A domestic violence charge can change your life in an instant. A single accusation—whether based on fact, exaggeration, or misunderstanding—can lead to immediate arrest, loss of employment, a damaged reputation, and potential restrictions on your freedom, including firearm and hunting rights. Even if the alleged victim does not wish to press charges, the state may still pursue prosecution, making it crucial to have a strong legal defense.
At the Law Office of Mike Arnold, we understand that domestic violence cases are complex and emotionally charged. While domestic violence laws have been instrumental in protecting victims, an overzealous system can also lead to wrongful accusations, unjust convictions, and intrusive government intervention in personal relationships. Families are torn apart, careers are jeopardized, and parental rights may be put at risk.
Our founder and managing attorney, Michael Arnold, and our seasoned criminal defense team have extensive trial experience handling high-stakes domestic violence cases in Eugene, Lane County, and throughout Oregon. We are skilled in navigating the legal system, challenging questionable evidence, and advocating fiercely for our clients through negotiation or trial.
If you’re facing domestic violence charges, don’t take chances with your future. Contact our Eugene criminal defense law firm today for a free intake call or a paid consultation to discuss your options. We don’t make empty promises—we take action.
Who Can Be Charged with Domestic Violence in Oregon?
Oregon, anyone can be charged with domestic violence if they are accused of committing certain criminal offenses against a household or family member. Domestic violence is not a separate charge but rather an enhancement applied to crimes such as assault, harassment, strangulation, menacing, or coercion when the alleged victim has a qualifying relationship with the accused.
Under Oregon law (ORS 135.230), domestic violence charges can apply if the alleged victim is:
- A spouse or former spouse.
- A current or former intimate partner (including dating partners).
- Someone the accused has a child in common with.
- A biological or legal family member (such as a sibling, parent, or grandparent).
- A cohabitant (someone who currently or previously lived with the accused in a domestic setting).
A person may face domestic violence charges for offenses such as:
- Assault (ORS 163.160 – 163.185) – Physically injuring a household member.
- Strangulation (ORS 163.187) – Impeding another person’s breathing.
- Menacing (ORS 163.190) – Threatening imminent harm.
- Harassment (ORS 166.065) – Offensive physical contact or repeated unwanted communication.
- Coercion (ORS 163.275) – Using threats or force to compel behavior.
- Other Serious Felonyor Measure 11 Charges.
Domestic violence allegations can result in immediate arrest, protective orders, firearm restrictions, and even felony charges in some instances. Even if the accuser wants to drop charges, the prosecution may still proceed with the case. Given the severe and lasting consequences, having an experienced Eugene domestic violence defense attorney is essential.
If you are facing domestic violence charges, contact the Law Office of Mike Arnold today for a free intake call or a paid consultation to discuss your options. We fight aggressively to protect your rights and future.
Defending Against False Accusations of Domestic Violence in Oregon
False accusations of domestic violence can be devastating, leading to criminal charges, loss of reputation, and restrictions on your rights. Many of these accusations arise from exaggerated claims, revenge motives, or legal strategy—such as attempting to gain custody in a family law case. If you face false allegations, you need an aggressive and strategic defense to expose the truth.
False or exaggerated domestic violence allegations often stem from:
- Revenge or anger – A former partner may fabricate claims out of spite.
- Custody battles – Some accusers manipulate the system to gain leverage in family court.
- Exaggeration of minor incidents – Arguments can be misrepresented as violent altercations.
- Memory manipulation – Accusers may claim memory loss, unconsciousness, or injury to support their claims, even when untrue.
False accusers often exhibit patterns of deception that can be exposed through skilled legal strategy. Just as there are clear profiles of abusive individuals—ranging from charming manipulators to those with obvious anger issues—false accusers frequently share similar traits, using lies to control the narrative.
How to Protect Yourself Against False Accusations
If you have been falsely accused, taking immediate action is critical to protecting your rights and future.
Here’s what you should do:
Remain Silent & Do Not Engage
- Anything you say can be used against you—do not try to explain yourself to police without an attorney.
- Avoid contacting the accuser directly, as this can be misinterpreted or used to strengthen their claims.
Secure Experienced Legal Representation
- Work with a criminal defense attorney who understands false allegations and will challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Your attorney should thoroughly investigate, reviewing evidence, witness statements, and any possible motives behind the false claims.
Gather Evidence & Build Your Defense
- Preserve text messages, emails, call logs, and any communication that could disprove the accuser’s claims.
- Identify witnesses who can confirm your side of the story.
- If applicable, provide alibis or any documentation that contradicts the allegations.
Challenge the Accuser’s Credibility in Court
- False accusations often unravel under skilled cross-examination, which exposes inconsistencies in the accuser’s statements.
- An experienced trial attorney will paint a clear picture for the jury using investigative evidence, witness testimony, and expert analysis.
At the Law Office of Mike Arnold, we understand that justice depends on uncovering the truth. Our firm’s founder and skilled team of Eugene criminal defense lawyers are seasoned trial attorneys with extensive experience defending those falsely accused of domestic violence.
Our deep knowledge of criminal defense, family law, and protective order cases allow us to:
- Expose inconsistencies in the accuser’s story.
- Challenge unlawful restraining orders.
- Defend against false claims in custody disputes.
- Ensure that an innocent person is not wrongly convicted.
If you or a loved one has been falsely accused of domestic violence, you cannot afford to wait. Contact our Eugene criminal defense law firm today for a free intake call or a paid consultation to discuss your defense strategy. We don’t just take cases—we fight to win.
