If you’ve just been accused of something you didn’t do, especially something as serious as domestic violence, you’re probably scared, confused, and wondering what happens next. The first thing to know is that you’re not alone. False accusations happen more often than most people realize, and they can turn your world upside down in an instant. In Tennessee, domestic violence charges carry serious consequences that can affect your freedom, your job, your family, and even where you can live.
Why This Is Serious
In Tennessee, being charged with domestic violence doesn’t just mean jail time. You could be banned from your home, lose custody of your children, and be restricted from owning a firearm. And even if the case is based on false claims, the court system treats all accusations with urgency and caution. That’s why it’s important to take fast, smart steps right away.
Do Not Confront the Person Who Accused You
It’s natural to want to fix the problem by talking it out. Maybe you think if you just explain your side, everything will be okay. But that can backfire. If the police or court think you’re trying to influence the accuser, it can be seen as harassment or intimidation. That might lead to more charges or a protective order that makes things even worse. Stay away. Let your lawyer handle all communication.
Talk to a Lawyer Right Away
This is not the time to try to handle things on your own. Even if you think the truth will speak for itself, the legal system doesn’t work that way. You need someone who knows how Tennessee law works and can protect your rights from the start. A good lawyer will guide you through the process, explain what to expect, and make sure you don’t say or do anything that could hurt your case.
Start Building Your Side of the Story
Your lawyer will help you gather proof that supports your side. This might include text messages, emails, photos, witness statements, or anything that shows where you were or what really happened. If you have past records that show the accuser has made false claims before, those could help too. The more you can show, the better chance you have to clear your name.
Follow the Court’s Rules Carefully
If the court gives you a protective order, even if you think it’s unfair, you must follow it. That means staying away from the accuser, not calling, not texting, and not sending messages through someone else. If you break the order, even by accident, it can lead to arrest and jail. Stay calm, stay quiet, and let your lawyer handle things in court.
Understand What a Protective Order Means
In Tennessee, a protective order, sometimes called a restraining order, can be put in place quickly—often with just the word of the accuser. That order can ban you from your home, block you from seeing your kids, and more. These orders are often temporary at first, and then there’s a hearing to decide if they should be longer. Your lawyer can help you fight the order and tell your side at the hearing.
- Jeremy Forgey
- Chris Griffin
Prepare for the Hearing
This is your chance to speak up. With your lawyer, you’ll get ready to tell your side of the story to the judge. That includes reviewing any proof you have and possibly having witnesses who can support your story. Don’t try to do this alone. The hearing can decide where you can live, whether you see your children, and how the rest of the case goes.
Think About the Bigger Picture
False accusations can hurt your reputation. They can affect your job, your family, and your future. But it’s possible to recover. Your lawyer might be able to get the charges dropped, prove your innocence at trial, or help you clear your name through a legal process called expungement. The key is to stay patient and let the legal steps play out.
What If It’s a Custody Fight?
Sometimes false domestic violence claims happen during child custody battles. One parent may accuse the other to gain an advantage in court. If this is happening to you, let your lawyer know right away. The courts look very carefully at these situations, and your lawyer can help show the truth to the judge.
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What If the Accuser Changes Their Mind?
It’s common for someone to take back their accusation after realizing the damage it causes. But even if they do, the case may not go away. In Tennessee, the state can continue with the charges even if the person who made the claim doesn’t want to. That’s why you still need a lawyer to fight for you in court.
Protecting Your Rights at Every Step
Once charges are filed, even if they’re false, your rights can be affected right away. That’s why having a lawyer by your side is not just helpful—it’s necessary. Your lawyer isn’t just there to talk in court. They’ll help make sure the police and the court treat you fairly, that you understand your options, and that your voice is heard. They can ask the court for more time, challenge false claims, and push for evidence to be reviewed with care.
You also have the right to remain silent. It’s tempting to want to tell your side to police or investigators right away. But that can backfire if your words are taken out of context. Before you say anything, let your lawyer speak for you. That keeps you protected and avoids mistakes that can hurt your case.
How This Can Affect Your Job and Record
A false charge doesn’t just go away once court is over. If you’re found guilty, even by mistake, it can stay on your record and show up in background checks. That can hurt your chances at jobs, housing, or even going back to school. If you’re in the military, law enforcement, or hold a professional license, the damage could be even worse. That’s why fighting the charge from the start is so important.
If your case is dismissed or you’re found not guilty, you may be able to clear your record. This is called expungement, and it helps make sure the charge doesn’t follow you around for the rest of your life. Your lawyer can walk you through how this works in Tennessee and whether you qualify.
How to Protect Your Future
Being falsely accused can shake your world. But it doesn’t have to ruin your life. Keep records of everything, stay away from the accuser, and lean on your lawyer for help. This is a time to be smart, stay calm, and protect your name the right way.
Take the Next Step with Best & Brock
If you’ve been falsely accused of domestic violence in Tennessee, now is the time to act. At Best & Brock, we’ve helped people just like you protect their rights and get their lives back on track. Let’s talk about your case and build a plan that gets you through this with your dignity and future intact. Call today to get started.
