What should you do if you are arrested and charged with domestic violence in Ann Arbor, Michigan? Hire an experienced defense attorney right away.
The very first thing you absolutely must do is exercise your constitutional right to remain silent. Even if you are falsely accused, or the police are encouraging you to tell your side of the story, never make any statements without your attorney present.
ANYTHING you say that is incriminating can and will be used against you in court.
The next thing you need to do is exercise another legal right – your right to an attorney. If you are going to beat domestic violence charges, you need someone who specializes in these kinds of cases – an Ann Arbor, Michigan, domestic violence criminal defense lawyer.
Your best option is Blank Law, PC.
Were You Wrongfully Accused of Domestic Violence?
False allegations of domestic violence are a very real problem in society, and they happen for a variety of reasons. According to the Coalition to End Domestic Violence:
- Divorce – Roughly 1 out of every 4 divorces involves allegations of intimate partner violence.
- Approximately 70% of those allegations are false or unnecessary.
- Child Custody – Annually, 175,000 children are involved in divorce proceedings where there are false domestic violence allegations.
- In the state of Michigan, judges are advised to consider domestic violence when determining child custody.
- Jealousy – This happens when one partner wants to keep the other from seeing someone else.
- Revenge – When there have been relationship issues, one partner will often make false claims in order to hurt or punish the other.
- Control – Knowing how seriously authorities take domestic assault, some people will use the threat of pressing charges to control their partner.
According to George Mason University, women are far more likely to make false allegations of domestic violence against their male intimate partners than the other way around.
This is especially true in situations where women actually perpetrate violence against men. 73% of male victims of female-perpetrated violence report that their partners have threatened false accusations, compared to just 3% of men in the general population.
Of special relevance, although the preconception is that men are overwhelmingly the aggressors and that women are overwhelmingly the victims, studies have found that interpersonal violence happens almost equally – to 46% of men and 54% of women.
The right Ann Arbor domestic violence law firm can help you fight the false charges, stereotypes, and misconceptions that can hurt your case. For a free consultation, contact Blank Law, PC TODAY.
Consequences of Domestic Violence in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Many different behaviors can be prosecuted as acts of domestic violence – assault, battery, stalking, and sexual misconduct, just to name a few. Depending on your history and the circumstances, you could be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony.
But whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony, a domestic violence conviction is ALWAYS serious. Possible consequences include:
- Jail/Prison time: Up to 10 years
- Fine: Up to $5000, plus restitution
- Loss of child custody
- Suspension or supervision of visitation
- No mediation of disputes
- Restraining order, with criminal penalties for violations
- Exclusion from use of the home
- Anger management
- Mental health counseling
- Substance abuse treatment
- Loss of the right to own or possess a firearm
- Sexual offender registration
This is why you need an experienced domestic violence lawyer in Ann Arbor, Michigan, who will zealously fight for your rights and who will help you beat domestic assault charges.
Blank Law, PC – The Top Domestic Violence Law Firm in Ann Arbor
Nicole Blank Becker, the founding defense attorney of Blank Law, PC, has over 20 years of specialized experience, serving as both a Macomb County Assistant Prosecutor and as private counsel. Before reentering private practice, Nicole was the Chief of Macomb County Child Abuse and Sex Crimes units.
Criminal defense attorney Christopher Coyle has equally-impressive experience, working as a Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor for more than 30 years. Chris eventually advanced to Deputy Chief of the Special Victims Unit.
Because of their experience on both sides of the law, Nicole and Chris can anticipate the prosecution’s moves to provide you with the best domestic violence defense possible.
To discuss your case, Contact Nicole or Chris at Blank Law, PC TODAY for a free initial consultation.
Where Are Ann Arbor Domestic Violence Cases Tried?
Misdemeanors
Ann Arbor Justice Center
301 E Huron St
PO Box 8650
Ann Arbor, MI 48107
(734) 794-6750
Felonies
101 E Huron Street
Room 1108
Ann Arbor, MI 48107
(734) 222-3084
Ann Arbor Domestic Violence Judges
15th Judicial District Court
22nd Judicial Circuit Court
Honorable Tracy E. Van den Bergh
Washtenaw County Prosecutor
200 N Main
3rd Floor
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 222-6620
15th District Court and 22nd Circuit Court Parking
The primary parking lot for the 15th District Court in Ann Arbor is located on the northwest corner of the building. There is also street parking on the southwest corner.
The primary parking lot for the 22nd Circuit is to the south of the complex. There is also a parking structure nearby, at 159-198 W. Ann Street.
Nearby Restaurants
100 S. 4th Avenue
Suite 110
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206 E. Huron Street
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207 E. Washington Street
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Blue Nile Ethiopian Restaurant
221 E. Washington Street
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216 E. Washington Street