Domestic Violence Attorney De Pere, WI

Has a spouse, family member, or household member accused you of domestic abuse? Domestic abuse accusations can have devastating consequences for your rights, reputation, and future, as you may face civil restrictions and criminal penalties. However, an experienced defense attorney can help you protect your interests.

When you face domestic abuse allegations in De Pere, get skilled legal guidance and advocacy to fight for a positive outcome for your reputation and future. Contact J. Kippa Law, LLC, for a free case evaluation with a domestic abuse lawyer to discuss your options for resolving domestic abuse allegations.

Understanding Domestic Abuse Laws in De Pere

Under Wisconsin law, domestic abuse refers to any act committed by an adult against their spouse or former spouse, an adult with whom the person resides or previously resided, or an adult with whom the person shares a child, which results in:

  • Intentional infliction of physical pain, injury, or illness
  • Intentional impairment of physical condition
  • Sexual abuse
  • A physical act that causes or may cause the other person to fear imminent intentional infliction of pain, injury, or illness, intentional impairment of physical condition, or sexual abuse

Various acts or criminal conduct may constitute domestic violence, such as:

  • Assault and battery
  • Sexual assault
  • Harassment
  • Stalking
  • Kidnapping
  • Strangulation
  • Criminal trespass
Committing domestic abuse may subject a person to criminal prosecution and civil proceedings that may lead to a protective order.

Consequences of a Domestic Abuse Allegation and Conviction

You may face various consequences after being accused of domestic abuse. First, an alleged victim may file a complaint to seek a protective order from the court. Upon the filing of a domestic abuse complaint, the court may issue a temporary restraining order that imposes various restrictions on a domestic abuse defendant, such as prohibiting them from contacting or approaching the alleged victim, requiring them to vacate a residence they share with the alleged victim, or ordering them to surrender firearms and other weapons.

A temporary restraining order remains in effect until the court can hold a hearing to determine whether to issue a final injunction. Should the court determine that a defendant committed domestic abuse and that the alleged victim requires a protective order, it can issue a final injunction that continues the restraining order for up to four years or, in certain circumstances, up to 10 years. Violating a temporary or permanent protective order can lead to misdemeanor charges that carry a penalty of up to nine months of incarceration, a fine of up to $10,000, or both incarceration and a fine. 

Acts of domestic abuse or violations of protective orders may also involve criminal offenses that may subject an individual to separate criminal prosecution. For example, a person may face prosecution for sexual abuse, battery, criminal trespass, or other offenses. A conviction for an underlying criminal offense may result in penalties such as imprisonment, fines, restitution obligations, or sex offender registration obligations. A protective order or domestic violence conviction may also result in losing firearm rights.

Finally, a criminal conviction will lead to a record that can have long-lasting consequences for one’s reputation, potentially making it more challenging to seek employment or housing opportunities.

Potential Defenses to Domestic Abuse Charges

A person accused of domestic abuse may have various defenses to a civil complaint or criminal charges, such as:

  • Consent – In cases involving claims of sexual abuse, defendants may assert that alleged victims validly consented to sexual activity.
  • Self-Defense – A defendant accused of domestic abuse may claim that the alleged victim instigated the altercation, such that the defendant engaged in reasonable self-defense.
  • Lack of Intent – Defendants may argue that the evidence fails to prove they acted with the required level of intent, such as the intent required under a criminal statute or an intent to violate a protective order.
  • Fabrication – A defendant may assert that an alleged victim fabricated their domestic abuse allegations to retaliate against the defendant or obtain an advantage in a divorce or child custody proceeding.
  • Unlawfully Obtained Evidence or Statements – Defendants may seek to exclude prosecution evidence in a criminal case by arguing that police obtained statements or evidence through an unlawful search or interrogation.
Our firm can review the facts of your case to determine whether you may have a viable defense to fight domestic abuse allegations in De Pere.

What Should You Do After a Domestic Abuse Arrest?

When someone lodges domestic abuse allegations against you, prompt action can protect your rights and interests. Steps you should take after an accusation or arrest for domestic abuse in De Pere include:

  • Review any temporary restraining orders served on you to understand the restrictions you must follow
  • Refrain from attempting to contact or approach your accuser, especially if they have obtained a protective order
  • Gather evidence that can help you build a defense against your allegations, such as photos, videos, medical records, or witness statements
  • Contact a defense attorney from J. Kippa Law, LLC, as soon as possible to discuss your allegations and review your legal options for developing an effective strategy to protect your interests

How Can a Lawyer Help You Face Domestic Abuse Charges?

When someone accuses you of committing domestic abuse offenses in De Pere, you don’t have to defend your rights and reputation alone. A dedicated attorney from J. Kippa Law, LLC, can help you protect your interests and reputation by:

  • Thoroughly investigating your case to obtain evidence that can help build your defense
  • Explaining your legal situation and the potential outcomes of your case to help you make informed decisions about how to respond to domestic abuse allegations
  • Advocating on your behalf during civil protective order proceedings
  • Contesting criminal charges at every available opportunity, including seeking to exclude unlawfully obtained evidence or dismiss/reduce your charges
  • Fighting as hard as needed to help avoid a conviction, including going to trial when necessary

Why Choose a Domestic Abuse Attorney from J. Kippa Law, LLC?

If a spouse, former spouse, co-parent, or co-habitant accuses you of committing domestic abuse in De Pere, you need experienced legal advocacy to protect your rights and interests. Turn to a domestic abuse lawyer from J. Kippa Law, LLC, for dedicated support to pursue a favorable resolution to your case because:

  • Our lawyers have an extensive background in criminal law, having worked as prosecutors and defense attorneys. Our perspectives from both sides of the criminal courtroom allow us to develop innovative legal strategies to fight your charges.
  • We spend the time, effort, and resources necessary to pursue every avenue to obtain a positive outcome. Our team helps you understand your legal rights and options so you can make informed decisions about how to proceed with your case.
  • You can trust our firm to fight as hard as possible to secure the best outcome under the circumstances of your case, even if that means going to trial when you choose to contest your charges or assert your innocence.

Contact Our Firm Today to Discuss Your Legal Options

If a loved one has accused you of domestic abuse, you need dedicated legal advocacy and guidance to defend your rights, reputation, and freedom. Contact J. Kippa Law, LLC, today for a free, confidential consultation with a criminal defense attorney to learn more about what to expect when facing domestic abuse allegations in Brown County.
J. Kippa Law, LLC
At J. Kippa Law, LLC, you want representation as early as possible. You will work directly with criminal defense attorney Jeffrey Kippa and his team throughout your case. Call 920-733-1100 or contact the law firm online to discuss your situation.