Not everyone who is accused of a violent crime is guilty of the charges. Sometimes, and especially with claims of domestic violence, emotions between individuals run high, and police officers end up filing charges that may not really fit a particular situation. In other instances, when an individual is accused of domestic violence, a significant reduction of charges — not necessarily an acquittal — is the best option available. Sentencing can also be mitigated after a careful look at the circumstances of the incident in question.
All of these concerns may relate to a recent arrest in Pompano Beach. A young man was being held in jail without bond after police took him into custody and charged him with burglary and battery. According to the complaint filed by the Broward Sheriff’s Office, the 24-year-old Deerfield Beach man was in an altercation with his domestic partner and another man. The police say the young man and his partner have had domestic issues in the past.
The sheriff’s affidavit says the 24-year-old went to the home of a 65-year-old man in Pompano Beach. The 65-year-old was apparently a friend of the accused man’s partner. According to the affidavit, the 24-year-old broke into the friend’s vehicle, which was parked outside, and removed some paperwork and a laptop. The young man is accused of breaking the laptop.
Police claim that, when his partner came outside the residence, the 24-year-old “battered him by grabbing him without permission.” When the partner went inside the home, the 24-year-old apparently also went inside.
He is accused of grabbing the 65-year-old friend, causing minor scratches. According to the affidavit, the 24-year-old had been ordered by a court not to have any contact with his domestic partner.
The allegations against the young man are indeed serious. However, police and media reports generally only tell one side of a story. A close look at the circumstances of the alleged incident may reveal mitigating factors that help to protect the rights of the accused in what is surely a trying situation for all involved.
Source: Sun-Sentinel, “Suspect held in Pompano Beach domestic violence case,” Juan Ortega, April 2, 2012
