SHARE YOUR SIDE OF THE STORY GET A FREE CASE EVALUATION
Shadow of Man and Woman Yelling

CONSEQUENCES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CHARGES

Steven J. Litvack Sept. 9, 2021

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Florida saw 105,298 cases of domestic violence in 2019 alone. If you are charged with domestic violence or battery, the consequences and penalties are important to understand. It can be difficult to know what to expect.

As your criminal defense attorney, I will seek to discover the truth and help you navigate the difficulties that arise from domestic violence charges. I serve clients in Boca Raton, Florida, and throughout the state of Florida, including Palm Beach County, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Deer Field Beach, Coral Springs, and Coconut Creek. Call me—Steven J. Litvack—today so we can work together through this process.

Domestic Violence in Florida

It is first important to understand what is considered domestic violence within this state. When you have charges made against you, you need to know how to counter those allegations. In Florida, domestic violence is defined as constituting any of the following:

  • Assault (or aggravated assault)

  • Battery (or aggravated battery)

  • Sexual assault (or sexual battery)

  • Stalking (or aggravated stalking)

  • Kidnapping

  • False imprisonment

  • A criminal offense that resulted in injury or death (by one family/household member to another)

The following are considered a “family or household member” in Florida:

  • Spouses (and former spouses)

  • People who, by blood or marriage, are related

  • People who live together—either in the present or in the past—as a family

  • Parents of a child, regardless of whether they are married

With the exception of individuals 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.

Possible Consequences

As with any charge, there are penalties that may arise from domestic violence charges, such as:

  • Jail time

  • Fines

  • Probation

  • Treatment

  • Restraining orders

  • Loss of your job

  • Deportation

  • Loss of gun rights

If you are charged with domestic violence, you could face a series of penalties, though the first offense is considered a misdemeanor. For example, if charged with domestic battery, you could face up to one year of probation.

To help mitigate these consequences, it is important to speak with a criminal defense attorney with experience and knowledge of the law who can guide you in your specific situation.

Possible Legal Defenses

Once you are familiar with the consequences of a domestic violence charge, it is crucial to understand how to defend yourself. A criminal defense attorney can walk you through the different legal defenses you could employ, which can include:

  • The underlying facts of the case come into dispute

  • The absence of any injury

  • Evidence does not hold up or corroborate the charge

  • The victim is vindictive

  • Self-defense

  • The defense of property or other people

  • It was a consensual confrontation

A criminal defense attorney will guide you toward the right defense to protect your rights and reputation.

Criminal Defense Experience You Can Trust

Since I have also been a prosecutor, I am experienced in both sides of the law. I understand how scary and daunting a domestic violence charge can be, but I want to help guide you through the process. You can rely on my experience and expertise as we work together toward the best possible outcome for you following charges of domestic violence.

Whether you live in Boca Raton, Florida, or you reside in one of the other communities I serve—Palm Beach County, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Deer Field Beach, Coral Springs, or Coconut Creek—I am here to devise a defense strategy with you. Call me today so we can begin reviewing your case.