How Do I Avoid Being Criminally Charged By My Spouse? By Daniel Moore* It is an unfortunate truth that, at times of separation, one spouse occasionally seeks to get the upper hand by making a false allegation to the police and having their spouse charged with a criminal offence. A criminal charge will usually remove the spouse from the matrimonial home and may severely restrict access to the children. The following are some tips that may help you avoid being charged, or at least assist in your defence if you do get charged: The most common criminal charges are 'assault' and 'threatening'. Remember that an assault includes even the most minor touching, such as a push or a poke with your finger. So walk away if an argument starts, remembering that your spouse may be intentionally trying to upset you in the hopes that you will react. Never say (even if you don't mean it) phrases that refer to death, bodily harm or property damage such as...