A family violence accusation can change your life instantly. Police often make arrests based on one statement, and prosecutors aggressively pursue convictions even when the facts are unclear. A conviction can mean jail, fines, restraining orders, and a permanent record that impacts your family, career, and reputation.
With over 42 years of combined experience, we have built our reputation on being relentless and precise. Other criminal defense attorneys may focus on damage control. We focus on dismantling the case against you, exposing weaknesses, and forcing the prosecution to prove every allegation. An Andover domestic violence lawyer from Erkan & Sullivan, P.C. will act immediately to challenge the evidence and stop the state from taking control of your future.
In Massachusetts, domestic violence cases often start with little more than an allegation. Police are trained to make arrests in these situations, even without physical evidence. That means you could be facing charges based on inconsistent testimony, exaggerated claims, or incomplete reports.
One of the biggest misunderstandings is the belief that a case will automatically be dismissed if the family member “drops the charges.” That is not true. Prosecutors can and often will move forward even when the alleged victim recants. They may attempt to use the statements made to police officers, bodycam recordings, or other evidence to build their case without the family member’s cooperation.
We scrutinize every aspect of the case. Was there credible evidence of assault? Did officers violate your constitutional rights during the arrest? Did law enforcement mishandle statements, recordings, or physical evidence? These questions matter, and the answers can mean the difference between conviction and dismissal. Our attorneys expose legal weaknesses the prosecution would rather ignore in your Andover case, and we use them to build leverage in your domestic abuse defense.
Domestic violence charges carry penalties far beyond the courtroom. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 265 § 13M, a conviction can result in jail time, probation, fines, and mandatory counseling programs. The fallout does not stop there. Restraining orders can limit where you live, who you see, and even how often you see your children. Employers, professional boards, and landlords may treat a conviction as a permanent red flag.
A conviction can also carry catastrophic immigration consequences for non-citizens. Many domestic violence crimes are treated under federal law as deportable offenses or crimes involving moral turpitude. This means that a single conviction may lead to removal proceedings, loss of visa or green card eligibility, or even a permanent bar to naturalization.
Even if you avoid jail, the collateral consequences can affect your life for years. A conviction can block job opportunities, complicate custody disputes, and restrict your freedom in ways most people do not realize until it is too late. That is why our Andover lawyers focus on keeping your record clear of any domestic violence charges from the outset.
We do not back down, and we do not hand cases off to junior staff. Every case is handled directly by our defense team with the full benefit of decades of criminal trial experience. Our lawyers know the patterns prosecutors rely on in Andover domestic violence cases, and we know how to challenge them with evidence, expert testimony, and aggressive cross-examination.
Clients choose us because we move fast, prepare thoroughly, and communicate clearly. You will always know the status of your case and what strategy we are pursuing. Our job is not to scare you with worst-case scenarios. Our job is to fight for your rights and give you a way forward.
If you have been accused of family violence, do not wait. We will protect your rights, your record, and your future from the beginning. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your defense becomes. Early action allows your Andover domestic violence lawyer to challenge weak evidence, secure witnesses, and establish the situation before prosecutors try to define your case. Call Erkan & Sullivan, P.C. today.
(978) 474-0054 