Domestic violence stands apart from any other type of aggressive or threatening behavior alleged.
It's not just about the alleged act.
It's not just about the restraining order or criminal charges your accuser is seeking.
In fact, it may not really be about them at all.
It's about the divorce / spousal support or child custody / child support case that's going on or ... heads up ... coming your way.
The advantage - or perceived advantage - to be gained - or lost.
It's about the relationship.
The mindgames and emotions.
The power and control.
In short, domestic violence is much more complex and context-sensitive than any other crime of violence, or any other aggressive or threatening behavior that a court can enter money judgments about or prohibit by an order.
A criminal lawyer's sole focus will be to “beat the rap”.
Even a divorce lawyer's sole focus will almost always be simply “beating the restraining order”.
Of course, those objectives are crucial and, frankly, they go without saying.
But, whether you realize it or not right now, that's only half the job you need done … maybe less.
You're in a real mess.
You need a lawyer who will do the entire job that needs to be done.
One who truly grasps your problem, your immediate problem and the larger context that is your bigger, longer term problem.
That's very helpful even in preparing for your domestic violence trial.
But it's absolutely essential for the kind of family court case you're in for.
You need a lawyer who can plot your entire course and steer you right from this moment forward, through the end of your coming family case.
Who can peg your accuser just right from the get-go.
Who gets your big picture.
And cares how all your cases turn out for you in the end, not just your first case.
That's the key to achieving the right outcome in domestic violence court, criminal court and family court.
