The breakdown of a marriage can be utterly devastating, making you rethink past choices. Unfortunately, if you are facing a domestic violence charge, your risk of losing custody of your child significantly increases. This will apply even for a misdemeanor charge. As if that is not enough, a domestic violence charge can impact your ability to find a job, further destroying your life.
At Eppes & Plumblee, our domestic violence lawyers in Greenville, SC, are committed to protecting your custody and employment rights. The first step is to do everything within your power to fight the charges against you to avoid a conviction. If you have recently been charged with domestic violence, our legal team will provide you with the necessary defense strategies to safeguard your future.
How Domestic Violence Charges Affect Child Custody
A sure-fire way to lose custody of your children is to be charged with domestic violence. A domestic violence charge will cause a judge to question your suitability to parent. To be charged with domestic violence in South Carolina, you and the victim must either be married, formerly married, live together, have previously lived together, or share a child.
What Qualifies as Domestic Violence Under South Carolina Law
Attempting to harm someone by slapping, kicking, punching, or otherwise physically harming the victim can result in a domestic assault charge. Even if the charge is based on false accusations, it is important that you have experienced counsel by your side to refute the allegations.
The Impact of Domestic Violence Charges on Employment Opportunities
Employers are hesitant to hire someone with a domestic violence charge. Alternatively, a domestic violence charge will prevent you from applying for certain jobs, primarily relating to jobs that require the use of firearms, as well as education and childcare positions. Under federal law, individuals who have been convicted of domestic assault will be prohibited from entering the military or pursuing a job in law enforcement.
Other Rights Affected by a Domestic Violence Charge
In addition to your child custody and employment rights being affected, a domestic violence charge can prevent you from finding suitable housing. A domestic violence charge (even if it is dismissed) will come up on a background check. However, a landlord may not deny you a rental based on dismissed charges.
Even so, they may deny you housing based on a domestic assault conviction if they believe that you pose a risk to the safety of other tenants. If you believe that you have been unfairly denied housing due to a domestic violence charge, it is crucial that you speak with a domestic violence attorney.
Fighting for Your Rights
Whether you have been denied a job, housing, or custody of your children, a domestic violence attorney can be of assistance to you. A domestic violence lawyer will assess the evidence against you while gathering information to demonstrate your rehabilitation. Moreover, the denial is more likely to be reversed if you can show that you are remorseful. If your rights were unlawfully denied, then your attorney will challenge the legality of the act in court.
Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers Serving Greenville, SC
A domestic violence charge should be taken seriously. Even if the accusations against you are fabricated, retaining an experienced domestic violence lawyer will give you the greatest likelihood of having the charges dismissed or dropped.
At Eppes & Plumblee, our legal team is proud to represent the interests of the hardworking individuals of Greenville, South Carolina. To schedule your confidential case review with one of our domestic violence lawyers, contact us online or call (864) 581-3450.