One of the most frustrating aspects of domestic assault charges can be the response of the police and media. In Michigan, many times a story does not even need to have details other than a police report to become news. When an alleged victim is not even making any charges, it becomes a question of why a situation is reported in the first place. All it takes it one story to jeopardize a person's career and reputation, and it seems some people may not take the seriousness of charges into consideration in the pursuit of a story.
This stems from a recent story involving a Michigan man and his wife. According to reports, the woman went to the hospital said she was knocked unconscious. Details are sparse, but the story alleges that the woman's husband hit her in the head with a pineapple during an argument. Staff members at the hospital notified the authorities, which is not uncommon, and they responded.
But was the police response too much? Apparently, the woman was not cooperating with the investigation and would only give police basic information. The authorities then searched the couple's home and claim there was evidence of a fight. What that evidence is, however, was not specified.
Despite lacking details, cooperation and an actual complaint, police are now requesting that the husband be arrested for domestic assault.
The facts available are that the woman did not cooperate with police, there is no evidence of a history of domestic assault with the couple, and there are no actual details about a fight that would support further investigation and an arrest. So why are police requesting a person be arrested for something that they do not even know happened? Who, or what, is really in danger here?
What is really at stake is a person's future. Even when no one asks for police assistance or interference, authorities may ultimately decide they are the ones who want to pursue charges. In similar situations, a person accused of domestic assault will want to consult with a defense attorney to make sure his or her rights are upheld.
Source: CBS Detroit, "Police Investigate Domestic Assault With Pineapple," March 20, 2012
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