Florida Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

A simple dispute with a loved one can lead to an unexpected arrest at any given moment. Often times these situations result in an arrest for charge(s) related to domestic violence.

How Can a Florida Domestic Violence Defense Attorney Help Me?

Domestic violence charges range from misdemeanors to felonies and carry significant consequences. When facing criminal charges related to domestic violence it is imperative to contact the knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys at Katz & Phillips, P.A. as soon as possible.

Keep in mind that Florida domesticviolence crimes vary and may include:

• assault,
• aggravated assault,
• battery,
• aggravated battery,
• sexual assault,
• sexual battery,
• stalking,
• aggravated stalking,
• kidnapping,
• false imprisonment,
• Any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death of one family or household member by another family or household member per FL. Stat. 741.28(2).

Florida defines family or a household member to mean, spouses, former spouses, persons related by blood or marriage, persons who are presently residing together as if a family or who have resided together in the past as if a family, and persons who are parents of a child in common regardless of whether they have been married. With the exception of persons who have a child in common, the family or household members must be currently residing or have in the past resided together in the same single dwelling unit.

Consequences of Domestic Violence Charges

The penalties of a domestic violence charge extend to both state and federal levels.  A conviction for domestic violence could result in probation, mandatory jail time, fines, and/or completion of a batterer’s intervention program. However, a conviction should not be your only concern. An arrest for domestic violence, regardless of guilt, can have impactful consequences on other aspects of your life as well.  For instance, a charge for domestic violence can:

1. Strip an individual of their firearm rights;
2. Prevent eligibility for state licensure in certain career fields;
3. Result in a no-contact order;
4. Affect parenting plans;
5. Prevent eligibility of certain immigration benefits for non-citizens;
6. Cause an individual to lose their housing.

Further, an arrest will permanently appear on a background check unless it is sealed or expunged.

In addition, clients often ask if they can go back home after an arrest for domestic violence.  The answer to this question varies. It will depend on whether the judge ordered no contact between the parties or if the judge ordered the parties to maintain a separate residence.  However, an attorney can assist you in requesting a modification of a no-contact order at the onset of your case, in order to allow you to return home before the conclusion of your case.