Domestic violence continues to be an issue many people face on a daily basis. Domestic violence doesn’t discriminate age, race, religion, same sex or opposite sex relationships, female or even male. Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, regardless of their professional or financial status, from the richest to the poorest. There are laws in place to help police and prosecutors convict perpetrators of domestic violence, but if these laws are too broad in their definition and use, they may unjustly punish some people.
How Effective is the Mandatory Arrest Policy?
Mandatory arrest laws require that police responding to a domestic violence call are required to immediately arrest whomever they believe is perpetrating the violence.
While no rational person condones domestic violence, many innocent people are falsely accused of this crime. In some instances a loud argument between a couple results in one or both of the them going to jail if the responding officers believe the incident is a domestic violence crime. Some vindictive people will go so far as to falsely accuse their partner of battery in an attempt to get back at them. In some cases, if the police are not able to determine who is at fault, they may even arrest the wrong partner.
What to Do if You are Accused of Domestic Violence
Contact an attorney immediately if your partner or someone else has placed a call to 911. Once that call is made, the police will be making an arrest. In these types of cases charges will be pressed and cannot be dropped once they are filed, even if your partner has a change of heart and wants to drop them.
If you or someone you know has been arrested with a domestic abuse charge, we encourage you to call The Nahajski Firm. We have over 27 years of combined experience on your side to help you. We believe you have the right to be treated fairly and your rights to be respected in every process. Contact us online or call 206-621-0500 for a free consultation with an experienced family violence defense attorney.