Domestic Violence Arrests and Police Response in Florida
What survivors in Florida can generally expect when domestic violence is reported to police.
Police Response and Domestic Violence Charges in Florida
What Happens When Someone Calls 911
When a 911 call reports domestic violence in Florida, law enforcement officers respond to the location as quickly as possible. Officers will assess the situation by speaking separately with those involved and any witnesses. They look for signs of injury, damage, or evidence of a disturbance to determine if laws have been broken.
Arrest Practices in Domestic Violence Cases
In Florida, police can arrest someone if they have probable cause to believe that domestic violence has occurred. This might come from visible injuries, witness statements, or other evidence at the scene. While arrests are common in these situations, police may also use their discretion based on the facts they find.
Police Reports, Arrests, and Formal Charges
A police report is the officer’s written record of what they observed and learned during their response. An arrest means the person is taken into custody based on a belief they committed a crime. Formal charges happen later when the prosecutor decides to file legal accusations against the arrested person. These steps are separate but connected parts of the legal process.
What Happens After an Arrest
After an arrest, the person accused usually has a bond hearing where a judge decides if bail will be set or if release conditions apply. This may include “no-contact” orders, which require the accused to avoid all contact with the survivor. These conditions are intended to provide distance during early legal proceedings.
The Role of the Prosecutor's Office
The prosecutor reviews evidence and decides whether to formally charge the accused. It is important to know that survivors do not control whether charges proceed or are dropped. Prosecutors act based on legal standards and the information available rather than survivor wishes.
Criminal Cases, Injunctions, and Family Court
Domestic violence cases may involve criminal court for charges and family court for matters like injunctions or custody. An injunction is a legal order designed to protect the survivor by restricting contact or behavior. These different courts address related but distinct issues, and outcomes in one do not automatically affect the others.
This information offers a general overview of how domestic violence cases are handled in Florida. It is not legal advice and may not reflect all possible situations. For specific concerns, consult a qualified professional.
Additional support options can be found through resources listed at DV.Support.