Domestic Abuse Legal Representation

Summary

Elaines son is facing a domestic abuse claim in Delaware. The claimant alleges physical abuse. Elaines son is currently unrepresented due to financial constraints. Elaine has been advised to contact the Office of Defense Services in Delaware for free legal representation. The sons court hearing is scheduled for September 1. Elaine has evidence that could potentially help her sons case, including proof that he was not properly served an exparte order.

Full Conversation

Trying to find help for my son. He needs a lawyer for an up coming court date
What is the nature of the case your son is facing?
A domestic claim in a few weeks
What state is the court case in? Depending on the state, the laws and penalties for domestic claims can vary.
Delaware
What are the specific charges your son is facing in this domestic claim?

In Delaware, domestic violence laws cover a wide range of offenses.
Abuse
What type of abuse is your son being charged with? In Delaware, the penalties can vary depending on whether it's physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
She is saying physical
In Delaware, physical abuse can lead to charges like assault or menacing. Penalties can include jail time, fines, or probation. Is your son represented by a lawyer?
No, we can't afford one
What type of legal aid resources have you explored so far? In Delaware, there are organizations that provide free or low-cost legal representation for those who can't afford a lawyer.
Legal aid was only able to speak a paralegal at this point. They only helped with filling papers
What is the date of your son's court hearing? It's important to secure legal representation as soon as possible. In Delaware, the Office of Defense Services provides free legal services.
September *
In Delaware, the Office of Defense Services can provide free legal representation. Their contact number is (*) *-*. Have you contacted them?
Know I haven't. Haven't heard of them. It's sad because the state says it offers help, but when you put to them it's a different story
I understand your frustration, ****. Would you like assistance in reaching out to the Office of Defense Services for your son's case?
Yes
Great, you can reach out to the Office of Defense Services at (*) *-*. They are located at * N French St, Wilmington, DE *.
I need someone that can see through the lies
What specific lies are you referring to? It's important to gather all evidence that can help your son's case.
I was told by the person that she was going to cry and lie to get her way. That her and her lawyer would hang him to cross and go for his jugular
Do you have any evidence or witnesses that can support your son's innocence and counter these allegations?
Since the truth doesn't matter in court when women bring these kinds of charges, I'm not sure. I know that he doesn't even live the house and hasn't been for awhile.
Does your son have any proof of his residence during the time of the alleged incident? This could be helpful in his defense.
I think so
That's good. Can he provide any documents like rent receipts, utility bills, or a lease agreement to prove his residence during that time?
I've have to ask him. I know that they had a separate house and he went to live there. But a week or so ago, actually on June 21st went to the court and got an exparte, but didn't serve him. Instead went to the place while he was working, went through his room, called the police and acted like she was so afraid and that when he found out. And was made to leave
Did your son receive any official notice or documentation about the exparte order?
No, not until the day she called the police and they made him leave that day. I had drive up there to move his things from the house. He was not allowed to get everything. He would have got locked up if he went by
What evidence does your son have to prove he wasn't served the exparte order? In Delaware, failure to properly serve an exparte order can affect the case.
In meant back
What do you mean by "In meant back"? Could you please clarify?
When I sent my answer before this question, I put by instead of back
I see, thank you for clarifying. Does your son have any written communication or witnesses that can confirm he wasn't properly served the exparte order?
To answer this question, yes. The police made him aware of it. And she told me also
What is the name of the police officer who made your son aware of the exparte order? This could be crucial evidence in his defense.
I would need to ask him. But, yes. There were other people at the house, and she told me herself that she got the order on the 21st of July. And that he wasn't aware of it until that day
Can your son provide the names and contact information of the other people who were present at the house when he was made aware of the exparte order?
Yes, I'm sure that he can
That's great. Having witnesses can strengthen his case. Can he also provide any written communication where she admitted to not serving the exparte order?
Me, but I don't know if I would be allowed
Are you referring to any written communication between you and the accuser where she admitted to not serving the exparte order?
This was her telling me from her own mouth
Do you have any written or recorded evidence of her admitting this to you?
I do. I want give this information to her lawyer.
What is the reason you want to give this information to her lawyer instead of your son's lawyer?
I'm sorry, I don't want to give it to her lawyer
What is your concern about sharing this information with your son's lawyer?
My son doesn't have a lawyer. I'm trying to find one for him. Someone that will work on his behalf and fall for the lies or don't care because they're not paid
What is your son's financial situation? He might be eligible for a public defender. In Delaware, the Office of Defense Services provides free legal representation for those who can't afford a lawyer.
He works a barber.
Does your son have any proof of his income, like pay stubs or tax returns, that could help him qualify for a public defender?
He only cut when someone needs a haircut. I know he works as a bouncer, * nights a week. That's his paid job
Does your son have any pay stubs or tax returns from his job as a bouncer that could help him qualify for a public defender?
Do you know someone that I could ask for by name
I'm sorry, but as an AI, I don't have the ability to provide specific names. However, you can contact the Office of Defense Services in Delaware at (*) *-* for assistance.
Yes, he should be able to get that information
What is the name of the court where your son's case will be heard? This will help in finding a local lawyer or legal aid service.
Family Court Kent County Delaware
What is the exact date and time of your son's hearing at the Family Court in Kent County, Delaware?
September *, * @ 11am
The Family Court of Kent County, Delaware is located at * Court St, Dover, DE *. Their contact number is (*) *-*.
Yes
What is the name of the person who filed the domestic claim against your son?
Chiffon Sheppard
What is the relationship between your son and Chiffon Sheppard?
Estranged husband, I guess you can say
What evidence does your son have to counter Chiffon Sheppard's allegations? In Delaware, evidence such as text messages, emails, or witnesses can be crucial in a domestic abuse case.
I don't know
Does your son have any text messages, emails, or other forms of communication that could help prove his innocence?
I don't know
I don't know
I'm answering you.
Are you her lawyer
I don't know. The person stopped responding to me