about your account of events so we can build a case that is based on a full understanding of what did or did not happen.
At every step of the process, our dedicated team of lawyers can keep you updated on developments. That way, you are never left in the dark about important developments and are well-informed about your options. Trust our legal team to go to great lengths to see that you stand the strongest chance of protecting your reputation and future. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.
Fighting criminal charges. Safeguarding families. Delivering results.
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