ABSTRACT
Defending individuals charged with domestic violence presents unique challenges for the defense attorney. The defendant, who is, in most cases, a male accused of committing an act of violence against a girlfriend or spouse, is emotionally charged and irrational. Domestic violence cases are often assigned to judges in specialized courts who place a higher priority on solving problems of domestic violence than affording the accused the presumption of innocence. Prosecutors’ offices often have specialized units as well that are assigned to prosecute allegations of domestic violence. Armed with a multidisciplinary team of investigators and social workers, prosecutors often have a “no drop” policy in domestic violence cases, with additional resources to prosecute domestic violence cases (Feige, 2004, p. 1).
