4 Arrests In 6 Months: “Why Doesn’t She Leave?”

In July 2026, a former Broward County sheriff’s deputy was arrested for violating a domestic violence injunction (DVI), which was the fourth arrest for the man in six months. In January he was arrested for “dragging and choking” a woman during an argument, and three more attacks on the same woman have followed. In theory, these arrests could conceivably be enough to place the former deputy behind bars – but they have not been, because the alleged victim has requested a waiver of prosecution every time. While her choices are her own, this pattern does occur far too often when the victims of domestic abuse are too afraid to stand up for themselves.

Legalities Are Only Half The Battle

Domestic violence in Florida is defined as any “criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death” to the victim, who must share a certain relationship with the alleged perpetrator (such as a spouse, ex-spouse, or family member by blood or marriage, among others). It is important to keep in mind that a dating relationship does not qualify as domestic violence, but the category of dating violence does exist and shares most of the same penalties.

If a person suspects that they have been the victim of domestic or dating violence, they can consult authorities and file a request for an injunction – if granted, the first will be ex parte or on the strength of the petitioner’s case, while a more permanent injunction requires a hearing where both sides tell their story first. However, this is far easier to discuss than to actually do, not least of all because many – if not most – alleged abusers do as much as possible to take control of their victim’s life away from them. Victims lose their financial and emotional resources early.

A Pattern Of Intimidation

In the case of the former Broward County deputy, we cannot know the intimate details of the relationship between him and his alleged victim. However, it is notable that her pattern of seeking a waiver of prosecution after each incident is one repeated by victims of long-term domestic abuse. The abuser either threatens the victim into recanting their statements, or the victim simply does not believe that the system can help them escape their abusive relationship.

It is true that a waiver of prosecution does not immediately scupper every criminal case, but it is also true that a state’s attorney will have much more trouble making their case without a victim’s cooperation. This is why many districts require an alleged victim to speak with a victim’s rights advocate before accepting a waiver of prosecution – but in the end, the decision lies with the victim. The right attorney can help – but only help – a victim of domestic violence choose the path that is best for them.

Contact A West Palm Beach Domestic Violence Attorney

If you have been the victim of a crime of domestic or dating violence, you may feel it is not worth it to seek charges for your abuser. The right West Palm Beach criminal defense attorney at Perlet & Shiner, P.A. can help give you better odds to make those charges stick. Contact our office at (561) 721-0552 to schedule a consultation.

Source:

msn.com/en-us/news/other/former-florida-cop-accused-of-domestic-violence-arrested-for-4th-time-in-6-months/ar-AA27Sfcr