Changes in Domestic Violence Investigations

When officers are called to a domestic dispute, they will often be on the side of the victim from the start and are not always open to hearing the fully story. They can be quick to judge the accused and may do this against a person that is actually innocent. Not all cases are black and white and sometimes the alleged victim may have more of a part than they will admit. They may quickly accuse the other person of abuse in a heated moment when no physical contact or threats were actually made. Changes are now being made to the investigations process in these situations and officers in New York City are being told to run a background check on the victims as well. They have found that in many of these instances the victim will have a criminal background as well and may even have an outstanding warrant against them.

This may be a policy that could spread and it may offer more of a leg to stand on for those that are accused of perpetrating the initial crime. Often it is their word against the other person and if they are put in a bad light first, it can be challenging for them to turn the situation around. Domestic violence in New York is looked at seriously and those that are considered repeat low level offenders can deal with as much as a felony charge. At the end of 2012 the laws regarding this crime were strengthened when signed in by Governor Cuomo. Penalties for domestic violence will be dependent on the extent of the crime and can include fines, jail time, probation and other repercussions. At The Law Office of John M. Cromwell you can gain access to aggressive defense and an attorney with a background of over 23 years practicing law. Find out more by contacting a White Plains criminal lawyer from the firm.