Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer: Your Side of the Story Deserves to Be Heard

Key Takeaways: Your Immediate Defense Plan

  • Dedicated Defense for the Accused: Our firm provides focused representation for individuals accused of domestic violence. We are here to build your defense, not to pass judgment.
  • Multi-State Experience: We have licensed attorneys who can provide a Virginia domestic violence defense attorney, a New York domestic violence defense lawyer, and representation in MD, DC, and NJ. 2
  • Fighting False Allegations: We have specific experience serving as a lawyer for false domestic violence accusations. We know how to challenge inconsistencies and fight back when charges are exaggerated or fabricated.
  • Protective Order Defense: A protective order can force you out of your home and away from your children. We provide immediate representation at protective order hearings to challenge the allegations against you.
  • Act Immediately: An accusation of domestic violence triggers a rapid legal process. You must act now to protect your rights. Call us at 888-437-7747.

Your World Has Been Turned Inside Out by an Accusation.

Let’s be direct. An accusation of domestic violence is not just a legal problem—it’s a crisis that attacks your character, your freedom, and your family. The moment a call is made, a process begins that can feel like you’re presumed guilty. You may have been arrested, forced to leave your home, and cut off from your children by a protective order. You’re scared, you’re angry, and you’re worried that no one will listen to your side of the story. Your fears are valid.

My name is Mr. Sris, and as the founder of the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., I have dedicated my career to handling the firm’s most challenging criminal and family law cases. 3 Domestic violence allegations are the most intense intersection of these two fields. Since 1997, our firm has provided a strategic, powerful defense for individuals facing these life-altering charges across Virginia, Maryland, D.C., New York, and New Jersey. 444 We are not here to judge you. We are here to dismantle the prosecution’s case and defend you.

 

We understand that every story has two sides. Arguments get heated, words are misunderstood, and sometimes, allegations are used as leverage in a divorce or custody battle. As your domestic violence defense attorney, our only job is to protect you. We are the domestic battery defense firm that meticulously investigates the facts, challenges the accuser’s narrative, and fights to protect your name, your freedom, and your future.

A Strategic Approach to Domestic Violence Defense

When you’re accused of domestic violence, the prosecution has already started building its case. You need a lawyer for domestic violence charges who can immediately begin building a counter-strategy. Our approach is proactive and comprehensive, designed to protect you at every stage. We serve clients across our five-state practice area, whether you need a New Jersey attorney for domestic violence cases or a DC lawyer for domestic violence charges.

Our defense strategy is built on key pillars:

  • Immediate Investigation: We don’t wait for the police report. We immediately begin our own investigation to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and document inconsistencies in the accuser’s story.
  • Challenging the Narrative: Domestic disputes are rarely black and white. We work to provide context, demonstrate mitigating factors, or show that your actions were in self-defense.
  • Protecting Your Rights: We ensure that law enforcement did not violate your constitutional rights during the investigation, arrest, or questioning.
  • Negotiation from Strength: As experienced litigators, we are always prepared for trial. This readiness allows us to negotiate with prosecutors from a position of power, often leading to reduced charges or even a full dismissal.

Defense Against Specific Charges & Protective Orders

Domestic violence is a broad term that covers many specific offenses. Each charge carries its own set of penalties and requires a unique defense strategy. As a seasoned attorney for domestic assault accusations, we have the experience to defend you against a range of charges and orders.

  • Assault and Battery: A charge of assault or battery against a family or household member is one of the most common. As your domestic battery lawyer, we will meticulously examine the evidence to challenge the prosecution’s claims about intent and injury.
  • Violation of a Protective Order: If a temporary or permanent protective order has been issued against you, any alleged violation can lead to a new criminal charge. A violation of a protective order lawyer from our firm can defend you against allegations of unlawful contact, which can be based on something as simple as a text message.
  • Restraining and Protective Orders: In states like New York and New Jersey, these orders have specific names like “Order of Protection” or “Temporary Restraining Order (TRO).” We provide a vigorous defense for alleged violations in all jurisdictions we serve, including defense for Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) violations in NJ.
  • Harassment and Stalking: These charges often hinge on the accuser’s subjective feelings. A criminal harassment lawyer or stalking charges defense attorney from our team will fight to show that your actions did not meet the legal definition of a crime.

The Critical Fight: Your Lawyer for False Domestic Violence Accusations

This is a reality that the legal system is often slow to acknowledge: not all accusations are true. Being falsely accused of domestic violence is a nightmare scenario. Allegations can be fabricated or exaggerated out of anger, jealousy, or to gain an advantage in a divorce or child custody case. When this happens, you aren’t just fighting a court case; you’re fighting for your reputation and your life.

