Should You Tell Police You’re Innocent When You’re Accused of Domestic Battery?

If you’re like many people, you know that being arrested for domestic battery is very serious – but can’t you just explain your situation to the police if you’re innocent?

Here’s what you need to know.

Should You Tell Police You’re Innocent When You’re Accused of Domestic Battery?

Many domestic battery incidents go something like this:

• Someone calls the police and accuses another person of domestic battery.
• The police arrive and start asking questions.
• One party is told to leave or is taken into police custody and brought to jail.

Unfortunately, though, many people – innocent and guilty – make the mistake of believing that if they could just get the police to listen to their side of the story, they’d understand.

But that’s not typically how it works out.

Sometimes people, in an effort to show the police that they’re innocent, say things that the police can – and will – use against them in court.

Related: What if police arrest you for domestic violence?

Your best bet: Don’t try to explain the situation to the police. Instead, wait until you’ve talked to your domestic battery defense attorney for advice. These are three reasons you shouldn’t try to explain yourself to police:

1. It’s not going to change anything. If the police want to arrest you, they’re going to arrest you. You can’t talk your way out of it, whether you’re innocent or guilty.
2. You don’t have to. You have the right to remain silent, so just cooperate with what police tell you to do (aside from answering questions) and let them know you want to talk to a lawyer – that way, you can make sure you’re not incriminating yourself or saying anything that police (or the judge) will misunderstand.
3. It’s easy to get confused and get caught in a lie – and once you’re caught in any lie, all your credibility goes out the window. That means if you even make a mistake about something as you’re describing the situation to the police, they’re going to think you’re lying no matter what else you say.

Related: What NOT to do if you’re arrested for domestic battery

Do You Need to Talk to a Lawyer About Domestic Battery Accusations?

If you’ve been accused of domestic battery, we may be able to help you. Call us right away at 847-920-4540 or fill out the form below for a free consultation with an experienced attorney. We’ll evaluate your situation and give you the legal advice you need to get the best possible outcome.