Police Response and Domestic Violence Charges in Florida

When someone calls 911 about domestic violence in Florida, the police respond quickly to ensure everyone’s safety. Officers will arrive to assess the situation, speak with those involved, and separate the parties if necessary. Their priority is to prevent further harm and to gather information about what happened.

In general, Florida police follow specific arrest practices related to domestic violence. If an officer has probable cause to believe that domestic violence occurred, they may make an arrest at the scene, even if the victim does not want to press charges. Arrests can happen based on visible injuries, witness statements, or other evidence collected by the officers.

It’s important to understand the difference between a police report, an arrest, and formal charges:

• Police Report: This is a written account by officers documenting what they observed, statements from people involved, and any evidence.
• Arrest: This means a person is taken into custody based on suspicion they committed domestic violence. An arrest is not the same as a conviction.
• Formal Charges: These are filed by the prosecutor’s office after reviewing the police report and evidence. Charges begin the criminal case officially.

After an arrest, survivors may experience a bond hearing where a judge decides if the arrested person can pay bail or must stay in custody. Courts often set no-contact conditions to protect survivors, legally preventing the alleged offender from contacting or coming near them while the case progresses.

The prosecutor’s office reviews the evidence and decides whether to move forward with prosecution. Even though survivors’ input is important, they do not control whether charges are filed or dropped. Prosecutors aim to enforce the law and protect public safety based on the facts available.

Criminal cases, injunctions (court orders to keep someone away), and family court matters may overlap, but they are separate legal processes. For example, an injunction for protection may be issued in family court to safeguard survivors beyond the criminal case timeline. These systems work together to provide comprehensive legal protection.

This information offers a general overview of Florida’s domestic violence response and is not legal advice. Each case is unique, and it is important to seek assistance from trusted resources like DV Support for guidance.