Facing charges related to domestic violence in Kentucky can come with many consequences. Even without a conviction, you may find that your personal and professional life is negatively affected if you’re charged with domestic assault. If you have minor children, you may worry about being able to maintain a relationship with them during this difficult time. The outcome of your case and the details of the allegations against you will determine how you’ll be able to spend time with your children in the future.
Keeping children safe
No matter the circumstances, children can be negatively impacted when their parents have disagreements. If those disagreements turn physical, and the children witness it, they can struggle with knowing how to react to the situation. Children may feel like they need to side with one parent over the other or may worry that their behavior somehow contributed to the disagreement.
As a parent, you certainly want your kids to feel safe and secure after a traumatic event. But you will still want to spend time with them if it’s at all possible. During your case, you can request visitation with your children. Depending on the circumstances, you may be required to attend supervised visits until your case has been concluded. In some cases, the court may not allow you to visit until your case is over.
Negotiating time with your kids
Domestic violence cases are very emotional for all parties, and these emotions can prevent you from making sound decisions. The court will determine whether visitation is appropriate and how best to schedule those visits. Have your attorney express your desire to maintain a relationship with your children throughout the process, and stick with your visitation schedule to promote stability for your kids.
Some courts may require someone accused of domestic violence to attend treatment before resuming visitation with their children. The court may require you to attend anger management classes, parenting classes or domestic violence counseling. While these tasks can be time-consuming and may seem unnecessary to you, by following the court order and attending treatment or class on time without missing any classes, you can work toward strengthening your relationship with your children.
Facing domestic violence charges
When facing serious charges related to domestic violence, you can benefit from seeking help promptly. A criminal defense attorney can help you understand the charges against you and help you decide on the proper defense strategy. While you may understandably be worried about the outcome, it’s important you know your rights and are aware of your options when it comes to defending yourself against these serious allegations.
