Domestic violence is a serious charge that could lead to lengthy jail time if you are convicted. You also face detrimental, long-term consequences that will follow you for life, such as a criminal record and a negative reputation. When you are dealing with this type of charge, the most critical step you can take is to secure strong-willed legal representation for your case.
A Windermere domestic violence lawyer could safeguard your legal rights from the start while fighting to achieve the most favorable outcome possible. Our dedicated criminal defense attorneys will navigate the legal system while avoiding pitfalls that could threaten your rights and future freedom.
In Florida, domestic violence refers to criminal acts that occur within the home. Any person who engages in battery or assault against a family or household member can be charged with this offense. Crimes that are considered domestic violence, when done against a family or household member, include:
In addition, household and family members can refer to multiple types of close relationships, including a current or former spouse, blood relatives, or individuals who reside together currently or in the past. People who share a child together are also considered household or family members, regardless of whether the parties were married before the alleged incident.
A criminal conviction can have a lasting impact on your life. Even if you are charged with an act of domestic violence but not convicted, you could still have a permanent criminal record. Any domestic violence charge should be taken seriously and requires a competent, zealous defense from the case’s earliest moments.
An attorney in Windermere could investigate an alleged domestic violence case further to determine what defenses may be available to you. The best option will depend on the facts and circumstances that led to the charge.
Possible defenses to a domestic violence charge include lack of injuries, insufficient evidence, or defense of others. Disputes of fact or procedural errors by the prosecutor’s office or law enforcement can also be used in a criminal defense strategy.
Depending on the nature of the alleged incident and whether actual harm or threats were carried out, an accused person could be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. Both categories of offenses can carry harsh sentences, including jail time and fines. A Windermere lawyer can help you better understand a domestic violence charge and the legal ramifications.
For example, if you are charged and convicted of domestic battery, a first-degree misdemeanor, you could face up to 12 months in jail. You may also have to pay a fine of up to $1,000, serve a probationary period, or undergo mandatory community service, among multiple potential legal consequences.
The penalties for an alleged offense become more severe as the crime becomes more serious. For instance, aggravated assault or domestic battery involving strangulation are both considered third-degree felony offenses. Legal punishments for these crimes may include up to five years in jail and fines of up to $5,000, among other possible penalties.
Aggravated battery, which occurs when domestic violence involves striking someone with a deadly weapon or causing serious bodily harm, is a second-degree felony. The court can impose a prison term of 15 years for a first-time offender convicted of a second-degree felony, plus up to $10,000 in fines.
If you are accused of domestic violence, the consequences you may face can differ based on factors such as the charges against you, your criminal record, and available defense strategies. To help reduce or eliminate the charges, it’s essential to consult a domestic violence lawyer in Windermere. They can assess all factual and procedural defenses available to you.
In addition, an attorney could negotiate with the prosecutor’s office and work to secure a plea deal if that proves to be the most advantageous course of action. You should never fight a domestic violence charge alone. Contact our office to speak with a lawyer and learn more about your best legal options in a confidential case consultation.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
