Laura M. Boyd

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is abuse or threats of abuse when the person being abused and the abuser are currently in, or have been in, an intimate relationship (married or domestic partners, dating or used to date, live or lived together, are engaged or used to be engaged, or have a child together).  It is also when the abused person and the abuser are closely related by blood or by marriage.

 

Domestic violence laws say "abuse" is:

• Physically hurting or trying to hurt someone, intentionally or recklessly;

• Sexual assault;

• Making someone reasonably afraid that they or someone else are about to be seriously hurt (like threats or promises to harm someone);

• Behaviors like harassing, stalking, threatening, hitting, disturbing the peace, or destroying someone's personal property.

 

Physical abuse is not just hitting.  It can also be kicking, shoving, pushing, pulling hair, throwing things, following you, or keeping you from freely coming or going.  It can even include physical abuse to family pets.

 

Domestic violence is not always physical.  Abuse can be verbal, emotional, psychological, or financial as well.  Often, abuse takes many forms, and abusers use a combination of tactics to control and have power over the person they are abusing.

 

Have you been accused of domestic violence?

Every day people are falsely accused of committing domestic violence.  In many cases, it all comes down to the word of the accuser against the word of the accused.  An experienced attorney can help you build a defense against the accusations and present your arguments in court. 

 

If you have criminal charges pending, you should have an experienced attorney representing you in your family court case as well.  Anything you say in the family court can be used against you by the prosecutor in your criminal case.  Therefore, it is extremely important that you not say anything that could potentially incriminate you.  Having an attorney present who can speak for you in court is the best way to ensure that all of your rights are protected.

 

Attorney Laura M. Boyd has extensive experience representing people accused of domestic violence.  She can guide you through the court process and help you satisfactorily resolve your case.

 

Are you a victim of domestic violence?

If you or a loved one are the victim of domestic violence, there is help.  Attorney Laura M. Boyd is experienced in helping victims of domestic violence obtain restraining orders against their abusers.  For more information on restraining orders, visit our "Restraining Orders" page under "Family Law".