First and foremost - The Law Offices of Eric M. Matheny understands that domestic violence is a very serious crime. If you are a victim of domestic violence and you are in fear for your safety, you must call 911 immediately.
However, it is important to understand how things work in Florida in the year 2018.
Florida is commonly known as a "no drop" state. That means that despite the wishes of the alleged victim, police and prosecutors will proceed on any domestic violence case so long as there is sufficient evidence to go forward.
So, if you call the police to report an incident of domestic violence, understand that the police will not show up simply to make sure that things cool off between the alleged victim and the alleged perpetrator. They will not issue warnings or ask one person to leave the home for the night. That does not happen.
In response to any call about domestic violence, police will make an arrest. Unless it is glaringly apparent that no incident of violence occurred (a neighbor called to report screaming coming from next door and police show up to find that it was just a loud television) an arrest will be made.
Once the arrest is made, an alleged victim can't "drop the charges." The party prosecuting a domestic violence case is always the State of Florida. The alleged victim is simply a state witness.
If you or a loved one have been arrested and charged with a domestic violence crime in Miami, Broward, or Palm Beach - be it a felony or misdemeanor - contact me to discuss your options.