Homestead Police Officer Charged After Fight With Wife

While we all like to think that we would never be placed in a position where domestic abuse can happen – either as victim or perpetrator – sometimes things can simply get out of hand. In late February 2024, a Homestead police officer was arrested for domestic violence after an argument with his wife resulted in both parties inflicting physical injuries on themselves. It can sometimes be difficult to separate truth from fiction, but if you have been charged in this type of case, an attorney can help to protect your rights.

Law Enforcement Makes The Call

When a domestic dispute occurs, Florida law enforcement are trusted with the final decision in terms of how the call should be handled. It is not required that any arrest be made (and it is actively discouraged for law enforcement to arrest both parties), but probable cause is a requirement. In other words, no one can be detained solely on suspicion or on the basis of allegations not borne out by evidence.

In the Homestead case, both parties provided conflicting reports of the argument, though both admitted that physical violence occurred. Law enforcement determined that the officer was likely the aggressor, as opposed to his wife, and acted accordingly, arresting the officer and conducting him to jail. The officer was later charged with aggravated battery and placed on administrative leave without pay.

Potentially Serious Consequences

Florida’s domestic violence statute is broad, not defining a single crime of ‘domestic violence,’ but applying the ‘enhanced’ status of a domestic violence crime to any offense “resulting in physical injury or death” of a “family or household member” of the alleged perpetrator. This would seem to apply in the Homestead case, as a husband-wife relationship qualifies as being ‘family or household members’ and did indeed result in physical injury.

Aggravated or domestic battery are common offenses tried under a ‘domestic violence’ umbrella, and they carry stiffer sentences than a misdemeanor battery offense, usually tried as a felony. If convicted, the Homestead police officer may face up to 15 years in prison, depending on other factors. Because the potential sentence is so stiff, it is crucial that domestic violence defendants have the right attorney to protect their rights.

Contact A West Palm Beach Domestic Violence Attorney

While it remains to be seen what will be the outcome of the case in Homestead, your case requires the hand of an attorney who will ensure you get your day in court. A West Palm Beach criminal defense attorney from Perlet & Shiner, P.A. will work hard for you. Call our office today at (561) 721-0552 to speak to an attorney.

Source:

news.yahoo.com/news/homestead-officer-charged-domestic-violence-005108819.html