Domestic Violence in Florida
The general public is now more conscious about domestic violence and
the Florida law has been getting much more serious about combating
it.
When a report of domestic violence is received by the
police they will make an arrest and, many times, the case will
go to trial.
Florida law classifies various criminal offenses under the general
category of domestic violence, including:
- Domestic battery and aggravated battery
- Domestic assault and aggravated assault
- Kidnapping and false imprisonment
- Elderly abuse
- Harassment, stalking and aggravated stalking
- Restraining order and no-contact order violations
- Sexual assault, sexual battery, rape, and other sex offenses
- Any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death
of one family or household member by another family or household
member
Based on its definition, domestic violence is not only
a cyclical violent behavior against a family member. Even an isolated
event of an argument or fight between a couple, siblings, and
a parent and child can be considered as a crime.
Domestic Violence in Florida - Legal Consequences and Defense
Domestic violence penalties can be severe and devastating.
Being found guilty of domestic violence carries serious legal
consequences and may have a ripple effect on other issues such
as child custody disputes, injunctions,
pending divorces and even on your social and professional life.
Among the penalties you could face if found guilty of domestic
violence are mandatory jail time, participation in Batterers
Intervention Programs and revoking your concealed weapons permit.
Also, you will not be allowed to seal or expunge that arrest
even if the judge withholds adjudication.
Keep in mind that the offices of the State Attorney do not usually
pursue charges against a person who makes a False Report
of a Crime of domestic violence. Even
more, Florida law
allows prosecutors to file charges even when the victim requests
that the State drops the charges. As a result, it would be
very beneficial for you if the domestic violence is not actually
formally charged by the State.
Do not wait to see if formal charges will be filed. Contact
the Law Office of Mark NeJame today. We will work diligently
to initiate
a negotiation process and to reach an acceptable resolution.
The defense of a domestic violence charge can be challenging.
Each Orlando criminal attorney at
the Law Office of Mark NeJame has years of experience defending
individuals against domestic violence charges.
If you are charged with domestic violence in Florida,
do not plea guilty or no contest. You need a domestic violence
attorney. Call us immediately. We are available 24 hours a day.
You can also fill out our online form to contact
our criminal defense attorneys in Orlando and someone
will contact you as soon as possible.
If you already pled guilty or no contest contact us as soon as
possible. The Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure allow individuals
to withdraw their pleas within 30 days for good cause. Sometimes
pleas can be withdrawn even after the 30 day period. We will stand
up and see what can be done to help you.