Have you been charged with domestic violence in Lakeland, FL? A domestic violence conviction can have serious consequences, including jail time and fines. Call an experienced Lakeland domestic violence attorney at Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law, at (863) 688-4606 for immediate assistance.
Incidents of domestic violence in Florida can result in a variety of extremely serious charges. Without the help of an experienced defense attorney, you can face hefty fines and real jail time for domestic violence-related charges.
Domestic violence charges are some of the most serious and life-altering charges a person can be accused of in Florida. These charges affect background searches and your ability to find a job, obtain housing, or rent an apartment.
Domestic violence law is a complicated and constantly evolving area of legal practice. To get the defense you deserve, you need the help of a savvy domestic violence attorney who is well-versed in domestic violence law, up to date on the latest developments and precedents, and backed by a record of successfully defending domestic violence cases. Don’t take chances; contact us today.
How Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law, Can Help If You’re Arrested For Domestic Violence
When facing domestic violence charges in Lakeland, FL, working with an experienced attorney is essential. Here’s how we can help you:
- We will thoroughly analyze your case and gather evidence to build a strong defense strategy.
- Our team has extensive experience negotiating with prosecutors to get charges reduced or dropped altogether.
- We understand the impact that domestic violence accusations can have on an individual’s personal and professional life, and we will work tirelessly to protect your reputation and future.
For help with a domestic violence charge in Lakeland, Florida, contact Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law, to schedule a consultation with a Lakeland criminal defense attorney.
What’s The Definition of Domestic Violence in Florida?
Domestic violence is a class of crimes that involve family members, spouses, or co-habitants who commit violence against one another. Specifically, domestic violence can occur between an individual and anyone related to them by blood or marriage, a spouse, an ex-spouse, anyone with whom they are engaged in a dating relationship with, the co-parent of their children, or anyone they are cohabitating with such as a roommate.
The most common domestic violence charge is domestic battery. Domestic battery is the unwanted touching or striking of another person with one of the relationships listed above, with the intent to cause bodily harm. However, there are many other types of charges that can qualify as domestic violence, including:
- Assault or aggravated assault
- Battery or aggravated battery
- Kidnapping
- Sexual assault
- Stalking or aggravated stalking
Any of these crimes, when committed against a family or household member, can qualify under the umbrella of Florida’s domestic violence laws.
What Are the Legal Penalties For Domestic Violence in Lakeland, Florida?
Understanding the penalties associated with domestic violence charges in Lakeland, Florida, is crucial for defendants. The exact penalties depend on the situation and whether the domestic violence crimes are categorized as a misdemeanor or felony, but commonly include:
Incarceration
For cases where intentional bodily harm has been inflicted, the law mandates a minimum prison sentence of five days in the county jail. Depending on the severity and specifics of the case, additional prison time may be given. This ensures accountability while also serving as a deterrent against future offenses.
Probation and Batterers’ Intervention Program
Following a conviction for domestic violence, an individual is typically subjected to a minimum of one year on probation. Additionally, mandatory participation in a batterers’ intervention program is required. This program is designed to address and rectify abusive behaviors, aiming to rehabilitate the offender and prevent future incidents of violence.
Other Consequences
The courts may enforce further penalties, such as community service, financial fines, or extended incarceration.
Enhanced Penalties for Domestic Violence Convictions
Domestic violence convictions carry enhanced penalties. For example, a battery charge under Florida law can result in up to one year of incarceration for a first offense, and the penalties are increased when categorized as domestic violence.
This increased penalty requires participation in a 26-week batterer’s intervention program, a probationary period of 12 months, and a minimum of five days in jail. Additionally, offenders may be subjected to increased community service obligations, the revocation of firearm rights, and the imposition of restraining or no-contact orders.
Contact your attorney for more information about the possible penalties for domestic violence charges.
What To Do If You’re Accused of Domestic Violence
If you have been recently accused of domestic violence, it is essential to act swiftly and carefully to ensure the best possible outcome for the situation.
In the wake of domestic violence accusations, your immediate actions can be very important and are likely to be scrutinized. The sooner you seek legal counsel, the better. Your lawyer will be able to advise you on what to do — and what not to do — to put yourself in the best possible legal position to defend from the accusations of domestic violence. Your attorney will also answer your legal questions and assist you in collecting any necessary evidence and filing any necessary documents related to your case.
How An Attorney Can Fight Domestic Violence Charges
There are many possible defenses to domestic violence charges. As there is often little to no evidence behind domestic violence cases, a capable defense attorney can call the circumstances of the incident into question.
Your lawyer will prepare the best possible defense for your domestic violence charges. Some of the most common grounds for defending domestic violence charges include:
- Lack of evidence
- Disputes about factual details of the event
- Lack of injuries
- Self-defense
- Defense of property
- Consensual combat
- False accusations
In many cases, the limited evidence available in domestic violence cases means that it is quite difficult ever to prove if a person is truly innocent or guilty as charged. However, in some cases, evidence can immediately exonerate you. Things such as video or audio recordings or direct witness testimony can sometimes provide all the evidence necessary to prove your innocence.
The details of every case are unique and require scrutiny to construct a capable legal defense. That’s why the best way to organize an effective legal defense is to consult an experienced domestic violence defense attorney immediately as soon as you know you are or may be facing charges.
Injunctions for Domestic Violence in Florida
Often, the alleged victim files for a “civil” injunction against the person arrested for Domestic Violence. This is separate from the criminal prosecution. The Injunction requires a separate hearing in front of a different judge than the criminal case.
Fighting the injunction can help your criminal case. The Injunction can help prepare your defense and even be used to get the criminal charges dropped. However, the injunction moves much quicker than the criminal case. You’re required to call right away to fight the injunction. Don’t lose that opportunity; call me now.
An accusation of domestic violence is serious business. It’s not just the legal penalties like jail time and fines, although those can be substantial. It’s also the implications for your family, your reputation, your future relationships, and your life. The only way forward is to fight back against the charges with the assistance of an experienced lawyer.
If you need a domestic violence defense lawyer in Polk County, you’re in the right place. Get someone on your side who knows Florida law and has a winning track record in high-stakes criminal cases. Call or use the online contact form to schedule a consultation with defense attorney Thomas C. Grajek.
Lakeland Domestic Violence Client Review
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