Mates,

Haven't posted in a bit but I did read the Jourdan Lewis stuff and I thought this might be timely.  Its too long for a forum topic but I'll try to be succinct.

1.  Jourdan Lewis Character - Very Good.   First time misdemeanor DV defendants are always offered what is called a 'deferred sentence' pursuant to MCL 769.4a.  Its kind of like a double secret probation where they send the defendant to anger management classes (also known as "Man Hater" classes) for about 6 months and if defendant doesn't test dirty for booze or drugs and doesn't get any more criminal charges the case is eventually dismissed.  Those classes can be helpful though, if for no other reason than they can teach someone to simply walk away from an argument before it gets to the tipping point. 

Not only did Jourdan not take this offer, but also he said 'no' to any type of offer to some less serious, Mickey Mouse type of misdemeanor with a similar treatment.  There are some other pre-trial facts that evidence his high character but with the NFL not having weighed in yet those will be kept private.  Suffice it to say that if you knew those you would almost certainly think he is and always was truly innocent, not just not guilty.

At trial the complaining witness (not going to call a fake witness a 'victim') was not believable, and in particular her recorded statements came off as drama - her 9-1-1 call was like she'd witnessed some horrible crime, not gotten pushed away using pillows.  Same with the body cam recording of her statement on the night in question.  There was evidence that she had slapped JL multiple times.  She also conveniently cried during some parts of direct exam and that came off as manufactured.   

Jourdan was contacted that same night and instantly manned-up and met with the cops.  He took no time to manipulate or plan out his statement, and instead gave a sincere and calm statement.  No need for him to take the stand as the prosecutor was foolish enough to put his statement to the police into evidence.   

2.  Can He Sue Her For Malicious Prosecution/Abuse of Process - Yes, but its way difficult and rarely worth the time, effort and money.  You have to have the right case facts and a complaining witness whose lies are able to be shown to a jury.  I had such a case earlier this year and it worked out well for the client, but that is literally one in a thousand.  I don't know what JL plans, but I'd be shocked if he pursued her for anything.

3.  Domestic Violence for us Regular Folks - No doubt it is a real thing and a serious thing, but like many causes can sometimes be not only overblown, but also used as a weapon to hurt others.  That said, I am willing to bet that the majority of you reading this have been the either the victim or the aggressor in a DV incident.  You're thinking 'no way, Jose'.  But remember that time you threw your keys at your ex, or s/he threw them at you?  How about when you closed the door on his/her foot, while yelling at them?  Or when you grabbed his/her shoulder to get their phone out of their hand?   And a few of you unfortunately more severe than that.

I mention this only because if you are in a relationship that has these elements its probably time to not be in that relationship.  If nothing else, please get some help.  Frequent factors in these cases are substance abuse, fiinancial issues, depression and/or mental health issues but there is help for those things.  If children are involved then you have got to get them clear of the situation as the damage it can do to them could be disastrous - a multi-generational nightmare.  Don't let that happen.

Anyway, hope that was worth reading.

XM