b'Defending a Charge of Domestic ViolenceCharged with Domestic Violence Battery can be a scary experience. For one, the allegation alone carries a negative moral stigma. People immediately assume the accused is a wife beater, when often that is not the case. The accused may have to deal with negative consequences from their employer. Second, the accused may face more jail time. Last, the accused risks losing their constitutional right to own or possess a gun. The Constitution guarantees the presumption of innocence. However, most feel they are presumed guilty and must prove their innocence. This is where a good criminal defense team comes into play. The defense lawyer helped by a criminal investigator and the accused client must diligently prepare by gathering the facts and evidence to defend the case.DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS AN EMOTIONALLY COMPLICATED CHARGE. THERE ARE SEVERAL DEFENSES TO A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE BATTERY: 1) the accused was acting in self-defense, 2) the accused never physically touched the alleged victim, 3) if there was physical touching, it was accidental, 4) the accused put their hands on another family member or romantic partner to protect another personthis is called the defense of others, or 5) no domestic relationship existed between the accused and the alleged victim. Every case is different, and the facts of each case will reveal the defense that needs to be used. The goal with every Domestic Violence Battery is to fight for a dismissal of the case or reduced to a lesser charge, like Disturbing the Peace. This can frequently be done without taking the case to trial by negotiating with the prosecutor. However, sometimes the negotiations fail. At this point the case will proceed to a jury trial, or if waived, the judge alone will decide. The prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt the accused is guilty. The defense lawyer may cross examine the prosecutions witnesses and call their own witnesses. And the accused may testify if they so choose. The goal at trial is to have the accused found not guilty by the jury or judge.People often ask the question, What if the alleged victim doesnt want to press charges anymore, can the case just be dropped? The answer is no because it is not the alleged victim pressing charges. It is the State of Nevada through the prosecutors office prosecuting an alleged crime unlawful to the State. Once the police get involved and someone is arrested, there is not much the alleged victim can do to stop the process.The best defense lies in showing the prosecutor, judge and jury the real story behindwhat took place.30'