Call 911 in a Domestic Dispute? Here’s Why an Arrest Is Likely

When responding to reports of domestic disputes (i.e. family violence ), law enforcement officers must proceed with caution to protect themselves and the alleged victim. Officers are trained in responding to reports of family violence and know how to secure the safety of the scene. An officer will be mainly concerned with protecting the victim, apprehending the aggressor and collecting information to build the case. The officer will typically arrest someone to accomplish all three of these objectives.

In the vast majority of domestic dispute responses, one party to the conflict will be arrested. Arresting someone ensures that the situation –whatever it may have been- will be diffused and the remaining person can be left in safety. Officers typically err on the side of the caution when deciding whether to make an arrest. Leaving the scene without an arrest can put someone at serious risk, especially if one of the participants in the dispute was the one who reported the incident.

During a typical response to a report of family violence, a law enforcement officer will first attempt to identify the person they deem the aggressor. He or she may employ a variety of methods, such as observation and interrogation, to do so. The office will consider the aggressor to be the person who initiated the conflict, sustained the conflict or otherwise was the predominate instigator (and sometimes they consider the person who got the worst of it to be the aggressor). When identifying the aggressor, police officers will rely on the information received from dispatch and begin observing the scene from the moment they leave their squad car. They may stand outside the home and listen. Identifying the aggressor quickly is important, as officers can be at risks of assault, too.

Again, law enforcement officers may use discretion when responding to a domestic dispute but typically won’t leave without ensuring everyone will be safe. To do this, they often make an arrest. No matter the participants’ in the incident wishes or the story given, law enforcement officers have a duty to protect. But police can make mistakes, and alleged aggressors are often wrongfully accused. Remember; just because you’re arrested doesn’t mean there is enough evidence to convict you. In fact, an experienced assault family violence attorney can usually obtain a dismissal in most of these types of cases. Therefore, if you find yourself facing family violence charges, it’s wise to speak with an experienced Dallas-Fort Worth assault family violence defense attorney. An attorney can explain how you can fight false or exaggerated allegations and defend your rights.

If you’re facing family violence charges in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, JBabb – Criminal Defense Attorneys is here to help. JBabb – Criminal Defense Attorneys will advise you on the best course of action to clear your name. With law offices in Dallas and Denton, our attorneys provide compassionate legal services to Dallas, Collin, Denton, Ellis, Rockwall and Tarrant counties. Our experienced attorneys handle a wide variety of criminal cases including DWI/DUI , assault/family violence, and other misdemeanors and felonies. Call (214) 329-9433, email team@jbabblaw.com, or fill out our confidential online form to schedule a consultation with a Dallas-Fort Worth criminal defense attorney.

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