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Why do people make false domestic violence claims?

On Behalf of | May 9, 2023 | Domestic Violence

Even the happiest of relationships have their ups and downs. However, when a breakdown in the relationship escalates to the point of violence or threats of violence, the police might get involved.

Being accused of domestic violence is a big deal. Even if you are not arraigned and convicted, domestic violence accusations can ruin your reputation and career. But what if you are being falsely accused of domestic violence?

Understanding what a conviction for domestic violence means

Domestic violence is a felony in New York. A conviction for domestic violence may result in the following:

  • A permanent criminal record
  • Loss of constitutional rights like the right to own a firearm
  • Loss of custody if you are divorced
  • A ruined reputation

If convicted, you might spend between 5 years and 25 years in prison. Additionally, you might be fined up to $5,000. But that’s not all.

So why do people lie about domestic violence?

Given the severity of a domestic violence conviction, it goes without saying that you need to take an accusation seriously. To effectively defend yourself, however, you need to understand why someone might want to make a false domestic violence claim against you in the first place. Here are three common reasons why people lie about domestic violence:

  • To gain an upper hand during a divorce case or justify the need for divorce
  • To hurt a former partner’s reputation
  • To win a child custody case

A domestic violence claim can be emotionally taxing. If your partner is falsely accusing you of domestic violence, you need to take steps to protect your freedom, reputation and rights. And learning more about New York domestic violence laws can help you achieve this.

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