For domestic violence cases in Washtenaw County, the prosecuting attorney may or may not offer the first offender program for domestic violence. In my experience, they will not offer this if there has been any allegations of past abuse. It's also my experience that Washtenaw County is a lot more difficult than other counties to create this option for a client.
With domestic violence cases comes family law, and the possibility of divorce. I'm working with a client now who after being charged with domestic violence, found out his wife filed for divorce. A domestic violence case can have a huge impact on a divorce, and it's something to avoid if possible. If the divorce can be finalized before the criminal case, it may benefit the client, because there will be no convicted to be used as leverage in the divorce proceeding.
Ultimately a client will decide if they want to proceed to trial or try to work out the best deal with the prosecutor and judge. A domestic violence trial can be quite messy and put your family in trial in the public eye. It's a difficult situation for a client, and it's my job to present all the options available.
With domestic violence cases comes family law, and the possibility of divorce. I'm working with a client now who after being charged with domestic violence, found out his wife filed for divorce. A domestic violence case can have a huge impact on a divorce, and it's something to avoid if possible. If the divorce can be finalized before the criminal case, it may benefit the client, because there will be no convicted to be used as leverage in the divorce proceeding.
Ultimately a client will decide if they want to proceed to trial or try to work out the best deal with the prosecutor and judge. A domestic violence trial can be quite messy and put your family in trial in the public eye. It's a difficult situation for a client, and it's my job to present all the options available.