Most judges decide on the punishment to offer domestic violence suspects depending on the severity of the crime and past convictions. Therefore, if you're facing serious charges, you might get a longer probation period or longer jail time. For example, if your domestic violence includes a sex offence, you might get a harsh judgment if convicted. Every physical abuse case can have serious immediate and future consequences. Therefore, you may want to consult with a criminal defence lawyer to help you avoid the following impacts a conviction might cause in your life.  

Appearing in Court

You might miss work to appear in court if you're charged with domestic violence. Unfortunately, your employer may learn of your offence and decide to terminate your contract. Your landlord may also get eviction orders against you if they learn that you have assaulted your partner. In addition, getting a loan or credit card might be challenging if your name appears on criminal records. The best way to avoid these issues is by hiring an attorney immediately after arrest. They will negotiate a pre-bargain agreement with the prosecuting lawyer to prevent you from appearing in court, which could damage your reputation.

Getting a Maximum Sentence

You might get a maximum sentence if you used a weapon to assault your partner. Your judgment will depend on your weapon and the injuries you caused. For instance, if you used a gun or a sharp tool, the prosecuting attorney might prefer additional charges against you. They might include assault with a deadly weapon even if you didn't shoot your loved one. A legal advisor can be very helpful when facing a domestic charge involving aggravating factors. They will argue your case in court to convince the judge that your offence does not deserve a harsh penalty.

Getting Court Injunctions

There is a possibility that your partner will seek the court's protection when you abuse them. For example, they might request the judge to prohibit you from visiting their house or communicating with them. Such orders might keep you away from your children, hurting your relationship. This explains the importance of contacting a legal advisor immediately after your partner files an abuse case against you. They will evaluate your issue and develop effective defences that will persuade the judge that you're not a violent person. For example, they will table your records to prove that you have never been charged with assault. Therefore, they will request the jury not restrict you from spending time with your children.  

If your partner sues you for assaulting them, you will require a strong defence to counter the accusations. That is why you should consider working with a legal criminal defence lawyer. They will know the arguments to raise to get you a lenient judgment in your case. For more information, contact a law service such as Smart Criminal Lawyer.