If you are accused of abuse and wish to contest the charges, you should begin by selecting an attorney to represent you. Check the attorney's credentials to make sure he or she has experience with similar domestic violence cases. Ask witnesses to testify on your behalf, and gather any evidence that will help your case. Work with your attorney to prepare witnesses or experts, making sure they are credible and trustworthy. You may want to undergo psychological testing or take a polygraph test if you feel the results will strengthen your case. Make a time line of the events that happened before the alleged abuse, as well as everything that has happened since. Try to be as involved with your case and as educated about the proceedings as you can. While your attorney will handle most of the work concerning your case, try to be of as much help as possible. Between the time of the alleged abuse and the hearing or trial, follow the advice of your attorney. Hiring an attorney and paying court costs to defend yourself may become expensive. If the judge decides in your favor, the person who brought the claim against you may be ordered to pay court costs and your lawyer's fees. However, if the judge decides against you, you'll be responsible for court costs, your attorney's fees, and possibly the fees of the other party's attorney.
