Facing domestic violence (DV) charges can be an overwhelming and stressful experience. The possibility of jail time, losing your job, and having a permanent conviction on your record is daunting. However, there are proactive steps you can take to get your charges dropped before your first court date. My name is Jamahl Kersey, and I am the principal attorney at Kersey Law, a boutique criminal defense firm in San Diego, California. In this blog post, I will share three real-life examples of how we have helped our clients avoid charges before they even had to go to court.
Immediate Action: Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney
The most critical step you can take is to contact a criminal defense attorney immediately after your arrest. Time is of the essence, and a skilled attorney can begin working on your case right away. At Kersey Law, we have a proven track record of helping clients navigate the complexities of the legal system and achieve favorable outcomes.
Case Study 1: High-Ranking Navy Officer
Our first example involves a high-ranking Navy officer who got into an argument with his wife, which unfortunately escalated to him punching her in the face. The police were called, and he was arrested for felony domestic violence. Understanding the severe consequences of a conviction, such as losing his military career and retirement benefits, he contacted us immediately.
We quickly got to work, learning about his situation and his character. He was under the influence of alcohol at the time and had a drinking problem. He took responsibility for his actions and sought help, enrolling in an inpatient rehab program with his wife’s support. We gathered positive character references, awards, and commendations from his military service and volunteer work, presenting a compelling case to the District Attorney (DA). Ultimately, the DA decided not to file charges, saving his career and future.
Case Study 2: Nurse During COVID-19
Our second example involves a nurse who was under immense stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. After a long shift, she got into an argument with her boyfriend, which turned physical. Although she acted in self-defense, her boyfriend called the police, fearing repercussions due to his criminal record. She was arrested for felony domestic violence, which threatened her nursing license and career.
We acted swiftly, reaching out to her boyfriend, who admitted he initiated the aggression. He provided a statement supporting her self-defense claim and their mutual decision to quit drinking. We presented this information to the DA, emphasizing her critical role as a nurse during the pandemic and the unjust consequences of charging her. The DA chose not to file charges, allowing her to continue her essential work in healthcare.
Case Study 3: Occupational Therapist
Our final example involves an occupational therapist who, during an argument with his wife, ended up hitting her. Although they wanted to handle the situation privately, her father called the police, leading to his arrest. Concerned about losing his professional license and their family’s future, he contacted us immediately.
He acknowledged his anger issues and proactively enrolled in anger management and therapy. We compiled positive character references, professional awards, and evidence of his dedication to addressing his issues. Presenting this to the DA, we argued that it was in society’s best interest for him to retain his job and professional license. The DA agreed and declined to file charges, preserving his career and family plans.
Conclusion
The common thread in these cases is the importance of immediate legal action and presenting a comprehensive, humanized defense. If you are facing criminal charges, acting quickly and reaching out to an experienced criminal defense attorney can make the difference between conviction and freedom.
At Kersey Law, we are dedicated to defending our clients and achieving the best possible outcomes. If you found this information helpful, please like, comment, and subscribe to our channel for more legal insights.
Thank you for reading, and until next time, take care.
