The Legal Consequences of Being Falsely Accused of Domestic Violence in San Diego 

Posted on: October 16th, 2024 by Dod Law

Falsely Accused of Domestic Violence in San Diego 

Unfortunately, there are many parties in San Diego who may use allegations of domestic violence to ruin the accused’s life. False charges can see you lose your job, destroy personal relationships, and undergo considerable financial hardship, all because someone wants to take revenge against you.  Learn more about being falsely accused of domestic violence cases in San Diego. 

However, there’s good news for the falsely accused. San Diego and greater California have consequences in place designed to punish false accusers for their misuse of justice. You can work with Dod Law and our team to argue that you’ve been falsely accused and see your accuser punished accordingly.

The False Filer May Face Criminal Charges

If someone falsely accuses you of domestic violence, California law states that they may face misdemeanor charges for wasting police resources. However, you must prove that the filer fully intended to lie to police officers or otherwise withheld information that might have otherwise impacted the case brought against you.

So long as you can prove malicious intent, you can count on officers to open an investigation into an alleged victim’s behavior.

Perjury Charges in California

Alleged victims may also face accusations of perjury, or lying under oath, if they’re found guilty of falsely accusing you of domestic violence. Proving perjury isn’t always easy, though. You have an obligation to provide a court with evidence that directly contradicts something that the alleged victim said while under oath.

Likewise, you must prove that the alleged victim purposefully misrepresented the facts of your case while under oath. The court recognizes that people may make mistakes while in a courtroom and accounts for those mistakes accordingly.

Should you successfully prove that an alleged victim engaged in perjury, the court may charge the accused with a felony. Perjury can see someone spend up to four years in state prison, with prison lengths varying based on the severity of a person’s dishonesty.

How Can You Challenge False Allegations of Domestic Abuse? False Allegations of Domestic Violence

Learning that someone has accused you of domestic abuse can shake you to your core. Fortunately, there are ways to fight back against false allegations of domestic abuse. We recommend that you gather as much evidence as you can to contradict an alleged victim’s findings. This may mean:

• Printing out text conversations, emails, and other forms of communication
• Taking advantage of video footage available from public and private entities
• Calling character witnesses
• Presenting the court with photos contradicting an alleged victim’s findings

You don’t have to gather this data on your own. Experienced criminal defense attorneys in San Diego can help you cultivate a defense against someone who wants to get revenge on you for some alleged slight.

What Happens If You Don’t Challenge False Allegations of Domestic Abuse?

If you don’t challenge false accusations of domestic abuse, the consequences you face may ruin your life. The most common consequences to come along with unchallenged allegations of domestic abuse include the following:

• Loss of custody
• Loss of gun rights
• Mandatory domestic violence classes
• Prolonged jail time
• Fines
• Victim restitution
• The generation of a standing criminal records
• Deportation for non-citizens

An alleged victim may also choose to take out a protective order against you, limiting your ability to approach them or any children you may share. Likewise, the social impact of these charges may see you lose your job and struggle to regain employment. 

Get in Touch With Dod Law and Our Team Today | Falsely Accused of Domestic Violence in San Diego 

Are you struggling to get your life back on track after facing false accusations of domestic violence? It’s time to contact Attorney Dod. Attorney Dod can help you take advantage of the systems California has in place that punish false accusers. Your actions in court can course-correct the difficulties you’ve had to face.

You can count on Attorney Dod to represent your best interests throughout conversations about the false accusations brought against you. Call us at our San Diego office (619) 814-5110 | Santa Ana, Orange County office 949-681-7020 | Vista office (760) 814-6025 or schedule an appointment by filling out our online contact form to discuss the best way forward.