Saratoga Springs Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer
Charges of domestic violence are emotionally wrenching. You may feel persecuted on many fronts as the courts can issue restraining orders preventing you from seeing your family. You may also face the threat of jail time and have a permanent criminal record. You should not face charges of domestic violence on your own. An experienced lawyer can explain the process and your options to you while making sure your rights are protected.
New York Domestic Abuse Defense Lawyer
Charges of domestic abuse are often complicated as hearings may involve two different courts, family court and criminal court. Both courts have different functions and can impact your life in different ways. Family courts are responsible for issuing orders of protection or restraining orders. This court may do so even if you are not present. Many people feel that they can handle this on their own and hire a lawyer for criminal court, but it is important to have an attorney every step of the way.
Protecting Your Rights in Family and Criminal Court
The criminal court usually defers to the judgment of family court. Therefore, an experienced domestic abuse defense attorney should represent your interests at the family court stage. This way, even if the family court issues a restraining order, it may be easier to get the order modified in criminal court.
Seasoned Defense Against Felonies and Misdemeanors
New York views domestic violence by degrees. For example, there is a law regarding strangulation that applies to domestic abuse situations. If you place your hands on your spouse's throat, that will be considered a misdemeanor. If you apply pressure, that may rise to the level of a felony. It is important to have diligent counsel on your side to help your defense so it does not become a matter of one person's word against another's.
Endangering the welfare of a child is another charge that may be brought into domestic abuse cases. If a child is present during the alleged act, that will be considered endangerment. Whether it is a felony depends on the circumstances. In some instances this may be considered child abuse, in which case you will also have to contend with child protection agencies in addition to criminal and family court hearings.
Experienced Criminal Defense Representation
Attorney Gerard V. Amedio is a former police officer and police union president. He is an adjunct professor at Russell Sage College, teaching courses in policing, law, the legal process and criminal law.
His vast experience investigating cases can now help you in your defense. We are not here to judge you, just provide you with the best advice and representation available.
Call for an Initial Consultation With an Upstate New York Attorney − Child Endangerment Charges
If you are facing domestic violence charges, contact an upstate New York attorney for defense of child endangerment charges or call (518) 583-4123 for an initial consultation. In addition to our weekly business hours in Saratoga Springs and Glens Falls we offer 24-hour urgent call service.
