What Should You Do If You're Accused of Domestic Violence?
Facing accusations of domestic violence is overwhelming. These cases move quickly, and the consequences can be life-changing. Your job, your family, and your freedom may be at risk. You might feel like everything is crashing down around you fast.
It's important to know that being accused of domestic violence doesn't mean you're guilty. There’s still a chance to defend yourself, share your side of the story, and fight for your rights. But it all starts with what you do next.
At Faussette & Faussette PLLC in Phoenix, Arizona, we're here to support people who’ve been accused of domestic violence. With decades of experience as Arizona criminal defense attorneys, we take time to listen to your story, explain your legal options, and help you make smart decisions.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. We've helped many people in your shoes, and we're ready to help you, too.
Stay Calm and Follow Directions
Getting arrested or even just questioned by the police can make your heart race. However, how you handle those first moments really matters.
Stay Calm
If you're being arrested or questioned, try to keep your emotions in check. Losing your cool can escalate the situation and lead to additional charges. Staying composed also helps you think clearly and avoid making mistakes.
Follow Instructions
Don’t argue, run, or resist. Just listen, stay still, and follow what the officers ask you to do. Your actions are likely being recorded, so following directions can work in your favor later.
Don't Try to Explain
You might feel tempted to tell your side, but this can hurt your case. Anything you say can be twisted or misunderstood, even if you think you're being helpful. It’s better to wait until you have legal guidance before saying anything at all. Let your attorney speak for you. The less you say upfront, the more control you have to build your defense.
Avoid Contact With the Accuser
When you’re accused of domestic violence, your instincts might tell you to reach out and fix things. But this could make things worse.
Respect any orders. If a protective order is issued, even if you haven’t seen it yet, avoid contact.
Don't send texts or messages. Even a simple “Why did you do this?” could be taken as harassment.
Stay away from shared spaces. If you live together, you might be ordered to leave temporarily.
As your Arizona criminal defense support, we'll handle all communication and protect your legal standing.
What You're Being Accused Of
In Arizona, domestic violence isn’t just about hitting someone. Many actions can lead to charges. Common charges tied to domestic violence include:
Threatening or intimidating
Harassment
Disorderly conduct
Stalking
Unlawful imprisonment
The law applies to people in many kinds of relationships and not just spouses. It could involve a partner, ex, roommate, or someone you share a child with.
Once you're accused of domestic violence, you’re also dealing with added legal pressure. These cases often move faster than other charges and can include emergency hearings and temporary orders that limit where you can go or who you can talk to.
Don’t Post About It Online
In the heat of the moment, you might want to explain yourself on social media. Don’t. This is important because:
Anything you post can be used in court
Even private posts can be shared or screenshotted
Emotional rants can be taken the wrong way
Stay silent online. Don’t talk about the case, the person who accused you, or your feelings about what happened. Let your defense speak for itself through your attorney.
What Happens Next?
The legal process after being accused of domestic violence usually follows a few key steps:
Arrest or police report: You might be arrested right away, or a report might lead to an investigation. Officers will gather statements, photos, and any immediate evidence at the scene. Even if you’re not arrested on the spot, a follow-up investigation could still lead to charges.
Protective order: A judge can issue a no-contact order, even before you’re charged. This can keep you from your home, kids, or job. Violating this order can result in additional criminal charges and jail time. Your Arizona criminal defense attorney can help you request modifications or challenge the order in court if needed.
First court appearance: This is where charges are officially brought and bail is decided. You’ll also hear your rights, and a future court schedule will be set. It’s critical to have legal representation at this stage to argue for reasonable bail terms.
Evidence review: Both sides gather texts, emails, witness statements, and more. This phase is essential for identifying weaknesses or inconsistencies in the case. Your lawyer will work closely with you to collect any materials that support your defense.
Trial or plea agreement: Many cases resolve before trial, but not all. Your lawyer can help you decide the smartest route based on the facts. A plea deal may reduce charges or penalties, but it’s not always the best choice.
Each case is different, so we’ll walk you through what to expect and keep you in the loop every step of the way.
Steps You Can Take to Help Your Case
There are some smart moves you can make to help your defense:
Gather important evidence. Save texts, emails, and call logs. Write down your memory of the event while it's still fresh.
List witnesses. Think of anyone who might back up your version of events. That could be a neighbor, friend, or coworker.
Avoid talking to others about your case. Even close friends or family could be asked to testify.
Keep a low profile. Don’t get into any more trouble. Stay away from bars, fights, or anything that could make you look bad.
Your Arizona criminal defense attorney can use all the information you bring to help your case. Nothing is too small to be useful.
Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Violence Defense
When you're accused of domestic violence, you're probably left with more questions than answers. Here are some of the most common ones we hear from our clients, along with our responses based on years of experience defending people in Arizona.
Can the Person Who Accused Me Drop the Charges?
Not always. In Arizona, once a case is in the hands of the prosecutor, they decide whether to move forward. Even if the accuser wants to back down, the case might continue.
Will I Lose My Right to Own a Firearm?
If you’re convicted, yes. But while your case is pending, it depends on the charges and the judge’s orders. We can talk about how to protect your rights as part of your defense strategy.
What If the Accusation Is Completely False?
We’ve seen this happen. False claims can come from anger, jealousy, or custody disputes. We’ll dig into the facts, challenge the evidence, and push back hard against false claims.
Will This Go on My Permanent Record?
If you’re convicted, yes. That’s why it’s so important to have an Arizona criminal defense attorney fighting for you from the beginning.
Can I Still See My Kids?
Whether you see your kids or not depends on the specific circumstances of your case. If a protective order is in place, you might be blocked temporarily. We'll help you understand what’s allowed and push for fair parenting time when possible.
Dedicated Legal Defense
At Faussette & Faussette PLLC, we proudly help those in Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Scottsdale, Goodyear, Avondale, Surprise, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Tempe. Whether the accusation was a misunderstanding or something more serious, we’ll give you a voice, protect your future, and work toward the best possible outcome. Contact our Arizona criminal defense attorneys today.