How Cops Respond to Domestic Violence Calls in Indiana

Domestic violence is a serious problem in Indiana and across the United States. According to governmental data, in 2019 there were an estimated 1.2 million domestic assaults reported to law enforcement agencies nationwide. Unfortunately, it’s likely that many more cases of domestic violence go unreported and undetected each year.

In Indiana, law enforcement officers are trained to respond quickly and effectively when called upon for assistance with a domestic dispute or complaint. The state has specific laws in place that dictate how police should handle these types of calls to ensure the safety of all involved parties while also providing victims with necessary resources and support services they need to get out of dangerous situations.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at how law enforcement responds to domestic violence calls in Indiana so you can be better informed about your rights and responsibilities if you ever find yourself facing such a situation.

Call 317-636-7514 to Speak With a Domestic Violence Lawyer in Indianapolis.
Call 317-636-7514 to Speak With a Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer in Indianapolis.

Domestic Dispute Police Response Process in Indiana

When law enforcement is called to respond to a domestic dispute in Indiana, the officers must first assess the situation. They will ask questions, such as whether or not any weapons are present, and take note of other signs that could indicate domestic violence is taking place. If it appears that an act of domestic violence has occurred, the officers must comply with certain procedures, such as interviewing any involved parties and performing a protective sweep of the dwelling.

The officers must also make sure that any victims of domestic violence are taken out of immediate danger and provided with appropriate resources, such as temporary housing or restraining orders. The officers must also take necessary steps to ensure the safety of all parties involved by making sure that any weapons present are collected and securing the scene.

In Indiana, law enforcement officers have an obligation to protect victims of domestic violence. They must evaluate each situation independently and determine if there is probable cause for arresting someone or issuing a Domestic Violence Order of Protection. If so, they can take necessary steps to provide victims with the safety and security they need to get out of a dangerous situation.

Cooperate With Police and Stay Calm

Whether the victim, the accused, or both, always be polite with law enforcement, as they are there to help. Guilty or not, if they place you under arrest, remain calm and don’t say another word until you have spoken with your Indianapolis criminal defense attorney. Once you are booked into the jail system, you can contact your lawyer and get bonded out of jail. From there, you will work on your defense.

Overall, it’s important to remember that law enforcement officers in Indiana take domestic violence calls seriously, and their primary goal is to protect victims and ensure the safety of all parties involved. If you ever find yourself in such a situation, please know that help is available, and you should not hesitate to call for assistance.

Putting an End to Domestic Violence

It’s important that we all work together to end domestic violence and make sure that those affected by it get the help they need urgently. And by working with law enforcement and other organizations dedicated to ending domestic violence, we can ensure that everyone in Indiana has access to the resources and support services they need. Let’s all play a role in making sure our state is free from domestic violence.

If you or someone you know is in a dangerous situation, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. Contact 911 in the case of an emergency. You mat also contact your local law enforcement office or visit the Indiana Coalition to End Domestic Violence website for more resources and information.

If you have been falsely accused of domestic violence, hire an aggressive lawyer who can protect your rights and get your charges dropped in Indiana. Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a meeting with our experienced domestic violence defense lawyer in Indianapolis. Meet by phone or in person at our law office, based conveniently in Downtown Indy.

Related Posts:

FAQS About Domestic Violence Arrests and Charges in Indiana
What to Do if You Were Falsely Accused of Domestic Violence
The Indiana Rule For Domestic Violence

The Indiana Rule For Domestic Violence

Domestic violence calls happen every minute, all across the nation. When these calls occur, the judicial process that takes place afterwards depends on several factors, namely the state. Domestic violence laws vary from state to state, but here in Indiana, the rules are clear.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about domestic violence disputes, criminal charges, and penalties in Indiana.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense
Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

Who’s At-Fault?

When it comes to domestic violence and criminal law, many couples want to know who is labeled as the offender. Most people assume that the man is automatically arrested and detained in custody in the case of a domestic violence call. However, this is not always true. You see, it is usually the actual aggressor (the ones who makes the assault) who is arrested and taken to jail for a domestic violence charge, which can be either a woman or a man. See our blog, “Who Gets Arrested in a Domestic Violence Police Call?” to learn details about these situations.

Types of Domestic Violence:

▸ Assault And Battery
▸ Physical Abuse
▸ Sexual Abuse
▸ Mental Abuse
▸ Emotional Abuse
▸ Child Abuse
▸ Child Molestation
▸ Sex Crimes

Here is what you need to know about domestic violence laws, disputes, charges, penalties, and more:

Statute:

Indiana Code 35-42-2-1.3 (Domestic Battery)

Under Indiana law, domestic battery is founded when someone knowingly or intentionally a) touches a family or household member in a rude or angry way; or b) places bodily fluid or waste on a family or household member in a rude or angry way.

Criminal Charges:

A suspect can be charged with either a misdemeanor or felony upon being arrested for domestic violence. Domestic violence charges range from Class A misdemeanors to Level 2 felonies; it all depends on the suspect’s criminal history, severity of the victim’s injuries, applicable enhancements, and several other mitigating factors.

Misdemeanor Penalties in Indiana

Felony Penalties in Indiana

What You Need to Know About Indiana Protective Orders

Where to Find Trusted Indiana Criminal Defense

David E. Lewis Criminal Defense Attorney
David E. Lewis Attorney at Law 317-636-7514

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss the best course of action for your domestic violence criminal charges with a seasoned Indianapolis criminal defense attorney you can trust. We work around the clock to ensure your rights are protected and your freedoms are preserved. You can avoid the maximum penalties for your charges with our aggressive legal representation!