The Office of the District Attorney in New York City, quite appropriately, views a charge of Domestic Violence with the utmost seriousness. A New York City Domestic Violence Lawyer will explain that Domestic Violence can be a criminal act involving physical or sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or even economic abuse. And because of the grave impact a conviction can have on an individual's life, it is important to have the right team working for you. At Stephen Bilkis & Associates, you will find a New York City Criminal Lawyer who will doggedly defend your rights and your interests, from an initial free consultation through the conclusion of your case.

Domestic Violence occurs when someone is physically attacked or otherwise threatened by someone with whom they have a relationship—typically this is a person with whom they live. The criminal act can be assault, spousal abuse, menacing, child abuse or endangerment, harassment or stalking, criminal trespass, or a violation of a restraining order or order of protection. Assault is generally the most common type of Domestic Violence charge, and it is one that often relies on the version of the incident that the alleged victim volunteers to the authorities. This account may well be unverified by any other witnesses, and sometimes the victim recants their initial testimony. Be aware, though, that even if recanting occurs in your case, the Office of the District Attorney in New York City can nevertheless continue with prosecuting you.

Clearly, Domestic Violence cases pose unique challenges. If you have been charged with Domestic Violence in New York—whether it happens in Manhattan or another borough, from Queens to neighboring Brooklyn (Kings County), in Staten Island (Richmond County) or in the Bronx—you clearly need skilled and assertive legal representation. In New York City, a Domestic Violence case might end up both in Criminal Court and in Family Court, or it might only go to Criminal Court, depending on the relationship between the parties involved in the case and how the Office of the District Attorney files. Your New York City Domestic Violence Lawyer should have solid experience with both of these New York City courts, and should help you understand that Family Court is one that is a civil court, frequently issuing orders of protection, arranging counseling, or resolving issues around living arrangements and Child Custody. Alternatively, if you are arrested—or if an alleged victim reports an incident to the police and it is determined that grounds for the charges exist, even though you weren't arrested—you will be arraigned in Criminal Court.

Clearly, a single phone call to the New York City police can result in you landing in court on a Domestic Violence charge. Talk to a New York City Criminal Lawyer in our office right away if you find yourself in this situation: Dial 800-NY-NY-Law. You can meet with a New York City Domestic Violence Lawyer from Stephen Bilkis & Associates at no cost. We can also discuss other criminal behavior you may have been arrested for, such as Marijuana Possession or the crime of Petit Larceny. We will meet when it's convenient for you in the New York City borough of your choice, whether you are in Manhattan or across the bridge in Brooklyn, over in Queens, out on Staten Island, or up in the Bronx. If you prefer, meet us in our Suffolk County office on Long Island, or in the locations we have in Nassau County and in Westchester County.