If You Have Been Arrested for Domestic Violence in Eugene, Lane County, or Anywhere in Oregon You Must Understand Your Rights
Unless you are a criminal defense attorney, you don’t know what you don’t know—and when your freedom is on the line, that lack of knowledge can be devastating. The legal system is complex, unforgiving, and often stacked against the accused. What seems like a minor misunderstanding or a false accusation can quickly spiral into serious charges with life-altering consequences. Law enforcement and prosecutors are not on your side, and anything you say or do can—and will—be used against you.
Understanding your rights, options, and legal protections is critical, and includes:
- Remain Silent: Talk to No One
This forms the Golden Rule when the accused is in custody. In such cases, the accused should never forget that he should not talk to anyone about the situation, not even you, his trusted family member or friend. Bear in mind that all telephone calls in the jail are recorded. Let me repeat: All calls are indeed recorded, and these recordings will be included in the State’s Exhibit 1 at trial. Tell your loved one to tell any investigators that they want to speak to an Oregon attorney and to say nothing else to law enforcement. No exceptions. In other words, don’t ask what happened and tell the inmate to SHUT UP if he starts to run his mouth. There’s plenty of time later.
- Apply for Court Appointed Counsel
Oregon’s legal and constitutional provisions allow you to apply for court-appointed counsel, and if you qualify, you can save a lot of money. The state of Oregon will pay for investigative fees and expert witnesses, and you can still hire an attorney with outside funds. Always be 100% truthful at all times, including when filling out the financial forms.
The money you save can be used to pay for attorney fees. So, apply for court-appointed counsel even if you plan to retain an Oregon attorney. Although our firm does not take court-appointed criminal cases, we can use court-appointed funds for costs.
- Access to Expert Witnesses
In Oregon domestic violence cases, expert witnesses hold a critical position. Medical doctors can be used to show the inconsistency between the accuser’s story and the physical evidence. Research psychologists can be used to show how the child interviewer may have tainted the child’s statements by improper interviewing techniques. The list goes on and on regarding what can help a jury understand your case or what might be the final piece of evidence that tips the scales in the prosecutor’s mind to dismiss the case. The only limitations are your attorney’s experience and strategic mind, so choose counsel wisely.
The State of Oregon’s Burden of Proof: Can The Prosecution Prove Its Case?
Our constitution holds any accused person as innocent UNLESS (not UNTIL) he is proven guilty. Whether or not you committed the crime is not the primary question in front of the jury. The real question in front of the jury is whether or not the state has proven beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime. The question of actual innocence is never put before the jury. They are to weigh only the evidence against an accused.
Oregon attorney Mike Arnold can research the legal issues unique to your case and can challenge the state’s evidence through motions to suppress and motions to exclude evidence and unlawful confessions. Besides challenging the legal sufficiency of the evidence, our attorneys would also challenge the factual sufficiency of the evidence by aggressively investigating your case and having an investigator speak to witnesses for the state and you.
Mike Arnold’s Unique Approach
Mike Arnold is highly skilled and known for utilizing his skills from other practice areas to defend the client’s case. He is not a one-dimensional lawyer and your case is not “business as usual” for the firm. One of the most unique things about him is his wide range of experience in civil and criminal litigation. This litigation has enabled him to have varied experiences and relationships with trial experts you do not usually see in a criminal case. We analyze the unique fact issues of your case and brainstorm what expert witnesses will assist the jury with regarding a disputed fact. This often differentiates between a simple swearing contest among witnesses and reasonable doubt. Or the difference between a file at the mercy of the government and a life at the mercy of truth and justice.
Understanding Oregon’s Domestic Violence Sentencing Factors
Oregon prosecutors overcharge the defendants with crimes to threaten substantially harsh sentences to force you into settlement. Our Oregon law firm does the groundwork to be prepared for any such sentencing recommendations by the state. This often involves involving an expert investigator to research the mitigating factors and other experts to assist at sentencing, such as drug and alcohol treatment specialists, psychological evaluators, etc. Each case is unique and you, as the client, are part of the team.
Choosing the Right Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in Eugene, Oregon
A domestic violence charge is more than just a legal battle—it’s a direct threat to your freedom, reputation, and future. Choosing the right defense attorney is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. You need someone who gives your case the attention it deserves, understands the stakes, and knows how to fight for the best possible outcome. If you speak with an attorney and something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and keep looking—your defense is too important to settle for anything less than the best.
We provide aggressive, knowledgeable, and results-driven representation at the Law Office of Mike Arnold. Attorney Michael Arnold, a former Eugene city prosecutor, has extensive experience trying cases before juries and understands the state’s strategies against you. Unlike court-appointed lawyers who juggle overloaded caseloads, we exclusively handle retained cases, ensuring our clients receive the focused and strategic defense they need.
Our firm has been recognized in news articles, true-crime television shows, and by former clients for our ability to handle complex, high-profile cases with skill and tenacity. Mike Arnold doesn’t just understand the prosecution’s playbook—he helped write it. He uses that insight to dismantle the state’s case and protect your rights.
If you or someone you know is facing domestic violence charges in Eugene, Lane County, or anywhere in western, central, eastern, or southern Oregon, take action now. We are available after hours, on weekends, and for urgent defense needs to provide immediate legal guidance that makes a difference.
Call or text us at 541-359-4585 for a free intake call or a paid consultation, or contact us online to start building your defense today. Your future is worth fighting for—let us fight for it.
