Augusta Lawyers Defend Georgians Facing Domestic Violence Charges

Skilled Georgia criminal defense firm works to protect your liberty and reputation

Domestic violence is a very real problem but it’s an unfortunate reality that some people can use false allegations as a weapon. In our family law and criminal defense practices at Joseph T. Rhodes Law Firm, we see this all the time, especially during a contentious divorce when one spouse will accuse the other of domestic violence to get a higher amount of alimony or sole custody of the children. For this reason, we vigorously defend clients throughout Richmond, Columbia and Burke counties accused of domestic violence, so they can have their day in court and defend their reputation. We also defend people who have lost control and made a mistake they regret. If you are looking for capable and compassionate legal representation in a domestic violence case, our attorneys are ready to help.

What constitutes domestic violence in Georgia?

According to §19-13-1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, “Family Violence” involves unlawful acts between:

• Past or present spouses
• Persons who are parents of the same child
• Parents and children
• Stepparents and stepchildren
• Foster parents and foster children
• Other persons living or formerly living in the same household

The acts covered as family violence include any felony, as well as battery, simple battery, simple assault, assault, stalking, criminal damage to property, unlawful restraint, or criminal trespass. We uphold your rights when you face any of these charges.

Proven advocates advise on protection orders

When family violence is alleged, a court may issue a temporary protective order to be served upon the accused abuser. Georgia law allows the court to order a variety of remedies:

• Order to refrain from committing acts of family violence or stalking
• Order to remove the accused person from a residence
• Order to require the accused to provide alternative housing for the alleged victim(s) and children
• Award of temporary custody of minor children
• Order establishing temporary visitation between the accused and children
• Order of support for a spouse and minor children
• Order to refrain from harassing or interfering with the alleged victim(s)
• Order to pay the other party’s court costs and attorney’s fees
• Order the accused abuser to receive psychiatric or psychological services

The process to get a temporary protective order (TPO) is ex parte, meaning that only the accuser appears in court, and the judge decides the issue based entirely on what the accuser alleges. If the court agrees to issue a TPO, the accused is entitled to a court hearing before a permanent order can be issued. We help our clients present their side of the story to the court. Depending on the facts, our criminal defense lawyers can often convince the court not to issue a permanent order or to limit the scope of the order. We take a personal approach to counseling our clients, so you can feel confident in the advice we give and our determination to represent you to the very best of our ability.

Contact a capable criminal defense attorney in Augusta for a domestic violence charge

Joseph T. Rhodes Law Firm represents individuals accused of domestic violence in Richmond, Columbia and Burke counties. Learn how our firm can help you oppose an order to protect your liberty and your good name. Call us at 706-496-1616 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation at our Augusta office.