Domestic Violence Defense
Aggressive Defense Against Domestic Violence Charges
Domestic violence cases are among the most strategically abused and aggressively prosecuted charges in Michigan courts. These cases are often filed within hours of a 911 call, based on emotion, assumptions, and incomplete information—not proof. Once the police arrive, the narrative is usually written for you, and it is rarely written in your favor.
At Mumen Barlaskar Law Firm PLLC, we treat domestic violence cases for what they truly are: high-risk criminal prosecutions with life-altering consequences, not “family matters.” We defend clients throughout Wayne County, Oakland County, and Macomb County who are facing domestic assault allegations, false accusations, or exaggerated claims arising out of relationship conflict.
How Domestic Violence Charges Are Filed in Michigan
In Michigan, a domestic violence charge does not require visible injuries, medical records, or even the cooperation of the alleged victim. Police officers are trained to arrest first and investigate later. Prosecutors then move forward regardless of whether the complainant wants the case dismissed.
Domestic violence charges commonly arise from:
- Verbal arguments that escalate emotionally
- Divorce or separation disputes
- Custody or parenting-time conflicts
- Financial stress or housing disputes
- Retaliatory or leverage-based accusations
Once charged, the case belongs to the prosecutor, not the complaining witness.
Penalties and Exposure for Domestic Violence Convictions
A domestic violence conviction carries consequences far beyond jail or probation. Depending on the charge level and prior history, exposure may include:
- Up to 93 days in jail (first offense misdemeanor)
- Up to 1 year in jail (enhanced misdemeanors)
- Felony exposure for repeat offenses
- Probation with invasive conditions
- Mandatory counseling or batterer programs
- Permanent criminal record
- Firearm prohibitions under state and federal law
- Housing and employment disqualification
- Serious immigration consequences, including deportation risk
Judges in Oakland County are notoriously strict on domestic violence cases, while Wayne and Macomb Counties vary by court and judge, making experienced, local defense critical.
No-Contact Orders, PPOs, and Immediate Consequences
Upon arrest or arraignment, courts routinely issue no-contact orders that can:
- Remove you from your home
- Prevent contact with your spouse or partner
- Restrict communication with your children
- Trigger violations if misunderstood or ignored
Violating a no-contact order, even accidentally, can result in new criminal charges and immediate jail time.
We move quickly to challenge overbroad conditions, seek modifications, and protect your ability to work, parent, and live safely.
Common Prosecutor Tactics in Domestic Violence Cases
Prosecutors rely on predictable tactics in domestic violence cases, including:
- Treating accusations as facts
- Ignoring contradictory evidence
- Using prior relationship disputes to imply guilt
- Leveraging fear of jail to force plea deals
- Proceeding even when the complainant recants
Our role is to expose these tactics, force accountability, and demand proof—not assumptions.
How We Defend Domestic Violence Cases
We approach every domestic violence case as a trial-level prosecution from day one. Our defense strategy may include:
- Challenging the credibility and motive of the complainant
- Analyzing 911 calls, body-cam footage, and dispatch logs
- Exposing inconsistencies in police reports
- Presenting self-defense or mutual-combat arguments
- Filing motions to suppress unlawful statements or arrests
- Leveraging evidentiary weaknesses for dismissal or reduction
We do not rely on apologies or counseling to save cases. We rely on law, evidence, and pressure.
Immigration Consequences of Domestic Violence Charges
For non-U.S. citizens, domestic violence allegations are especially dangerous. Even a misdemeanor conviction—or certain plea agreements—can trigger:
- Deportation proceedings
- Inadmissibility
- Loss of lawful permanent resident status Denial of naturalization
- Denial of naturalization
We analyze every case with immigration exposure in mind and coordinate defense strategy accordingly.
What To Do If You Are Accused or Arrested for Domestic Violence
DO:
- Remain silent and request a lawyer immediately
- Comply with bond and no-contact conditions
- Preserve all communications and evidence
DO NOT:
- Attempt to “explain” the situation to the police
- Contact the alleged victim directly or indirectly
- Post about the incident on social media
- Assume the case will be dropped automatically
Domestic Violence – Frequently Asked Questions
Sometimes, but prosecutors often continue anyway. Dismissal requires strategic pressure and evidentiary challenges.
Only if the court modifies bond conditions, violating a no-contact order is a separate crime.
Yes. Criminal allegations are often weaponized in family court.
Certain outcomes may allow future expungement. Early defense matters.