DALLAS COP ARRESTED, FACES FAMILY VIOLENCE CHARGE

It is somewhat ironic when police officers are arrested and charged with crimes. After all, law enforcement officers are charged with enforcing the laws that we all live by. With that, there is an inherent expectation that they will live by these laws as well (and not break them). Nevertheless, there are times when police officers may knowingly abuse their authority or unwittingly run afoul of the law while trying to enforce it.

Such may be the case of a Dallas Police officer charged with domestic violence. The Dallas News reports that the officer, who is a 12 year veteran, was arrested and taken into custody by the Duncanville Police Department. It appears that the officer was processed and released by the Duncanville Police, and placed on administrative leave by his own department.

No other details have been released about the alleged crime, but it appears that the internal affairs department for the Dallas Police will initiate an investigation into the matter.

In the meantime, the story is a reminder that anyone charged with a crime, regardless of their occupation, is entitled to a legal defense in answering to criminal charges. An experienced criminal defense attorney can investigate the charges, find out if there are any viable defenses available and question the validity of evidence presented. A defense lawyer can also advise the accused on the best way to conduct oneself during the process of an investigation, which can have long-term implications if not done correctly.

It remains to be seen whether the officer in this story will be permanently relieved of his duties.

Source: DallasNews.com, “Dallas police officer arrested in Duncanville, charged with family violence,” Robert Wilonsky, January 8, 2014