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Defending Against False Domestic Violence Accusations

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Defending the Falsely Accused – Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys in Eugene, Oregon

False accusations of domestic violence can be devastating, threatening your freedom, reputation, career, and even your parental rights. In Oregon, these allegations can lead to immediate arrests, restraining orders, and serious criminal charges, even without concrete evidence. If you have been falsely accused, you need an aggressive, trial-tested criminal defense attorney who understands how to dismantle the case against you.

We specialize in high-stakes and high-profile criminal defense at the Law Office of Mike Arnold. We have extensive experience handling serious felony cases, domestic violence charges, and complex legal disputes. Our firm’s founder, Mike Arnold, is a former Eugene city prosecutor who knows firsthand how the state builds its case and how to tear it apart in court. Our work has been featured in major news outlets and true-crime television shows, a testament to our reputation for handling challenging cases with skill and tenacity.

Domestic violence accusations are not just criminal matters-they can also impact family law proceedings, including divorce, child custody, and parental rights. Our team has a deep understanding of how false allegations are used as leverage in high-conflict family law cases, particularly in cases involving parental alienation and restraining orders. We are relentlessly exposing fabricated claims, uncovering inconsistencies in the accuser’s statements, and fighting against misleading evidence.

When your liberty is at stake, your decisions early in your case can determine the outcome. Whether you are considering the risks of a jury trial or the potential advantages of a negotiated resolution, our experienced Eugene criminal defense attorneys will guide you through every step of the process. We don’t make empty promises-we take action.

If you or a loved one has been falsely accused of domestic violence, don’t wait. Contact the Law Office of Mike Arnold today for a free intake call or a paid consultation and take the first step in protecting your rights, future, and reputation.

False Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

False Domestic Violence Allegations in Oregon – The Consequences and How We Defend You

False accusations of domestic violence can have devastating legal, personal, and financial consequences, often arising amid contentious divorces, child custody disputes, or personal vendettas. If you have been falsely accused, the immediate consequences can include emergency restraining orders, eviction from your home, loss of access to your children, and potential criminal charges-all before you even have the chance to defend yourself. Some of the most common types of false domestic violence allegations in Oregon include, but are not limited to:

  • False Accusations in Divorce and Custody Battles

In heated divorces and custody disputes, one parent may falsely claim abuse to gain an advantage in family court proceedings. Oregon law (ORS 107.137) considers domestic violence allegations when determining child custody, meaning a single accusation-even if unfounded-can drastically impact parenting time and decision-making rights.

  • FAPA Restraining Orders Based on False Claims

Oregon’s Family Abuse Prevention Act (FAPA), allows restraining orders to be issued without concrete evidence, often based solely on the accuser’s statement (ORS 107.710). Once a restraining order is in place, the accused may be barred from their home, prohibited from contacting their children, and subjected to strict court-imposed restrictions. Even inadvertently, violating a FAPA restraining order can result in criminal penalties.

  • Retaliatory Allegations After a Breakup or Argument

Some false domestic violence accusations arise from personal grudges, revenge, or attempts to manipulate the legal system. A former partner may fabricate allegations to punish the accused or to gain control over shared property, finances, or personal relationships.

  • False Accusations Tied to Criminal Charges

Sometimes, a person may be falsely accused as part of a more extensive criminal investigation, where one party tries to shift blame or avoid consequences for their actions. These cases require a rigorous defense to expose inconsistencies in the accuser’s statements and challenge weak or misleading evidence.

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.

How False Allegations of Domestic Violence Impact Our Oregon Clients

Being falsely accused of domestic violence can have immediate and long-term consequences that reach far beyond the courtroom. The effects can be devastating, disrupting personal relationships, careers, and reputations while placing the accused in a precarious legal position.

A false domestic violence accusation can lead to serious legal and personal repercussions, including:

  • Immediate Removal from Your Home – A restraining order can force you to leave your home, even if you own it.
  • Loss of Child Custody and Parenting Time – Courts may restrict visitation or suspend parental rights based on an allegation.
  • Criminal Charges and Jail Time – If convicted, domestic violence charges can result in jail time, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record.
  • Employment and Reputation Damage – Many employers conduct background checks, and an accusation alone can affect your career, social standing, and personal relationships.
  • Firearm Restrictions – A FAPA restraining order can immediately prohibit firearm possession, even without a criminal conviction.

In many cases, the damage is done long before the truth comes to light, making it crucial to act swiftly and aggressively in your defense. The legal, financial, and emotional toll of fighting false accusations can be overwhelming, but having the right attorney can make all the difference in protecting your future. We can help. Contact our skilled Eugene false domestic violence allegations lawyers today to learn how.

How Our Eugene Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help

Defending against false allegations requires an aggressive legal strategy and a deep understanding of Oregon’s domestic violence laws. At the Law Office of Mike Arnold, we take a proactive and evidence-based approach to dismantling false claims and protecting our clients.

That includes:

  • Investigating the Accuser’s Motive – We thoroughly examine the accuser’s background, motives, and any false claims to expose inconsistencies and credibility issues.
  • Challenging Weak or Misleading Evidence – We scrutinize police reports, medical records, witness statements, and text messages to disprove false allegations.
  • Defending Against Restraining Orders – We fight to prevent or overturn unfair FAPA restraining orders issued without proper evidence.
  • Protecting Parental Rights – If child custody is at risk, we aggressively present evidence demonstrating your fitness as a parent to the court.
  • Building a Strong Criminal Defense – If you face criminal charges, we develop a trial-ready defense strategy to fight for dismissals, acquittals, or reduced penalties.

If you have been falsely accused of domestic violence, you cannot afford to wait. The longer you delay, the more difficult it becomes to undo the damage. Any accusation can lead to immediate legal action against you, even without proof. Our experienced Eugene criminal defense attorneys know how to fight back, challenge false allegations, and protect your rights.

Contact Our Skilled False Allegations of Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys in Eugene, Oregon Today

At the Law Office of Mike Arnold, we know how to fight against false claims, expose inconsistencies, and build a powerful defense that protects your rights and future. Choosing the right attorney can mean distinguishing between a dismissed case and life-changing consequences.

Don’t wait-act now. Call 541-359-4585 to schedule a free intake call or a paid attorney consultation, or contact us online to get the immediate, aggressive legal defense you need. Our team is available after hours, on weekends, and for fast-track defense opportunities to ensure you have the correct legal strategy as soon as possible.

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Mike is an Oregon Attorney and 
Entrepreneur who has a passion pursuing what conventional wisdom considers long shots or lost causes, particularly when it involves speaking truth to power.

Mike is experienced in jury trials and complex criminal and civil litigation involving multiple parties and witnesses, voluminous discovery, expert witnesses, and high stakes.
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