Sometimes police show up at a couple’s home because one person is a violent abuser and the other is a victim, unable to protect themselves or get to safety without help. But it isn’t always like that. Sometimes the cops show up because an argument gets heated, emotions run high, and the neighbors worry because they’re afraid of what might happen if a fight gets out of hand.
Other times they show up because one person calls for help, not because they’re actually in any danger, but simply because they know the threat of involving the law and making false allegations of violence is a way to manipulate and control your partner. Why? Because here in Lansing, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids and Midland, domestic violence is taken very seriously. In fact all over Michigan, courts do not take domestic violence cases lightly.
Domestic violence is handled differently from other ‘assault’ crimes
Although domestic violence is considered to be an assaultive crime, it’s not handled the same way as other assault crimes here in Michigan. For starters, in most cases the police need a warrant to arrest someone. But not in a domestic violence situation. An officer can show up at your home because someone is claiming that you threatened them, or pushed them or hit them.
There doesn’t have to be any evidence of violence, or any injury caused by a fight, and they can still arrest you and take you to jail. Another way this crime is handled differently is when it comes to the rules of evidence. Michigan’s regular rules of evidence say that it’s not legal to use past criminal convictions to prove a bad track record in court. But prior domestic violence convictions are allowed as evidence of a pattern of bad conduct. And the more convictions you have for domestic assault, the harsher the penalties will get!
What if my spouse is lying and I never hit them or hurt them?
This is a really tricky situation, and one that we encounter frequently in counties all over the lower peninsula of Michigan. We’ve tried these cases in Eaton County, Oakland County, Jackson County and in Tuscola County. Because even threatening to hurt someone, or pushing them out of the way counts as ‘assault’. Anyone can claim to have been shoved, tripped, threatened or grabbed and they aren’t required to offer any evidence to support their claim. This means they can easily make false allegations against you to the cops, and there’s nothing you can do to stop them from lying. Sometimes these lies are even used in child custody cases.
You could be arrested and charged based solely on the word of an angry or manipulative partner. A partner who plans to file for divorce, and wants an edge when it comes to child custody. Or a partner who is resentful about something you said or did, and wants a way to get back at you. Or simply a partner looking for attention, or a way to create drama.
How do I protect myself from being convicted of domestic abuse?
Obviously, there isn’t much you can do if someone calls the cops because you got into a fight with your partner. And if your spouse calls the cops on you during a disagreement, well, you can’t control that either. But you’re not completely helpless in this situation. You have rights, and you have access to some of the best criminal defense attorneys in Michigan. So shut up, lawyer up, and take control of your future.
At The Kronzek Firm, our aggressive criminal defense team has successfully helped many people to fight false allegations of domestic abuse over the decades. We understand that there are always two sides to every story, and that people aren’t always what they seem. Don’t let your future be destroyed by a misunderstanding, or worse – a manipulative spouse. If you live in Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, or Okemos or anywhere in the lower peninsula of Michigan, call 866 766 5245 (866 7NoJail) today, and let us help you take back control of your life.