Nashville Mayor Demands Domestic Violence Audit
According to The Tennessean, a dramatic increase in dropped domestic violence investigations has many wondering if the Memphis police are really acting in the interest of justice when it comes to such crimes.
In 2005 211 domestic violence cases were cleared without arrest. In 2006 that number jumped to 3,866. By 2009, that number had climbed to 5,600. Some are saying the jump is due to a change in reporting and classification measures while critics state police are being pressured to clear the cases.
Many of these cases were said to be closed because the “victim didn’t want to cooperate”, a common problem in domestic violence cases. In situations where only the supposed aggressor and suspected victim are present, having enough evidence for criminal charges really depends on the statements of the victim. If that victim is frightened or doesn’t want to get their partner in trouble, the case might not have enough evidence to move forward.
Domestic violence advocates point out that it isn’t unusual for victims to be afraid, however, and state that asking the victim if they “wish to press charges” is a practice that should have long since been abandoned.
One problem the report saw with many cases is that a report was never written by law enforcement. Without an account that the police were even called, prosecutors may have an even more difficult time building a case, potentially leading to future violence in the relationship.
It does happen occasionally that people are wrongly accused of domestic assault. Some relationships are dangerously passionate and some couples simply fight more. While no relationship should be abusive, occasionally charges are a result of a misunderstanding.
Domestic violence charges can drive wedges between friends, families, and even communities. If you are accused of hurting someone you love, you may find people you thought would never abandon you turning their back.
Charges like these carry a huge stigma and potentially lengthy prison sentences. Having an experienced defense lawyer on your side when facing these charges is crucial.
If you are accused of a domestic assault or similar crime, contact us today to discuss the circumstances surrounding your case. Together we can talk about your options and the best way to move forward.
[...] first blogged about the controversy here, when it was discovered last fall by The Tennessean that Metro Police were dropping a significant [...]