lakeland Domestic Violence attorneys

Domestic violence charges are some of the most difficult to deal with, for all parties involved.  Due to the relationships between the parties, these cases can carry an emotional stress that isn’t always present in other criminal charges. Prosecutors in Florida are very aggressive with domestic violence and assault cases.  If you are facing domestic assault charges you probably feel like the whole system is out to get you. You may feel like you have already been convicted of a crime. There may be hard feelings between you, the alleged victim, and other members of your friends and family. You are likely under a lot of stress. We understand. After handling many domestic violence cases in the state of Florida, we know what you are going through and we know what you are up against. We want to help you. Charges as serious as these demand that you have a skilled advocate on your side. We can be that advocate. We will help ensure that your rights are protected at every stage of the criminal court process and help advocate for the best possible outcome on your day in court. Our attorneys are there to defend you, not judge you.

Florida Domestic Violence Laws

Florida statute defines domestic violence as “any assault, aggravated assault, batter, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any criminal offenses resulting in physical injury or death of one family or household member by another family or household member.” Despite what many people think, domestic violence does not just occur between married couples. Florida law defines “family or household member” as those with any of the following relationship:

• Spouses
• Relatives by blood or marriage (who have resided together)
• Former roommates
• Former spouses
• Roommates
• People who share a child

Ref. Fl. Stat. §741.28

Someone Is Going To Jail

If the police are called in a domestic disturbance chances are you will likely be arrested on the spot. In addition to that a temporary restraining order will likely be issued to keep you away from the alleged victim until the issue is resolved. An injunction for protection is essentially a restraining order specifically for domestic violence cases. It differs from the restraining order in that it lasts longer and requires a hearing. This injunction can order you out of the home (if you share residence with the alleged victim). It can also keep you from having any sort of contact with the alleged victim. See my violation of a protective injunction page for more info on injunctions/restraining orders in Florida.

Mandatory Jail Sentence

If you are convicted of a domestic violence charge you will spend a minimum amount of time in jail. Florida statutes dictate a minimum of 5 days in jail for any domestic violence conviction. This means that even if you are charged with a misdemeanor assault, you will serve 5 days at the very least.

Ref. Fl. Stat. §741.283

Batterer’s Intervention Program

In addition to a minimum jail sentence, you will be required to attend a Batterer’s Intervention Program. This program typically consists of group therapy in a small group setting tasked with examining and changing any abusive behaviors. Ref. Fl. Stat. §741.281 These penalties are in addition to any prison sentence or fine prescribed by state statute and the judge for the level of assault that was committed.

Free Consultation On Any Domestic Violence Charge In Florida

Florida domestic violence law can seem confusing. If you are facing charges like these, you want to be certain that you know what you are up against. Call us to discuss the specifics of your case. We want to help you understand the process and fight for the best possible outcome in court.

Call (877.669.6899) or contact us and we’ll set up a time to talk, answer your questions about the charges, and let you know what you are facing, and what we can do to help.