What If There Are Two Different Stories About A Domestic Violence Situation?

10 October 2022
 Categories: Law, Blog

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If there are two different stories about a domestic violence situation, it can be difficult to know what really happened. Both sides may have convincing arguments, but there is usually only one truth. In these cases, you may feel like you do not have a lot of standing.

Are you in a situation where you have to prove your innocence in a domestic violence situation? Do you each have a different story about what happened? Here's what you should know about getting legal help as your criminal court trial approaches.

Prosecution Always Has the Burden of Proof

The prosecution will have to prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a high burden, and it means that they must show that there is no other reasonable explanation for what happened besides you being guilty of the crime.

In a situation in which you have a very different story from the other person, this can be hard for the prosecution to do. If there are two stories and neither one can be completely verified, it may be hard for the jury to make a determination that you are guilty.

You Can Call Other Witnesses

In addition to telling your story, you can also call other witnesses. These witnesses can help corroborate your story and give the jury a better understanding of what happened. You can help gather witnesses with a lawyer.

Even if your story is quite different from the other person's, the witness statements can offer more clarity. For example, if you said that the other person was the aggressor and they said that you were, a witness who saw the altercation could help clear things up.

The Other Party May Be Cross-Examined

When the other person takes the stand, they will be subject to cross-examination. This means that your lawyer will have a chance to question them about their story.

This can be a chance to poke holes in their story or get them to admit that there are parts of their story that they cannot remember. If the other person's story changes at all during cross-examination, it can make their entire story less credible in the eyes of the jury.

Talk About Your Story at a Law Office

When you are facing domestic violence charges, it is important to have an experienced lawyer on your side. Your lawyer can help you understand the best way to present your story and what defenses you may have available to you.

For more information, contact a law office near you.