Allegations of violence against a family or household member can have resounding implications. On top of the criminal penalties associated with your underlying offense, you may face additional penalties that stem specifically from your domestic violence designation, and you might find yourself subject to an injunction that could produce even harsher penalties if you violate its terms.
If you are facing accusations of this nature, having a top Boca Raton domestic violence lawyer in your corner is key. Whether you have been convicted of a similar crime before or have never been in any legal trouble, our team of dedicated defense attorneys at Rossen Law Firm will be tireless and tenacious allies from beginning to end of your criminal proceedings.
As per Florida Statutes §741.30, “domestic violence” entails someone committing any of the following offenses against a “family or household member”:
In this context, a “family or household member” can be not only an immediate relative by blood or marriage, but also a current or former spouse, current or former intimate partner, co-parent of a child, or current or former housemate with no familial connection to the defendant. A Boca Raton domestic violence attorney can provide further information about what exactly might or might not constitute domestic violence in a particular situation.
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The criminal sanctions that a domestic violence conviction carries will vary based on the underlying charge’s severity. However, there are also several sanctions that may be imposed specifically because of the offense’s designation as domestic violence, as a skilled lawyer in Boca Raton can explain in more detail during a free initial strategy session .
Anyone convicted of any domestic violence crime in Florida will be subject to a mandatory minimum one-year probation term, as well as mandatory attendance of a batterers’ intervention program during that period unless the court affirms on the record that such a program would not be appropriate. Additionally, anyone convicted of a domestic violence crime that involves them intentionally inflicting bodily harm on any other person must serve a minimum of five days in jail or whatever minimum non-suspendable prison term is associated with a conviction. Any plea to a domestic violence charge can not be sealed or expunged.
It is important to note that a person who has experienced domestic violence or has reasonable cause to fear domestic violence in the near future may seek an injunction from the court. An injunction could impose a number of additional restrictions on a domestic violence defendant, including restrictions on where they can live and work as well as on who they can be in contact with. Violating a court-ordered injunction in any way can be prosecuted as a first-degree misdemeanor, so it is crucial for anyone facing charges of this nature to seek legal help right away.
Domestic violence allegations can be uniquely difficult to fight back against, especially for people with past charges or convictions. Having an expert attorney on your side can make a world of difference in the outcome of your case. Our tenacious team is led by a former Florida Prosecutor who knows the ins and outs of the system and is ready to put that experience to work for you.
A conversation with a knowledgeable Boca Raton domestic violence lawyer at Rossen Law Firm will give you answers to important questions and clarity about possible next steps. We take the time to listen to your story, help you understand your rights, and lay out your options so that you are moving forward with all the information you need. To set up your free strategy session with a dedicated member of our legal team, reach out to our office today.
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