This legal video covers a commonly asked question regarding “What Happens During a Domestic Violence Investigation in Missouri?” and how Combs Waterkotte can help you with your domestic violence charge in the state of Missouri.
You can read a transcript of the interview below.
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Interview Transcript
Scott Michael Dunn: So what happens during a domestic violence investigation?
Steve Waterkotte: Police typically show up usually in the immediate aftermath. That’s how these typically begin.
Somebody or neighbor or loved one in the home calls the police. Hey, “Mom and dad are fighting.” “I hear the neighbor fighting,” Things like that. “Please show up.”
You’d be surprised by how often they only take one side of the story. Sometimes it can be a race to who calls and who talks to the police first. Sometimes it’s mutual combat. A mutual fight where both parties are engaged and yet, one may call, and sometimes it can be a race to who paints the narrative first, right?
You’d be surprised by how often they only speak to one party, and if you’re being accused, as I said, it’d be wise not to make a statement.
If you had somebody call, “Steve is hitting me and beating on me,” and they show up, the picture’s already painted, so to speak. At that point, you’re probably not going to do yourself any favors by talking to the police.
“Well, yeah, I did it because of this.” You’ll see things like that. Well, that incriminates you.
If it’s a situation like that, the wise thing to do is not give a statement or answer questions. Again, you’d be surprised by how often police don’t even ask that other side of the story or give that person an opportunity to even allow them to exercise their Fifth Amendment Right.
They take the statement of the accuser. “Okay, that’s enough. Let’s make our arrest. Let’s lock him up or issue him a citation or summons to appear in court.” And off we go.
If you need Missouri’s leading domestic violence defense lawyers to defend your rights and freedom, speak to a criminal defense attorney today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free case review.
