Charlotte’s local Shelter In Place (SIP) order and Governor Cooper’s statewide stay-at-home order, aim to protect our communities from the threat of contracting and passing the COVID-19 virus.
Although we’ve all collectively come to understand the importance of following these public health mandates, individually, we are each experiencing the impact of those mandates within our own families and in each of our households.
Life was busy and complicated before we faced the current COVID 19 challenges. For almost everyone, the consequences of the public health orders have literally turned life upside down and put more weight on our shoulders.
The impact of these changes is wide ranging- for many, it’s led to unemployment, while for others longer, more exhausting work hours. Thousands of families are grappling with the demands of homeschooling and others are suddenly having to help manage the day to day tasks of older family members & neighbors. We are all trying to manage drastic change & increased demands on just about every aspect of life. It’s a lot.
In Mecklenburg County, this added stress seems to be impacting personal relationships. CMPD has reported that calls for service associated with claims of domestic violence, have more than doubled since the Mecklenburg County shelter in place order was issued on March 26th.
Here is a link to the Mecklenburg County order:
https://charlottenc.gov/covid19/Pages/StayHomeOrder.aspx
Mecklenburg County District Attorney, Spencer Merriweather, has been outspoken about his strong commitment to prosecuting all domestic violence cases. He has developed a specialized team of lawyers to aggressively prosecute Mecklenburg County domestic violence cases.
Here is a summary of Spencer Merriweather’s stance on domestic violence:
https://merriweatherforda.com/protecting-women-and-children
Facing a criminal charge alleging an act of domestic violence, only intensifies the already difficult challenges present right now.
My experience representing clients facing allegations of domestic violence has taught me the importance of diving into the evidence both early and deeply. Successfully defending domestic violence charges require impeccable preparation.
My experience has also shown me that for those on the other side of a domestic violence claim, the experience is scary and often painful. My clients have taught me that these situations have many layers and requires that my role be broader than simply knowing the law and effectively arguing it in court.
We are actively complying with local and state mandates to protect the health & well-being of our clients, our firm and our community, so our office building at 1011 E Morehead St. is currently closed, however we remain “open” and serving our clients, via phone and other virtual meeting platforms.
Our firm understands the load everyone is carrying right now is extra heavy — my team and I are available to try to help you lighten it.
