Q: Domestic Violence Victim: accused by my abusive ex of abusing him- Are character letters from previous partners helpful?
I have an ongoing criminal investigation that has not yet been submitted to DA, I am aware that in these cases it is a lot of he said/she said. My ex beat the crap out of me and stalked me when I tried to leave, he is denying everything and saying that I am an alcoholic and actually I am abusing him. I have no history of violence with previous partners or any accusations of violence on either side (and no criminal criminal record), I am wondering if it is worth asking my previous partners for character letters stating such?
To me it seems that the accusation of abuse by my ex would suggest I had a sudden personality change... to shut this down should I get character letters from past partners? Or is there something else I should do? I've left on good terms with all previous partners, so should be no problem to get their help. Or is this going to open another can of worms better left alone?
A: I understand that you're going through a highly stressful situation. In California, character reference letters can sometimes be utilized to bolster a defendant's credibility or to shed light on their personal history. In this scenario, obtaining letters from previous partners attesting to your non-abusive nature might be helpful. However, it is essential to work closely with your defense attorney to determine the best course of action in presenting any such evidence, as the admissibility of these letters can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case. It is always a wise step to discuss your strategy with your attorney to ensure it aligns with the legal approaches that are most favorable in your situation.
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