New Mexico, like all the other states, takes domestic violence claims extremely seriously. If you are accused of domestic violence, it is in your very best interest that you treat the allegation with the seriousness it deserves. While New Mexico’s tough domestic violence laws are in place to protect victims, they can also be abused.
Your spouse or partner can falsely accuse you of domestic violence for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you are in the middle of a contested divorce and they want an upper hand during the child custody case or they are just spiteful. Whatever the motivation, what you do (or fail to do) following a domestic violence accusation can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
Here is the biggest mistake you want to avoid if you are accused of domestic violence in New Mexico:
Contacting your accuser in any way
It is not uncommon to want to get in touch with someone if they accuse you of a crime. Whether it is direct or indirect contact, confronting your accuser can be a costly mistake:
- This might set the stage for more accusations
- The court might perceive this as an attempt at witness intimidation
- If you’re in violation of a restraining order, that’s a crime
These scenarios will likely work against you during the trial. Therefore, whether the claims are true or false, do not contact your accuser. This includes through third parties (like friends or relatives) or via text or social media.
Whether the accusations are false or not, New Mexico law takes domestic violence claims very seriously. Find out how you can protect your rights if you are accused of domestic violence.
