Domestic violence can have a serious negative impact on a family, but so can false allegations of domestic violence. Some claim that these instances are few and far between, but that does not mean that they are nonexistent. The implications of being accused of a domestic violence crime are huge and can make a big difference in divorce proceedings and custody battles. If you are facing domestic violence charges under any circumstances, it is very important to consult with an experienced Seattle defense attorney.

Recently, a police sergeant in Wisconsin was cleared of domestic violence charges after police investigators determined that he was not even at his home at the time of the alleged abuse. According to the local news station, Sgt. Brian Donohoue was accused of domestic violence by his wife who claimed that her husband hit her. Donohoue stated that he had not even seen his wife on the day of the alleged incident but was suspended from his position while an investigation took place.

Though he was cleared of the charges and allowed to return to duty, there is no clear reason as to why his wife would have made this claim against him. In the past, she had made another allegation against her husband and authorities may believe that she is not mentally sound. The article states:

In a press conference Friday, Janesville Police Chief David Moore said during Mrs. Donohoue's first accusation, she told investigators she saw blood and spirits in the house.

There are a number of reasons as to why people would be motivated to falsely accuse another of domestic violence. One common reason is to make the alleged perpetrator look bad to a judge. In divorce and child custody cases, a judge is less likely to side with the party who has been charged with domestic violence. Other times false charges may be alleged by the abuser themselves as a way to punish or torment their victim. If one party is the aggressor and the other fights back, in theory, the actual victim could be charged with domestic violence if there is more evidence of the injury they inflicted.

Truthfully, there are a number of reasons why someone could false accuse another of domestic violence. If you have been subject to accusations of domestic violence in Seattle, it is important that you take them very seriously and contact an experienced defense attorney right away.