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Helping Clients Navigate Florida’s Complex Domestic Violence Laws
Domestic abuse can devastate families, especially in cases where someone is wrongfully accused. In Florida, domestic violence assault is viewed very seriously, and these charges should be handled by a skilled attorney with a great deal of experience defending individuals from domestic violence charges. A conviction can mean jail time, fines, and a criminal record that is extremely difficult to expunge. You could even lose custody of your children and your job or career.
If you are facing a criminal case based on alleged domestic abuse, you need excellent counsel from a skilled criminal defense attorney to avoid the worst penalties. You might even be able to get your domestic violence case dismissed by working with the knowledgeable attorneys at our law firm. If you are a victim of domestic violence, you should contact a domestic violence lawyer immediately to get help finding safety from your abuser.
Our team of attorneys is highly skilled in criminal defense and family law. We understand the delicate nature of these situations and promise to answer your questions clearly. We can help you understand the charges brought against you and decide how to proceed following the alleged domestic or dating violence. Call our law offices right away to schedule a free consultation at 863-622-9602.
How Is Domestic Violence Defined Under Florida Law?
When you’re fighting domestic violence charges in Florida, it is crucial to understand how abuse is defined under the law. Some important factors that must be in place for the action to be defined as domestic violence include physical harm committed against a family or household member. The two individuals don’t need to be married for the act to be considered domestic violence.
Some examples of criminal actions that could lead to a domestic violence charge include:
- Rape
- Choking
- Hitting
- Kicking
- Aggravated assault or threatening physical harm with a deadly weapon
- Stalking
- Sexual abuse
- Slapping
- Intimidation
Even if the person is your partner and you are not married, this could constitute abuse in Florida as any physical violence is considered domestic violence. Contact a lawyer immediately if you are facing false allegations or an unfair emergency protective order. Your attorney can help protect your freedom, reputation, and relationship with your children.
What Can I Do to Fight My Domestic Violence Charges?
Any domestic violence allegation is taken extremely seriously in Florida to protect innocent family members, especially children, from experiencing abuse. While it is critical to enforce the law, sometimes the alleged victim is not being truthful about the abuse. This often happens because the accuser is angry at the other person or is trying to gain an advantage in a child custody or visitation in a divorce proceeding.
There are many ways to fight domestic violence charges, including keeping track of your communication with the accuser to show instances where they engaged in emotional abuse. You can also work with your lawyer to gather evidence that you acted in self-defense or that the abusive behavior never happened. Many times, the alleged victim is guilty of harassment themselves.
A domestic violence defense lawyer can discuss your unique circumstances to find the defensive strategy that will be most effective for your situation. They can help you avoid jail time or get your charges dismissed, avoid jail time or get your sentence reduced to probation so you can fulfill your sentence through probation. Adequate legal representation is essential when fighting these criminal charges in Florida, especially if aggravating factors are present, such as the use of firearms. Call us immediately if you have been arrested or otherwise accused of domestic violence in Polk County.
What Rights Do Domestic Violence Victims Have?
If you are a victim of domestic violence, you should understand that you have certain legal rights. The actions taken against you are criminal and could merit legal action. Above all, you deserve to be able to feel safe in your own home. If this means going to family court and getting a temporary or permanent protective order, our lawyers can help.
We understand the difficulties involved with family law issues. Unfortunately, many victims do not report the abuse because they don’t understand the legal process or are afraid to take action against their abuser. However, there are legal protections that can keep you and your family safe. Our team of family law attorneys is ready to stand by you as we sort out the legal aspect of your case. We can hold your spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend responsible for the crimes they have committed. Call right away to discuss your options in a free, confidential consultation.
Should You Hire Our Domestic Violence Attorneys?
When you are facing legal issues regarding domestic violence, you may be feeling a wide range of emotions. You could be frightened by the potential penalties of a conviction, or you could wonder if it’s worth taking legal action against an abusive spouse. The best way to know how to proceed is by talking to knowledgeable attorneys who have spent decades helping clients through these sensitive issues.
At The Law Firm of Gil Colón, Jr., we have over 35 years of experience with criminal and family law, making us the ideal allies as you confront domestic violence charges. We are deeply familiar with the Florida legal system and know how to get results. We often reach a settlement without taking the matter to court, saving families the expense and heartache of a lengthy court battle. You can count on our skilled legal team to defend you aggressively and seek justice in your case, no matter what obstacles may arise.
Don’t go through this troubling time alone. Call us immediately to get the legal counsel and representation you deserve. You can reach us at 863-334-3270 to schedule a free consultation with our caring, capable criminal defense and family attorneys.