Domestic violence is both a crime and a civil violation. If domestic violence caused you injuries that required medical attention, or caused you property damage, then the law may hold your abuser criminally responsible for the harm they caused. This can result in prosecution and even imprisonment of the abuser in some cases. Here, you are going to learn on the roles of a Virginia domestic violence lawyer, go now.
Who is a Virginia Domestic Violence Lawyer?
A domestic violence lawyer is a lawyer who practices exclusively in the area of domestic violence legislation and litigation. A domestic law firm can be well suited to handle this type of litigation, as they have legal training beyond what is typically required by a person who deals exclusively in domestic violence.
What are the Roles of a Domestic Violence Lawyer?
- Help you obtain orders of protection
In some cases, the victim may seek a restraining order to protect them from further abuse by their abuser. The court will grant this order if it finds that someone is in danger of being harmed by their abuser, or if the abuser is trying to intimidate or control the victim. If the abuser has been threatening to hurt him or her, getting a restraining order may be helpful in preventing the abuser from hurting the victim. A domestic violence lawyer can help the victim get a protective order.
- Get evidence for domestic violence cases
A domestic violence attorney can provide you with assistance in building your case when you want to file charges against your abuser. The attorney can also work with you to ensure that you have any evidence that you need in your case, such as photos of injuries and written statements from witnesses who heard threats against you. You can also get assistance from your attorney in gathering evidence that can be used to prove that you are the victim of abuse.
iii. Work with the prosecution to enforce protection orders
A domestic violence lawyer may help you obtain a protective order, but may also help you enforce these orders when the abuser violates them. You will want to cooperate with your attorney. If you fail to do so or refuse to testify in court when necessary, it may be possible for the abuser to get back visitation rights or even custody as a result of your actions.
- Make settlements in domestic violence cases
The lawyer can help you make a settlement with an abuser for the expenses that you have to pay as a result of your injuries or property damage. In some cases, the abuser may be required to pay full restitution for your expenses or may have to pay a portion of them.
- Assist you with criminal and civil actions
In many cases, the abuser can be held criminally liable and civilly liable for their actions against you. Your lawyer can help you file a civil suit against your abuser when you want to, and he or she can also assist you with criminal charges in cases where the abuser is prosecuted in a court of law.
By hiring a qualified Virginia domestic violence lawyer, you are able to gain critical support from a legal professional. In some cases, it could be possible for the abuser to get back visitation of your children or custody of them if your unwillingness to cooperate with the court leads to their return. For example, if you do not cooperate with the court when it is trying to determine whether or not you have been abused by your abuser, then the court may find in favor of your abuser and grant him or her the custody of your children against you.
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