Clearwater Domestic Violence Lawyers Defending the Rights of the Accused
You should never take criminal charges lightly—especially when those charges involve domestic violence. The authorities in Clearwater aggressively prosecute domestic violence, and if you are convicted, the state will ask the court to impose serious penalties.
If you are facing domestic violence charges in Clearwater, now is the time to fight for your freedom. Don’t do it alone—turn to the domestic violence lawyers at Carlson Meissner Hart & Hayslett for help. Let us guide you through the criminal justice system and work tirelessly to reach the best possible outcome in your case. Call 727-443-1562 to schedule a free consultation with our criminal defense attorneys today.
What Crimes Are Considered Domestic Violence in Clearwater?
It’s important to understand how the law in Florida defines domestic violence since this definition can vary from state-to-state. Various crimes qualify as domestic violence in the state of Florida, including:
- Assault
- Aggravated Assault
- Battery
- Aggravated Battery
- Sexual Assault
- Sexual Battery
- Stalking
- Aggravated Stalking
- Kidnapping
- False Imprisonment
- Other crimes that result in injury or death of the victim
All of these criminal acts are treated as domestic violence offenses in Clearwater if they are committed by and against “family or household members.” The law defines “family or household members” as:
- Spouses
- Former spouses
- Family members related by either blood or marriage
- People who currently live together as a family
- People who have previously lived together as a family
- People who share a child in common, regardless of whether or not they are married or have ever been married in the past
If you have been accused of committing a crime that is classified as domestic violence, you will need an attorney’s help to fight for your freedom. Contact Carlson Meissner Hart & Hayslett to discuss your legal options with our team of domestic violence lawyers today.
What Are Domestic Violence Penalties in Florida?
The courts in Clearwater can impose serious penalties on anyone who is convicted of a domestic violence offense. Some of the penalties you may face include:
- Jail time is a potential penalty for all domestic violence offenders, but it is mandatory in cases where the defendant intentionally harmed the victim
- Fines
- Probation
- Community service
- Completion of a batterers’ intervention program
The exact penalties you will face for a domestic violence conviction will depend on many factors, including the nature of your crime and your prior criminal record. But even first-time offenders can face serious consequences for a domestic violence conviction in Clearwater.
Can A Victim Get Domestic Violence Charges Dropped?
In many criminal cases, the victim gets to decide whether or not to press charges against the defendant. But that’s not how it works in domestic violence cases in Clearwater. If you are accused of domestic violence, the state can continue to prosecute you for this crime regardless of the victim’s wishes. If the victim does not want to cooperate with the investigation, the state may be able to move forward with their case if they have enough evidence to convict you without the victim’s help.
When Should I Hire A Domestic Violence Attorney in Clearwater?
If you are arrested for domestic violence, it’s in your best interest to contact a criminal defense attorney at Carlson Meissner Hart & Hayslett right away. The sooner you hire our domestic violence lawyers, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights and working toward the best possible outcome in your case.
There is far too much on the line in a domestic violence case to take a “wait and see” approach. Don’t wait to find out what will happen down the road in your case—contact our defense attorneys as soon as possible to begin fighting for your freedom.
Schedule A Free Consultation With Our Domestic Violence Defense Law Firm in Clearwater
If you have been accused of domestic violence, it’s important to protect your rights with the help of the team at Carlson Meissner Hart & Hayslett. Our domestic violence lawyers will stand by your side and aggressively fight for your freedom from the start to the finish of your case. We have over 125 years of combined criminal defense experience, so we know what it takes to beat domestic violence charges.
There is a lot at stake in a domestic violence case. Let our attorneys work tirelessly to reach the best possible outcome for you. To schedule a free consultation regarding your case, call 727-443-1562 or fill out the form on this website.
