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What Will Happen If I’m charged with Domestic Abuse?
Domestic violence is a type of assault and battery that carries penalties if convicted. Domestic abuse may be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the specific details of the situation. If you have been charged with domestic abuse it’s best to seek legal advice as soon as possible. In cases of domestic abuse there is typically a “no contact” order put in place as part of bond. The “no contact” order will specify the details. If there is such an order in place it is essential that you do not contact the other party under any circumstances.
No Contact Order
The no-contact order is put into place by the court and can only be lifted through court order. Even if two parties decide that they have calmed down and that they can contact each other, it is not permitted. No contact orders usually state that you cannot contact the other party through any method including in-person, by phone, through texting, or email.It does not, however, preclude a third party from contacting the other person. This is the best way to communicate when it is necessary. A no-contact order can replaced with a “no violent contact” order by the court. The “no violent contact” order is a stipulated order that changes bond conditions.
Penalties for Domestic Abuse
If convicted of domestic abuse the penalties may include:
- Jail sentence of up to one year
- Fines
- No longer allowed to own a firearm
The penalties are more severe for a convicted felony charge than for a misdemeanor charge. Those convicted of domestic abuse will generally face at least some jail time and fines. They may also be required to undergo psychiatric treatment or anger management classes. The penalties are based on the severity of the charges and whether or not this behavior has happened in the past. Your attorney will represent you at the first hearing and will argue to have the charges reduced or dropped, depending on the circumstances surrounding them.
Can My Partner Ask for Charges to Be Dropped?
In most situations, once domestic abuse has been charged it is difficult to have the charges dropped simply because your partner recants the story. In fact, if your partner tries to change the story he or she can be charged with perjury for filing a false police report in the first place. Florida takes domestic violence seriously and will not tolerate false reports. The responding officers must follow Florida law and are required to take the “primary aggressor” to jail. The first appearance is the time for reviewing charges and setting bond. An experienced attorney will represent you at this initial hearing and will help you resolve the case in the best possible way.
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Some important reasons to secure experienced representation include:
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Board-Certified* Attorneys
Our founding attorneys are two of three board-certified* DUI defense lawyers in the state.
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Former Prosecution Experience
As former prosecutors, we bring an invaluable perspective and skillset to every case.
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High Success Rate in Criminal Defense
With a 90%+ success rate, our proven track record of success speaks for itself.
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Decades of Experience
With more than 10,000 cases handled, our advocates are well versed in criminal law to help you navigate your case with care and efficiency.
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Led by two of Florida's Board-Certified* DUI Experts, Our attorneys bring together more than 50 years of success, defending clients across Florida against criminal and DUI charges.
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DUI Charges Reduced
The court deemed all other conditions satisfied so M.A. did not have to go on probation at all and walked out of courthouse with a fine and fees to pay, and the case behind her.
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Case Dismissed
J.A.R. had had a previous DUI conviction and was facing mandatory jail time if convicted of this offense. In reviewing the discovery provided by the state, our team found several issues with the police investigation, and realized that our clients’ rights had been violated.
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All Charges Dropped
In reviewing the evidence provided by the State our team realized that T.R.’s rights had been violated when she was immediately illegally arrested by the Trooper. Further, there were many other errors made by the Trooper which would result in the evidence gathered being suppressed.
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All Charges Dropped
In this case, our client, R.H., was out with friends. A family member who was angry with him tracked his location by tracking his cell phone, called the police, told them he was very drunk, and led the police right to his car. The officers stopped his car and eventually arrested him.
Our Case Results
Two of Florida’s only Board-Certified* DUI Defense experts fighting for you.
- DUI Charges Reduced
- Case Dismissed
- All Charges Dropped
- All Charges Dropped
