It’s natural for couples to argue from time to time. When the argument gets out of hand and the police get involved, this can take the resolution out of the couple’s hands. It doesn’t matter whether one of the two people in the fight contacted police, whether someone else in the home called or if a concerned neighbor sought help. Many times, if an officer shows up at the door, one or both people go to jail.
What to Do if Arrested
Anyone who is arrested has the right to remain silent. Emotions tend to run very high in these cases and it’s difficult for a person not to try to convince the officers to believe their side of the story. However, the best thing to do is ask for domestic violence attorneys in Tyler, TX before answering any questions. This will protect the defendant’s rights and ensure the police do not get a statement from the defendant that’s based purely on emotion.
What Happens Next
Law enforcement officers have a duty to protect anyone who might be in danger. If they believe one spouse was injured at the hands of the other, they need to remove the offender from the home. This typically means taking them to jail, although sometimes officers might cite someone if they have somewhere else to stay. If they made an arrest, the defendant will have to go in front of a judge. It’s essential to have an attorney for these hearings. Those who qualify for a public defender might consider assessing their financial situation and hiring experienced domestic violence attorneys in Tyler, TX instead.
Potential Consequences
Unlike a typical argument, where a couple takes some time to think about what happened and makes adjustments in their relationship accordingly, this type of situation could involve jail time and severe fines. A first domestic violence conviction could result in fines plus up to one year in jail. Subsequent convictions could send a defendant to prison for up to ten years.
Domestic violence charges are too serious to fight alone. Anyone arrested for this offense should call the Law Office of Holmes & Moore P.L.L.C. right away and get legal representation.
