Domestic violence offenses usually involve spouses, partners or people who are dating or living together. The prosecutors and lawmakers will continue to pursue the case even in situations where the alleged victim wishes to drop all charges. Therefore, it is crucial to have an experienced defense on your side.
A minor domestic incident could quickly lead to a more serious domestic abuse charge. For instance, if a harassment charge is alleged by a victim, and it’s found the victim and offender were involved in an intimate relationship, the law enforcement is required to make an immediate arrest to ensure the continued safety of the alleged victim, as well as the safety of other occupants in their home.
In Houston, police commanders who are targeting domestic violence in an effort to prevent homicides implemented a new policy, and will now send a supervisor to crime scenes where there are allegations of domestic violence but no arrests have been made.
The change is an effort to increase awareness among law enforcement and prosecutors that victims of domestic violence, specifically those who are strangled and survive, are eight times more likely to be killed by the abuser within a year, reports say.
During a press conference where they were flanked by more than a dozen senior police officers and prosecutors, authorities announced the new policy. It requires supervisors to go to domestic violence calls where there is not an arrest to double check whether charges should be filed. HPD officers are also being trained to look for signs of strangulation that may not be readily apparent, such as victims who say they saw stars or exhibited raspiness in their voice.
Houston recorded 43 domestic violence homicides last year. Authorities also encouraged immigrants in Houston without documentation to report a crime, especially domestic violence. Police department analysis found the number of Hispanics reporting rape was down 42.8 percent from last year, and those reporting other violent crimes had registered a 13 percent drop. He blamed the drop on fear about deportation among immigrants and said fewer people reporting crime affects the safety of the entire community.
Law enforcement officials said they hope collecting evidence of strangulation early in the process will mean they can file more serious charges and prosecute them more aggressively.
The policy adds to an ongoing initiative by the DA’s office, called the strangulation task force, to increase communication between police called to the scene of domestic violence and prosecutors who sign off on charges being filed.
Lawyer of the Area
Once a domestic violence incident has been charged there’s no avoiding certain immediate, legal actions. If you’ve been charged with domestic violence, you need a credible and experienced defense lawyer to help you. Attorney Yong J. An is Texas’ finest when it comes to criminal defense.
If you have been accused of domestic violence, call or text 24/7 Attorney Abogado Yong J. An at 832 428 5679. Criminal Defense Attorney Abogado
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