Many of our domestic violence clients are actually the alleged victims who call us for help. This might seem surprising, but it reflects the reality of how domestic violence cases unfold in Florida's criminal justice system.
How Domestic Violence Arrests Happen
Often, when couples are arguing, one party may call police hoping officers will simply "calm the situation down." However, what many people don't realize is that when police respond to a domestic dispute call, someone is going to jail. This mandatory arrest policy frequently shocks both parties involved.
Being Arrested Doesn't Mean Conviction
The good news is that an arrest doesn't guarantee a conviction. The prosecutor must still decide whether to file formal charges and whether they can prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt in criminal court.
Our role involves interviewing the alleged victim to determine:
- Whether they want to press charges and proceed with prosecution
- Their version of events and what actually occurred
- Any inconsistencies or weaknesses in the prosecution's case
Defense Strategy
If we can identify sufficient holes in the prosecution's case and raise reasonable doubt about what occurred, prosecutors will often dismiss charges before the case reaches trial. However, when prosecutors refuse to be reasonable, we're prepared to take your case to trial from day one.
Our goal is to ensure you're not wrongfully convicted of domestic violence charges. If you're facing these allegations, contact Flaherty Defense Firm for experienced legal representation.
