Bronx Domestic Violence

Sadly, the crime of domestic violence is all too common. These offenses happen with such frequency that special courtrooms have been created to better handle these types of cases. A Bronx Domestic Violence Lawyer from our team can explain that there are very complex laws and procedural issues that surround these offenses. Because of this, many jurisdictions not only in New York but across the country have created integrated domestic violence (IDV) courtrooms, which will handle both the criminal and family law matters that can arise in a single case. Some may not be aware, but there is no actual crime called domestic violence. Rather, this term is used to describe a variety of related offenses that can include Rape, assault, harassment, stalking and other Sex Crimes. If you or a loved one has been involved in domestic violence matter, it is important to ensure that your legal rights are protected. Contact the team at the law offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC for guidance.

A domestic violence offense occurs when a criminal act takes place between two people that share a blood relationship, intimate relationship or live together. The integrated domestic violence courtroom combines standard legal punishments with newer, more innovative programs that have been created to rehabilitate the parties and prevent another problem from occurring. Some of these new programs include individual and couples counseling, anger management and parenting classes. The goal of the IDV courtroom is to streamline the legal process, and prevent needless overlap and mistakes from occurring.

If you or a family member has been arrested, a Bronx Domestic Violence Lawyer from our legal team can tell you that the arrest process is similar to other crimes, though there are a few differences. After the defendant has been arrested, the police will request that the victim complete a Domestic Violence Incident Report (DIR). This report is used by police and investigators to determine the facts of the case. These reports can be written by the victim, or the police will complete it and request that the victim sign it. These reports are used even if the defendant was not arrested, and are used by investigators to gain information. It is important to seek legal guidance before you sign one of these reports. Once the document is signed, it is very difficult to change any information on the report.

Being accused of these types of crimes is extremely upsetting. Even when the accusations are false, they are damaging to the accused personal and professional relationships. Unfortunately, if you have been falsely accused, the police are very reluctant to allow a new complaint by you, because it appears to be retaliatory in nature.

To ensure that your legal interests are protected, our legal team suggested the following steps if you have been involved in a domestic violence incident:

1. Take Photos: Whether you are the accused or the victim, pictures are important to your case. Cell phones are great for this purpose.
2. Collect Contact Information: If there were any witnesses to the incident, obtain their contact information. Their testimony can be very important down the road.
3. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you are sure you are hurt, it is always good to be checked out by a doctor. This also serves to document any injuries you may have sustained.

Whether you have been charged with Assault, rape, endangering the welfare of a child or stalking, contact us today for assistance at 800.696.9529. We will provide you with sound legal guidance and a free consultation. We have office locations in the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island. We also have locations in Nassau County and Suffolk County on Long Island and Westchester County to serve you.