Allegations of assaulting, intimidating, or engaging in other violent, unlawful conduct toward a family or household member can be uniquely challenging to overcome. Besides the social and professional stigma that domestic violence charges can bring, you may face significant restrictions on your personal freedom, which court authorities can impose during your criminal case.
If convicted, you’ll face penalties specifically reserved for domestic violence charges, in addition to steep fines and incarceration. A dedicated defense attorney could try to lessen the severity of your punishment. Working with a Key West domestic violence lawyer from our team could make a big difference in your future. Contact Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC to learn more.
According to Florida Statutes § 741.28, an individual commits domestic violence if they target a household or family member with any of the following unlawful acts:
In this context, a family or household member is:
What qualifies as domestic violence in state criminal courts can range from violent acts resulting in injuries to verbal harassment, threats, and intimidation without any physical contact. With this in mind, having the support of our experienced Key West attorneys could be critical to effectively contesting family violence accusations.
Depending on the nature of the underlying offense, a domestic violence charge in this state can be treated as a misdemeanor punishable by no more than a year in jail or as a felony punishable by years or decades of incarceration in state prison. The domestic violence categorization also allows a court to impose additional penalties, such as mandatory minimum jail or prison terms, longer probation periods, and mandatory completion of a batterer’s intervention program.
Additionally, after a misdemeanor or felony domestic violence offense conviction, you will lose your state and federal rights to lawfully own and buy guns. Domestic violence records cannot be sealed or expunged like those related to other charges, as our legal team in Key West could further detail during an initial consultation.
Domestic violence allegations are serious, but do not always result in life-altering criminal and administrative sanctions against the accused party. It is often possible to contest these allegations proactively and discreetly, especially with support from experienced legal counsel.
If you face charges of this nature, a Key West domestic violence lawyer from Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC could work hard to enforce your rights and protect your interests throughout your legal proceedings. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation.
