Navigating the Aftermath: A Legal Perspective on Domestic Violence Charges

Hello, I’m Jamahl Kersey, a criminal defense attorney based in San Diego, California. Today, let’s delve into a scenario that many individuals find themselves in – the aftermath of a domestic violence arrest and the complexities that arise when the alleged victim wishes to dismiss the case.

Understanding the Aftermath: Patching Things Up

Picture this: Jack and Jill, a couple caught in a heated argument that prompts concerned neighbors to call 911. Law enforcement arrives, takes statements, and captures the chaotic scene through the lens of photographs. But once the dust settles, Jack and Jill want to reconcile, leaving them with a multitude of questions.

Common Concerns: Can Charges Be Dropped?

It’s a common misconception that the alleged victim has the power to press or drop charges. In California, it’s the District Attorney representing the People of the State who files charges, not the victim. So, what can Jack and Jill do? Can they communicate with the DA or the judge? These are the questions that often flood my office.

Law Enforcement’s Role: Determining the Aggressor

Law enforcement plays a critical role in determining the initial and dominant aggressor – the person who escalated the situation and the one who got the best of the other. The dominant aggressor is usually the one taken into custody, adding a layer of complexity for first-time offenders facing domestic violence charges.

The Dilemma: Victim’s Desire vs. Legal Proceedings

I often encounter clients facing domestic violence charges for the first time, overwhelmed by the fear of jail, potential job loss, and a tarnished record. Interestingly, many find themselves in a situation where the alleged victim desires to move on, hoping to put the incident behind them.

Legal Realities: Who Decides to File Charges?

Here’s the twist: despite the alleged victim’s desires, the decision to file charges rests with the District Attorney. While the victim’s input matters during the police interview, it doesn’t guarantee that charges won’t be filed. I’ve seen cases where charges proceed even when the alleged victim opposes prosecution, highlighting the nuanced decision-making process of the DA.

Challenges in Love and Justice: Recanting and Non-Cooperation

Love, fear, and protection can influence the alleged victim’s stance. Sometimes, victims may “recant” their initial reports or refuse to cooperate with the prosecutor to shield their loved ones. This presents a unique challenge when the alleged victim wants the case dismissed, but the DA sees it differently.

Why Direct Contact Won’t Help: The Judicial System’s Procedure

Attempting to directly contact the DA won’t help the alleged victim in securing a dismissal. The judicial system follows a specific procedure, and the power to dismiss charges lies solely with the prosecutorial agency.

Our Approach at Kersey Law: Building a Strategic Defense

When clients present such situations, our approach involves a comprehensive strategy. We conduct a thorough investigation, obtaining statements from the alleged victim without the influence of the police. We scrutinize the evidence, looking for factors that could prove our client’s innocence or raise doubts about the prosecution’s case.

Mitigating Circumstances: Painting a Full Picture

In building a defense, we gather mitigating information about our clients – educational background, work history, community involvement, and more. Support letters from employers, teachers, friends, and family play a crucial role in demonstrating the defendant’s good character.

The Power of the Alleged Victim’s Statement: A Critical Component

When compiling evidence, the alleged victim’s statement becomes a focal point. Ideally, it can either counter the information in the police report or introduce crucial facts that might lead to a dismissal.

Conclusion: Seeking Legal Consultation at Kersey Law

So, there you have it – a glimpse into our approach to domestic violence cases. If you’re facing charges in California and need expert guidance, give us a call at 619-399-3662. Thank you for joining us, and until next time, peace and legal resilience.