Suffolk County Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

Trusted Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in Suffolk County

Domestic violence cases are extremely complex, which can make these charges overwhelming and stressful. These cases involve sensitive issues, close personal relationships, complex evidence, and several different domestic violence laws. Navigating a case alone is challenging. Fortunately, you do not have to do this alone. A Suffolk County domestic violence defense lawyer can guide you through the investigation and trial process.

Why Choose Greco Neyland, PC for a Skilled Suffolk County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Attorney Jeff Greco leads the NY office of Greco Neyland, PC. He has experience as an assistant district attorney and a prosecutor, which means he understands how New York prosecutors build cases against domestic violence offenders. He and his team deeply investigate each aspect of police conduct and the prosecution’s evidence to identify powerful defense strategies.

Jeff Greco has been honored as one of the top 100 trial lawyers in America and by Super Lawyers from 2020-2023. However, awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.

Types of Domestic Violence Offenses

Domestic violence offenses involve crimes against a current or former intimate partner, family member, or household member. Domestic violence covers a variety of offenses, each involving unique domestic violence laws and potential penalties. Some of the most common criminal charges include:

• Simple assault
• Aggravated assault
• Stalking
• Violating a protection order
• Rape and other sex crimes

In 2024, domestic violence cases involving simple or aggravated assault, protection order violations, or sex crimes reached 6,086 cases in Suffolk County. In the United States, almost one in two women and over four in 10 men have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner.

The Importance of Strong Domestic Violence Defense Strategies

The impact of a domestic violence conviction can be severe, including penalties such as jail time, fines, a permanent criminal record, and negative impacts on your family relationships and social reputation. A strong defense strategy can help you reduce the impact of domestic violence charges by achieving favorable outcomes such as reduced charges, dismissed charges, reduced penalties, or a not guilty verdict.

Domestic violence defense strategies can vary depending on the specific facts of a case. It is important to hire a domestic violence defense lawyer who can evaluate your specific case and pursue a defense that reflects the unique circumstances and evidence involved. Some common defenses include:

• Self-defense: If you acted to protect yourself or another person from imminent harm, you may be able to claim self-defense. You must be able to prove that you were facing an immediate threat, and that the level of force used was justifiable given the situation.
• Insufficient evidence: Prosecutors must prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. A Nassau County domestic violence defense lawyer can identify gaps in evidence or weaknesses to prove that there is not enough evidence to support a conviction.
• Mistaken identity: It is possible to be misidentified as the offender, especially if the environment where the offense occurred was dark or had low visibility, or if the victim was not in the right mental state to correctly identify the offender. In this situation, you may challenge whether there is enough evidence to prove you were involved, or present evidence that proves you were elsewhere, such as an alibi.
• False allegations: In some cases, accusations of domestic violence can arise during personal conflicts, contested divorces, child custody disputes, or other heated issues. A lawyer can gather evidence to prove your innocence and prove that the alleged victim was acting out of retaliation or anger rather than because of a true offense.
• Unreliable witness statements: Testimonial evidence, such as victim and witness statements, often plays a key role in domestic violence cases. However, they can be unreliable, such as if they contradict other evidence or are inconsistent. By challenging the credibility of these statements, the prosecution may not be able to rely on them for evidence.

FAQs

What Kind of Evidence Cannot Be Used in Court?

Evidence cannot be used against you in court if it was obtained illegally or can be proven unreliable. Evidence may be illegal if it was gathered through an unlawful search or seizure, coerced confession, or an interrogation made without informing you of your legal rights. Evidence can be unreliable if you are able to prove weaknesses or factual errors. For example, a witness statement that contradicts other evidence or mishandled DNA evidence.

What Percentage of Domestic Violence Cases Are Found Guilty?

Outside of New York City, about 50% of domestic violence cases are dismissed in New York. However, whether a case can be dismissed depends on the specific type of crime and the strength of the prosecution and defense. The higher dismissal rate is partly due to certain crimes being automatically dismissed to avoid unintended consequences on a family. However, dismissal can also happen for reasons such as insufficient evidence or constitutional violations.

How Long Does a Domestic Violence Conviction Stay on Your Record?

A domestic violence conviction generally remains on your criminal record permanently. Because of this, many convicted offenders have a difficult time finding housing, finding employment, obtaining certain professional licenses, or owning firearms. There can also be unwanted consequences on your personal relationships and immigration status.

A Suffolk County domestic violence defense attorney can explain the specific consequences on your life and build a defense strategy to help you avoid these penalties.

Will New York Press Charges for Domestic Violence?

Yes, in New York, prosecutors do press charges if they believe that there is sufficient evidence to prove that a domestic violence offense occurred. The district attorney makes the decision to prosecute these cases, not individual victims. A domestic violence case typically begins with an arrest, after which criminal charges are formally filed against you. From here, an investigation can reveal evidence that prosecutors can use to decide to continue a case.

Hire a Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer You Can Rely On

Greco Neyland, PC, is committed to providing aggressive and personalized criminal defense for individuals charged with domestic violence. Contact us to speak with a Suffolk County criminal defense lawyer about your case.