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When you are in the midst of a child custody dispute, criminal charges can directly impact your custody arrangement even if the charges are not related to your child. If you are being charged with a crime – and especially if that crime is or may be treated as a felony – it is important to speak with a Fairfax, Virginia felony defense lawyer as soon as possible so that we can get ahead of these charges before your child’s other parent uses this situation against you in court. It is important to note that even if you don’t see these criminal charges as related to decisions regarding your child, a court may not see this situation in the same way. Always remember that when it comes to disputes over child custody, it is the court’s job to make decisions based off of the best interest of the children involved. As a result, it is imperative that you treat any criminal charges against you seriously.
Does every criminal charge impact a child custody case the same way?
The simple answer is “no”, but you should never assume that your criminal charges will not influence the court’s decision. If you are being charged with shoplifting, for example, it is certainly possible that a court would view this as behavior inconsistent with the type of adult who can properly provide for a child and teach that child law-abiding values. Even if you have been charged initially with a misdemeanor and you believe that relatively minor alleged wrongdoing will not affect your child custody case, please consult with a Fairfax, VA felony defense lawyer about your situation. Aggravating factors may raise your charge to the level of a felony and this challenge will almost certainly impact your current child custody case.
Similarly, if a police officer has charged you with a DUI, you may not think this charge would impact your child custody arrangement. In some cases, it may not. However, your child’s other parent could argue that this makes you unfit to care for your child and it could indicate a pattern of behavior where you are unable to take care of yourself or others on the road. Similarly, a court may question whether or not you would get behind the wheel under the influence with your child or other children in the car. Especially if you are being charged with a certain offense repeatedly, this can show a pattern of poor decision making and irresponsibility. It is partially for this reason that it is so important to speak with a Fairfax, VA criminal defense lawyer as soon as you have been arrested and/or charged. Building a strong defense will not only help you personally, but may help your child custody case as well.
Are there certain crimes that do impact child custody?
Yes, and it is important to speak with your Fairfax, VA felony defense lawyer if you are facing any of these charges. Courts will likely take immediate action regarding your child custody agreement if you are being charged with serious crimes against people, including:
With these types of crimes, a court will potentially see you as an immediate threat to your child’s wellbeing and would likely minimize your custody rights or even take them away in an effort to protect your child.
If you are being charged with a crime of any kind, it can affect your child custody agreement. It is important that you seek legal counsel from Fairfax, VA felony defense lawyer Dave Albo – Attorney to see how your charges will specifically impact your situation. Please do not wait. Please call now.