Our firm is dedicated to providing a powerful defense against false allegations of abuse. We take a methodical approach to exposing the truth:

  • Investigating the Accuser: We look for motives to lie, a history of false claims, and contradictory statements made to police, friends, or on social media.
  • Uncovering Inconsistencies: We meticulously compare the accuser’s statements with physical evidence (or lack thereof), witness testimony, and digital evidence like text messages and emails.
  • Challenging the Protective Order: A protective order can be granted based on a one-sided story. As your attorney for a false restraining order, we are skilled at challenging a protective order in court by presenting your evidence and cross-examining the accuser.
  • Proving Your Innocence: Our ultimate goal is to move beyond “reasonable doubt” and actively work toward proving innocence in a domestic violence case. We build a comprehensive narrative that shows a judge or jury what really happened.

Navigating the Arrest and the Court Process

Being arrested for domestic violence is a confusing and terrifying experience. From the moment of the arrest, a series of legal events is set in motion. Understanding the domestic violence court process is the first step to regaining a sense of control.

  1. The Arrest and Booking: After an arrest, you will be taken to a police station, photographed, and fingerprinted. In most jurisdictions, you will be held until you can appear before a magistrate or judge.
  2. The No Contact Order: The judge will almost certainly issue a “no contact order” as a condition of your release. This means you cannot contact the alleged victim in any way—not by phone, text, email, or through a third party. A no contact order defense lawyer can help you understand the strict terms and defend you against any alleged violations.
  3. The Protective Order Hearing: The alleged victim may file for a protective order (or restraining order). This is a civil hearing, but it is critical. We provide representation at a protective order hearing to fight for your right to return home and see your children.
  4. The Criminal Case: Your criminal case will proceed separately. It may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of the alleged injury and your prior record. Whether you need misdemeanor domestic violence defense or a felony domestic violence defense lawyer, we have the experience to handle your case.

Our Accusation Response Plan™: A Practical Guide

From the moment you are accused, every action you take matters. To provide immediate clarity and strategic direction, we’ve developed our Accusation Response Plan™. This is our methodical process for seizing control of the narrative and building a powerful defense from day one.

  1. Immediate Preservation & Silence: The first step is to protect yourself. We instruct you on how to comply with any court orders, preserve all relevant evidence (texts, emails, photos), and, most importantly, exercise your right to remain silent. We take over all communication with law enforcement on your behalf.
  2. Evidence & Narrative Mapping: We conduct a deep-dive interview with you to understand the complete history and context of the relationship. We then map out a timeline and begin gathering evidence to support your side of the story, including identifying key witnesses and potential motives for false allegations.
  3. The Defense Blueprint: Based on our investigation, we provide you with a clear and honest assessment of your case. This blueprint outlines the specific charges, the evidence against you, the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution’s case, and the strategic legal paths we can take, from filing motions to dismiss to preparing for trial.
  4. Strategic Execution & Advocacy: With the blueprint as our guide, we execute the defense. We represent you at the protective order hearing, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, negotiate with the district attorney, and, if necessary, powerfully argue your case before a judge or jury.

Strategic Pathways to a Favorable Outcome

Our goal is to achieve the best possible result, whether that’s a dismissal, an acquittal at trial, or a favorable plea agreement that minimizes the consequences. Our approach is never one-size-fits-all; it’s tailored to the specific facts of your case.

  • Challenging the Evidence: We meticulously scrutinize all of the prosecution’s evidence. Were photos taken? Do the alleged injuries match the accuser’s story? Are there eyewitnesses, or is it a “he said, she said” case? We look for every weakness to exploit.
  • Exposing Ulterior Motives: In cases of false allegations, we work to expose the accuser’s motive. Is there a contentious divorce or child custody battle? We bring these related issues to the court’s attention to show that the accusations may be a tactic rather than the truth.
  • Negotiating a Dismissal or Reduction: Often, we can present our evidence and witness testimony to the prosecutor before trial. By demonstrating the weaknesses in their case, we can sometimes persuade them to drop the charges or reduce them to a non-domestic violence offense, thereby avoiding a criminal record for domestic violence.
  • Asserting Self-Defense: If you were defending yourself from an attack, we can build a powerful self-defense case. We work to show that your actions were a reasonable and necessary response to the threat you were facing.

