DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ATTORNEY
IN BOCA RATON, FLORIDA

According to statistics from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, there were about 4,633 reported cases of domestic violence in Palm Beach County, Florida in 2019. Domestic violence involves assault, battery, sexual assault, or any criminal offense committed by a family or household member against another family or household member that results in an injury. A defendant convicted of domestic violence in the state of Florida may face severe punishment and other serious social consequences.

If you're facing domestic violence charges, it is paramount that you retain a highly-skilled Florida criminal defense attorney immediately to help craft your defense. I am dedicated to offering experienced and knowledgeable legal services to clients in domestic violence matters. As your legal counsel, I can fight aggressively to help protect your rights and outline an effective defense strategy for your situation. I will also offer you the comprehensive guidance and reliable representation you need to pursue a favorable outcome in your case.

My firm proudly serves clients across Boca Raton, Florida, and surrounding communities of Palm Beach County, Deer Field Beach, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and Coral Springs.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN FLORIDA

According to Florida Statutes Section 741.28(2), domestic violence is defined as:

"Any assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death of one family or household member by another family or household member."

Furthermore, Florida law, under Section 741.28(4), recognizes a "family or household member" as:

• Intimate partners

• Current or former spouses

• Persons related by blood or marriage

• Persons presently living together as if a family

• Persons who have lived together in the past as if a family

• Parents who have a child in common, regardless of whether or not they were previously married

GENERAL PROVISIONS OF THE LAW

Under Florida law, a person commits the offense of domestic violence when they:

• Injure a member of the family or household

• Commit a criminal offense that causes a bodily injury or harm against a member of the family or household

• Commits an offense that puts a member of the family or household in fear of potential harm or danger

EXAMPLES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Common examples of domestic violence include:

• Physical assault or abuse, including unwanted touching, pushing, beating, slapping, punching, kicking, shoving, hitting, or biting

• Sexual abuse, including unwanted sexual advances

• Threats of bodily harm

• Stalking

• Kidnapping

• False imprisonment

POSSIBLE PENALTIES FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN FLORIDA

The possible penalties for a defendant found guilty of domestic violence in Florida include:

• Jail: Domestic battery is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year in county jail (Five days minimum jail time if the victim sustained bodily injuries)

• Probation: A minimum of one year of probation    

• Fines: A fine of up to $1,000

Domestic violence can also be classified as a felony. Such would be the case if charges involved aggravated assault (third-degree felony), aggravated battery with a deadly weapon (second-degree felony), or felony battery involving serious bodily injury (third-degree felony) as long as the relationship exists between defendant and victim as defined under the provisions of the domestic law. Penalties include:

• Prison: Up to five years (third-degree) or up to fifteen years (second-degree)

• Fines: Up to $5,000 (third-degree) or up to $10,000 (second-degree)

Other potential life consequences include:

• Loss of the right to own firearms or carry a concealed weapon

• Mandatory hours of community service

• Compulsory anger management classes

• Psychological evaluation & treatment

• Substance abuse evaluation & treatment

• Protective injunctions or no-contact orders

• Loss of parenting privileges or child custody

• Deportation

• Permanent criminal record

HIRE A KNOWLEDGEABLE ATTORNEY

Trying to defend yourself against your domestic battery accusations without detailed guidance or legal representation can increase your risks of being convicted and receiving the maximum punishment. If convicted, you could be facing huge fines, a prison sentence, a no-contact order, loss of parenting privileges, and possible deportation. With so much at stake, having the right legal defense strategy for your situation is crucial.

I have devoted my career to providing comprehensive legal guidance and defending clients facing serious legal issues, including domestic violence allegations. As an experienced Florida criminal defense attorney, I will review and investigate the details of your case and determine the best course of action. Using my experience, I will help you navigate the Florida criminal justice system and fight vigorously on your side. Having me in your corner can improve your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome in your case.