How Do I Get A Domestic Violence Charge Dropped In San Diego, California?

Prosecutors determine the fate of domestic violence charges in San Diego. Even when an accuser changes their mind, the prosecutor solely decides whether to pursue or decline prosecution of a defendant.

An experienced and skilled lawyer can communicate with a prosecutor to point out the weakness of their case and have the domestic violence case dismissed. The assumed victim may request to get the domestic violence case dropped. However, they do not have the power to drop the charges.

Domestic Violence Defenses

Spouses, domestic partners, parents, family members and those involved in a dating relationship can face devastating emotional, financial and personal consequences if charged in a violent domestic confrontation. Charges can be filed after a heated argument gets out of control, even if no one is injured. If you are charged, experienced attorneys will immediately examine all legal defenses, including:

• You were falsely accused
• You were protecting yourself or others
• You weren’t responsible for the injuries that occurred
• The accuser was injured due to an accident
• The police made investigative errors

No physical injuries have to exist for someone to be charged with domestic violence. Prosecutors can also make a case if they believe a defendant made verbal threats or exhibited intimidating behavior.

Accusations Alone Can Cause Harsh Consequences

Even a falsely accused individual found not guilty in a domestic violence case can have their life turned upside down. They face arrest, along with potential criminal and civil proceedings. Whenever a domestic situation arises, the police typically encourage the alleged victim to serve an accompanying restraining order. This can result in losing the ability to contact or go near a spouse or domestic partner, or their children, being forced to move out of their home and surrendering firearms.

While a study published in the Indiana Law Review states that 80% to 90% of all accusers in domestic violence cases recant their original statements to the police, the state is under no obligation to drop the charges if the prosecutor believes he or she has gathered enough proof that a crime took place. That may include the accuser’s original statement, witness accounts, the police report, and physical evidence, such as injuries, photographs and any visible signs that an altercation took place.

Does “Reasonable Doubt” Exist?

Contacting an experienced domestic violence defense lawyer immediately is crucial to building a successful case against false or misleading charges. Avoid talking to the police until a lawyer is present to avoid making any incriminating statements. Your attorney has experience in these matters and will scrutinize every detail and ask questions, looking for holes in the prosecution’s argument. These include:

• If a 911 call was made, does it dispute the prosecutor’s argument?
• Do the police and accuser versions of the incident contradict your side of the story?
• Are there any witnesses, and do their accounts support one side or the other?
• If the accuser has injuries, when did they happen? Are they recent?
• What was your emotional state during and after the incident?
• What was the accuser’s emotional state during the incident and when they talked to the police?
• Are there any reports of prior domestic violence incidents?
• Are there any signs that a physical struggle took place?
• Are there any other signs, such as bloody or ripped clothing?
• Is there a history of infidelity in your relationship, possibly leading to false accusations?
• Is your spouse or partner trying to gain an advantage in a divorce or child custody dispute?
• Were alcohol or drugs involved?

These are just some of the questions a knowledgeable defense attorney asks to dispute a prosecutor’s case and create “reasonable doubt” for jurors. We will often identify inconsistencies, omissions or inaccuracies that result in the case being dropped or reduced charges if the prosecution believes a conviction is unlikely on more serious offenses.

Experience Matters When Everything Is At Stake

Once a domestic violence accusation is made and the police are involved, neither the defendant nor the accuser controls what happens next. Prosecutors decide whether charges are forthcoming, even if the claims were made up due to a heated argument that got out of control or when extenuating circumstances are involved.

Our firm has the distinct and unique advantage of having a former prosecutor who understands how these cases work. Our team has decades of experience defending clients in Southern California and San Diego County. We are dedicated to seeing these charges are dropped or finding the best possible outcome, including reduced charges and penalties.