Everyone deals differently with anger. Some people start with a low burn slowly escalating into yelling. Others can transition from a 1 on a scale of one to 10 and rocket up to a 10 in seconds. Domestic violence situations come in all sizes and intensity, and when a difficult situation arises it can easily become a bad incident that can turn worse. A charge of domestic violence often may be accompanied by another charge known as Interfering with Reporting if the abuser tries to stop the person from reporting the violent situation.

What is an Interfering with Reporting Charge?

When a domestic violence abuser commits the crime of abusing a victim and then “attempts” to prevent the victim or any witness of the domestic violence crime from seeking help, it is interference with reporting.

Examples of Interference

• Destroying devices, like cell phones, to keep the victim from calling for help
• Blocking the victim from leaving to seek help
• Preventing the victim from getting medical assistance
• Stopping a 911 emergency communication
• Taking any of these steps against a person who witnessed the violence

The charge of interfering with reporting happens as a secondary charge. Domestic violence crimes must have occurred prior to the interference with reporting. You can only be convicted of interference of reporting if prosecutors can first prove domestic violence crime beyond a reasonable doubt.

How Does Interference of Reporting Happen?

After a domestic violence crime happens, the defendant may begin to worry about the consequences of his or her actions. Instinct tells the defendant to remove all evidence or means for a person to seek help or report the events of what happened.

Common Ways Interference Happens

• Removing or destroying a cell phone
• Removing a battery from a cell phone
• Wrestling devices away from victims
• Putting themselves between the victim and the door

Keep in mind, the defendant does not have to prevent the call, he or she simply must attempt to prevent the call to be charged with interfering with reporting.

If you are being charged with domestic violence and interfering with reporting has been added to your charges, you need to turn to an experienced domestic violence lawyer. Your defense could hinge on getting the right advice for your situation. You probably have questions and it is likely you are worried about the outcome. Domestic violence charges are serious and can cause problems for you for years if you are convicted.

Steve Karimi is skilled in helping people like you overcome domestic violence problems. Call our domestic violence attorney today and make your appointment for your first consultation. At Karimi Law Office, we will sit down, discuss your situation, determine your best strategy, and together we will fight your charges. Contact Steve Karimi today either online or at 206-621-8777.