Suffolk County
Domestic Violence Lawyer
Suffolk County Domestic Violence Attorney
Suffolk County couples often enjoy wine tours on the North Fork, a short ferry ride to Fire Island, or spending the day exploring Lavender by the Bay. However, if your relationship is shattered by a domestic violence accusation, you need a skilled Suffolk County domestic violence lawyer to guide your next steps.
Why Clients Trust Us
If you’re accused of domestic violence, you need to take action to limit the potential damage to your personal and professional life. The Law Offices of Robert Tsigler understand the importance of taking swift action against these types of allegations. Our knowledgeable criminal defense team has decades of experience working with cases such as yours. Our multilingual team is available day and night to work on your case.
Named the Top 10 Under 40 by the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys and the Top 40 Under 40 by the National Trial Lawyers Association, our team is nationally recognized. With experience in both federal and state courtrooms, we’re ready to put our skills to work fighting for your freedoms. Don’t settle when it comes to your future.
Domestic Violence in Suffolk County
In the United States, over 12 million people experience intimate partner violence every year. Generally referred to as domestic violence, these charges include physical, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse between intimate family members, often spouses, children, or parents.
Information about domestic violence victimization is collected by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. In 2023, for Suffolk County, intimate partner violence data collected from the Uniform Crime Reporting System showed that female victims reported:
- 145 aggravated assaults
- 2,543 simple assaults
- 21 sex offenses
- 235 protection order violations
Male victims reported:
- 39 aggravated assaults
- 721 simple assaults
- One sex offense
- 29 protection order violations
Additionally, other family members reported:
- 143 aggravated assaults
- 1,854 simple assaults
- 17 sex offenses
- 154 protection order violations
In total, Suffolk County saw 327 aggravated assaults, 5,118 simple assaults, 39 sex offenses, and 418 protection order violations between intimate family members.
How Arrests Differ in Domestic Violence Cases
Being arrested for any crime can be a harrowing experience. Typically, after your arrest, an arraignment hearing is scheduled, during which a plea can be entered and bail is set. As soon as you are arrested, you have the right to hire a domestic violence lawyer.
In a domestic violence case, the individual filing the complaint is asked to complete a Domestic Incident Report (DIR) with details of the complaint. These reports are filed and accessible to law enforcement and prosecutors, including any previous reports filed. Domestic violence laws consider domestic violence cases criminal, meaning once a complaint has been filed, prosecution can proceed even if the complaint is later retracted.
Domestic Violence Legal Strategies in Suffolk County
A skilled domestic violence attorney knows the applicable domestic violence laws and how they may be leveraged to have charges reduced or dropped completely. Depending on the facts of your case, possible legal strategies could include:
- False accusations. The defense may argue that the accusation is false or was falsely made in an attempt to punish the accused.
- Self-defense. The defense may present evidence that the alleged violence occurred as a result of self-defense or while defending another person.
- Victim’s character. If the defense can prove the alleged victim has a history of making false statements, the current accusations may be more heavily scrutinized.
- Insufficient evidence. The prosecution bears the burden of proof when it comes to domestic violence cases. If there is not enough evidence, the burden of proof may not be met.
FAQs About Suffolk County, NY Domestic Violence Laws
Can a Domestic Violence Conviction be Sealed in New York?
Yes, certain types of domestic violence convictions can be sealed in New York after a decade has passed. Except in cases of violent felonies, sex offenses, and serious felonies, your convictions can be sealed if you’ve had no more than two misdemeanors or one felony and one misdemeanor. You have to apply and be approved through the court system to have the convictions sealed. Federal, state, and local agencies, as well as qualified agencies, can still see the convictions.
What Is the Punishment for Domestic Violence in New York?
There is no set punishment for domestic violence in New York because domestic violence is a general term used to describe numerous charges when they are committed against an intimate partner. Potential charges are based on the severity of the charges. An experienced attorney can provide guidance on possible charges after examining the facts of the case.
What Evidence Is Used in Domestic Violence Cases?
What evidence is used in a domestic violence case varies based on the specific charges of the case. Any evidence collected lawfully may be submitted and used if the case goes to trial. Common types of evidence include eyewitness testimony, medical or psychological reports, statements made to police or other officials, and physical or scientific evidence collected.
Is Emotional Abuse Considered Domestic Violence?
Yes, emotional abuse is one of the types of domestic violence recognized by New York State’s Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence. Other types of domestic violence include cultural, psychological, financial, physical, sexual, spiritual, and technological abuse. Domestic violence also includes exerting dominance or privilege, isolating, stalking, threats, coercion, intimidation, or using children and pets as tools of control.
How Much Can an Attorney Charge for a Domestic Violence Case?
There is no standard charge when hiring an attorney in a domestic violence case. Attorneys typically charge a retainer fee upfront and bill hourly as they work on your case. Hourly rates vary by the severity of your charge, the complexity of the case, and the experience of the attorney. Felony domestic violence cases are typically more expensive than misdemeanor domestic violence cases.
Hire a Domestic Violence Lawyer
During this difficult time in your life, it’s important to have a team you can trust to work in earnest on your behalf. At the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, we’re ready to fight for you. Our multilingual team can represent you and your interests. We’re available 24/7, so you don’t have to wait. Contact us now for a confidential consultation.
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The Domestic Violence Law firm of Robert Tsigler, PLLC is Ready to Fight for You!
Getting representation as soon as possible following any Domestic Violence -related charge is the best way to promote a positive result from a subsequent trial. These charges are considered very serious and can result in expensive fines, the loss of driving privileges or professional licenses, and even incarceration. Only an experienced Suffolk County Domestic Violence lawyer can successfully defend your case.
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