Oakland County Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys

Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys in Oakland County

Facing accusations of domestic violence in Oakland County, Michigan? Your best defense is an attorney who is fearless and will never back down from protecting and defending you.

Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney Team

Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys in Oakland County

Are you facing accusations of domestic violence in Oakland County, Michigan? Oakland County prosecutors are notorious for being aggressive, and the judges can be unduly harsh. Your best defense is an Oakland County domestic violence defense attorney who is fearless and will never back down from protecting and defending you.

Domestic Violence Charges in Oakland County

If you are accused of domestic violence in Oakland County, the situation is serious; however, there is no reason to panic. There is a defense in every case, either to the allegation or a harsh sentence, and there is always a way to improve our client’s situation. Oakland County judges and prosecutors are notorious for being tough on domestic assault and abuse cases. They may not want you to know that there are various defenses to domestic assault charges, and a savvy, aggressive domestic violence lawyer may be able to get charges dismissed or reduced. Also, jail is not mandatory in domestic violence cases, even if there are prior convictions or allegations.

Domestic violence means an assault or battery on another person who lives in the same home or someone with whom the accused has had a child or a dating relationship. Examples may include a spouse, girlfriend, boyfriend, child, or parent. A person can be charged and convicted of domestic violence in Oakland County even if there is no injury, no third-party witness, and no evidence other than the accusation. An aggressive, talented, and fearless defense lawyer can assess the strength of the evidence and determine what defenses may be available.

False Accusations of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a severe problem in our community, and there are far too many instances of people using force, violence, or other forms of intimidation to harm others. Actual acts of domestic violence are unjustifiable, and punishment of some type, such as therapy and anger management counseling, may be appropriate. On the other hand, there are instances where people make false allegations of domestic violence. Making a false allegation is monstrous, and lies such as these should be investigated, prosecuted, and punished. A person making a false allegation may do so for any of the following reasons:

  • to gain an advantage in a divorce or custody dispute,
  • to get possession of a home or other property,
  • to set up a lawsuit for money,
  • to get revenge for some perceived slight,
  • because of a misunderstanding or accidental physical contact,
  • because of misperception due to drug or alcohol abuse, or
  • to escape responsibility for starting a physical altercation or committing a physical assault.

The Defense Team with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. has decades of experience successfully defending and protecting clients falsely accused of domestic violence. We have a team of Oakland County domestic violence defense attorneys who know how to get charges dismissed, and if necessary, take a case to trial and win. We never manipulate clients into accepting responsibility or pleading guilty when they are innocent. We will fight to win your case, and we will do everything possible to achieve an acquittal or dismissal of all charges.

Neither Jail nor Prison is Required

Over the past several decades, our attorneys have represented thousands of clients on assault allegations, including countless domestic violence cases. When an assault occurs, a defendant may be anxious about jail, loss of employment, loss of custody, deportation (for those who are not citizens of the United States), and much more. Even in these cases, there are various ways a seasoned, knowledgeable defense lawyer may still be able to prevent a conviction and keep your record clean.

The attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. are consistently successful in finding ways to help clients avoid jail, even clients with prior records. The secret is to develop a credible plan to persuade a judge that jail is unnecessary and that it is better to focus on rehabilitation. In some cases, there is a one-time incident precipitated by a loss of temper, overuse of alcohol or drugs, or some other reason that is not likely ever to be repeated. Under these circumstances, the defense lawyer’s job is to persuade the court to focus on sentencing options other than jail. The experienced attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. can help you take proactive, beneficial measures to mitigate the judge’s sentence.

Domestic Violence Penalties in Oakland County, Michigan

The possible maximum sentence for domestic violence in Oakland County will depend on the allegations and any prior record. Here are the most common charges related to domestic violence situations.

Domestic Violence Offenses

Maximum Penalties


1st Offense Domestic Violence

93 days in jail, and up to 2 years of probation

2nd Offense Domestic Violence

1 year in jail, and up to 2 years of probation

3rd Offense Domestic Violence

5 years in prison, and up to 5 years on probation

Aggravated Domestic Violence

1 year in jail, and up to 2 years of probation

Domestic Strangulation

10 years in prison, and up to 5 years of probation

Domestic Assault with a Weapon

4 years in prison, up to 5 years of probation

Assault with Intent to Do Great Bodily Harm

10 years in prison, up to 5 years of probation


Bond and Bail – How to stay out of jail!

It is of the utmost importance that a defendant charged in Oakland County with domestic violence be free on bail or bond. Statistically, defendants who remain in jail while their case goes through the court system get a harsher sentence. You should never appear for arraignment without an outstanding domestic violence defense lawyer who has a track record of achieving low and personal bonds in the Oakland County Circuit Court and the various Oakland County district courts.

Defenses to Domestic Violence in Oakland County

Although a conviction for domestic violence in Oakland County does not require an injury or even any corroborating evidence, some defenses can result in a dismissal of charges or an acquittal at trial. Examples of domestic violence defenses include:

  • actual innocence (false accusation),
  • accident, and
  • self-defense.

A person can use reasonable force to defend themselves if it reasonably appears that they are at risk of being assaulted. Even a man can use force to protect himself from a woman if it appears to him that defending himself is necessary under the circumstances. Any force used in self-defense must be reasonable under the circumstances. A defendant does not have to prove he was defending himself; the prosecution must disprove self-defense.

Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney

Oakland County Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers

If you face domestic violence allegations, all hope is not lost, and we can find a way to help you. It seems in many cases that jail may be unavoidable, or some important part of life is at risk, such as a marriage, custody, a job, firearm rights, or a professional license. Our experience with defending these charges is that there is always hope, and we are almost always able to help a client achieve an extraordinary result. If you contact the Domestic Violence Defense Team with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., we will take the time to talk with you, answer your questions, address your concerns, and we will work with you to find a way to get the best outcome possible. When you tell us your priorities, they become our priorities, and we will do everything we can to ensure those things vital to you are protected.

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete a Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.

We will find a way to help you and, most importantly,
we are not afraid to win!

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