Ultimate DV Arrest Guide: From 911 Call to Jail Cell

A DV arrest can happen within minutes of a 911 call if police find probable cause and a primary aggressor, even without injuries or a willing victim. Officers weigh statements, visible injuries, witness accounts, and prior calls to decide who is arrested and whether charges follow. This article covers the full process from the 911 call through booking and first court steps.

Ray Hrdlicka – Host – Attorneys.Media

“When an officer shows up, determining who goes to jail… Is it simply… Is it simply a matter of he said she said? Or who I can believe the most? I mean, if I’ve got to choose…and it’s not a flip of the coin. But you know, how does that happen?”

Regina Tsombanakis– Domestic Violence Attorney – Fort Lauderdale, FL

“For instance, let’s say, a female calls the police saying that she’s been in a fight with a boyfriend, her boyfriend hit her. He left. Or he’s down the street, or whatever. The cops come, they see her, she’s got a little bit of redness, it looks like she has a mark, and then go over to the boyfriend, but his face is bleeding. Oh, what happened to you? Well, look what she did to me. She scratched me, but she started it! No, he started it! You know what? You’re both going to jail. And lawyers can figure it out.”

Ray Hrdlicka – Host – Attorneys.Media

“Ah.”

Regina Tsombanakis– Domestic Violence Attorney – Fort Lauderdale, FL

“That’s when both get arrested. A lot of the time, whoever calls first is the victim.”

Ray Hrdlicka – Host – Attorneys.Media

“Really? Oh, my gosh. Let me rush to the phone.”