Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Gulfport, MS

A domestic violence charge starts with a 911 call. Officers arrive to take the victim’s statement. The police do not investigate the defendant’s innocence. Their investigation is completed in a few minutes. The decision to arrest is made in a split second. Mississippi law requires an arrest when the officer has probable cause to believe an act of domestic violence was committed within 24 hours of the first report. Domestic violence laws were originally enacted to protect women from men. However, recent studies show that a significant percentage of domestic violence victims are men. Restraining orders are routinely granted without hearing your side of the story. Under a restraining order, the defendant may have to stay away from his home, his family and his property. Domestic violence can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.