Domestic violence is a serious matter that impacts thousands of men and women each year. As much as we would like to think that no one would ever falsely accuse someone of such a serious crime, false accusations of domestic violence are not at all uncommon. Some accusations are completely made-up stories from start to finish, while others are exaggerated versions of incidents that occurred. In any case, a false allegation can result in a wrongful conviction that could ruin someone’s life.
Why would someone lie about domestic violence?
It is hard to imagine why someone would purposely make up a lie that could destroy someone’s future. However, the person claiming to be a victim may be trying to:
- Get revenge on their ex/partner.
- Prevent their ex/partner from moving on with someone else.
- Destroy their ex’s/partner’s reputation, relationships, and/or career.
- Get attention or sympathy from friends and family.
- Prevent their ex from getting custody of their child.
- Acquire a more favorable divorce settlement (spousal support/marital property).
What should I do if I have been falsely accused?
Defending against criminal charges related to domestic violence in Florida can be a challenge. However, an experienced criminal defense attorney in your area will take the necessary steps to prove that the allegations against you are false. Your attorney will likely use at least some of the following evidence to build your case:
- Evidence of interactions/relationship between you and your accuser (e.g., text messages, e-mails, voicemails, social media posts, phone records).
- Testimony from character witnesses to establish the type of person you are and the type of person that the alleged victim is.
- Witnesses to the alleged incident (if any).
- Alibi to show that you were not with the victim at the time of the alleged incident and therefore could not have committed the crime.
- Victim’s medical records to establish that the alleged victim’s injuries were not caused by the alleged incident or that the alleged victim did not seek medical treatment after the alleged incident.
False accusations of domestic violence could have long-term effects on a person’s life. If you have been accused of domestic violence, consulting with an attorney as soon as possible can give you the best chance to successfully prove your innocence.