Case Result Showcase: Our Advocacy in Action

While past results do not guarantee future outcomes, these anonymized results from Virginia and Maryland courts demonstrate our commitment to defending our clients and achieving favorable resolutions in highly sensitive cases.

  • Court: PRINCE WILLIAM GENERAL DISTRICT COURT | Charge: Assault & Battery-Family Member | Result: DISMISSED. This is the best possible outcome in a domestic violence case, resulting in no criminal record and a full exoneration for our client.
  • Court: LOUDOUN COUNTY JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT | Charge: Assault | Result: DISMISSED. Our advocacy led to the complete dismissal of this assault charge against our client.
  • Court: MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD DISTRICT COURT | Charge: Prostitution-General Provisions | Result: DISMISSED. This dismissal in a sensitive Maryland case protected our client’s reputation and preserved their clean record.
  • Court: FAIRFAX COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT | Charge: Possession of Schedule I/II Drug | Result: DISMISSED. We secured a full dismissal of a felony drug charge, helping our client avoid a conviction and all associated penalties.
  • Court: FAIRFAX COUNTY GENERAL DISTRICT COURT | Charge: Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) | Result: REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING. By negotiating this reduction, we allowed our client to avoid a DWI conviction and its mandatory penalties.

Overcoming Common Hesitations: Why You Must Act Immediately

When you’re accused, it’s easy to feel paralyzed. But inaction is the single biggest mistake you can make. The system is already moving against you.

  • “Maybe my partner will just drop the charges.” This is a dangerous misconception. In most states, once the police are involved, the decision to prosecute belongs to the state (the prosecutor), not the alleged victim. Even if the accuser recants, the state can still proceed with the charges.
  • “If I hire a lawyer, it will make things worse or look aggressive.” The opposite is true. Hiring a lawyer is the only way to protect yourself. It shows you are taking the situation seriously. It stops you from making mistakes, like violating a no-contact order, and it puts a professional barrier between you and the accuser.
  • “I can just explain my side of the story to the police or prosecutor.” Do not do this. You have a right to remain silent—use it. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Your “explanation” can give the prosecution the evidence they need to convict you. All communication should go through your attorney.
  • “It was just a misunderstanding. It will blow over.” An accusation of domestic violence never just “blows over.” It results in a criminal record, potential jail time, fines, mandatory counseling, and the loss of firearm rights. The consequences are severe and permanent if you do not mount a proper defense.

Glossary of Common Domestic Violence Terms

  • Protective Order / Restraining Order: A civil court order that prohibits a person from having contact with, harassing, or coming within a certain distance of another person. It can also grant temporary custody and force a person to leave their home.
  • No Contact Order: A condition of bail or release in a criminal case that forbids any and all contact (direct or indirect) with the alleged victim. Violating it is a separate crime.
  • Complainant / Alleged Victim: The person who made the accusation of domestic violence.
  • Respondent / Defendant: The person who has been accused of domestic violence and is responding to the charges or the protective order petition.
  • Dismissal: A decision by the prosecutor or a judge to drop the criminal charges. This is the most favorable outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Proving innocence involves a proactive defense. This includes gathering evidence like text messages, emails, and witness testimony that contradicts the accuser's story. It also involves exposing inconsistencies in their statements and highlighting any motives they may have to lie, such as gaining an advantage in a child custody case.

While the accuser's wishes are considered, they do not have the final say. The prosecutor represents the state and can continue with the case even if the accuser wants to drop it. This is done to prevent coercion, but it can also trap an innocent person in the system.

The consequences are severe and can include jail time, fines, probation, mandatory batterer's intervention programs, a permanent criminal record, loss of the right to own a firearm under federal law, and negative impacts on employment, housing, and child custody arrangements.

First, read the order carefully and comply with every single term immediately. Do not contact the other person for any reason. Second, contact a domestic violence defense lawyer right away. You have a very short window of time to prepare for the court hearing where you can challenge the order and fight to have it dismissed.

Yes. Our firm has attorneys licensed to practice in Virginia, Maryland, D.C., New York, and New Jersey. 5 We frequently handle cases for clients who live in one state but are facing charges in another, providing a seamless and experienced defense across jurisdictions.

Your Defense Starts with a Single Phone Call

The system is already working against you. You cannot afford to wait. The actions you take in the next 24 hours can dramatically impact the rest of your life. It’s time to put a shield between you and the prosecution.

Call the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. today at 888-437-7747 for a confidential case assessment. We are here to listen and to fight for you.

Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Using this site or communicating with the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. through this site does not form an attorney/client relationship. Please be aware that past results do not predict future outcomes as each case is unique.