Domestic violence charges, from a legal standpoint in Florida, require a calculated defense strategy to protect the defendant’s rights. You should speak to our experienced domestic violence attorneys to protect your rights if you have been accused of domestic violence. The knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett will leave no stone unturned to fight your domestic violence charges and ensure you get justice in the court of law. 

Who is a Family Member Under Florida Law?

Florida law defines a family or household member regarding domestic abuse in the following ways:

  • Spouse or ex-spouse 
  • Parent, whether adoptive, biological, or legal guardian
  • Children, including step-children
  • Siblings, whether natural, adopted, or biological
  • Co-habitants living together as a married couple without being legally married
  • Other family members, such as cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, grandparents, and in-laws
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Domestic Abuse Charges in Florida

The prosecutor’s office will begin preparing a case against you when your loved one files domestic violence charges. You have the right to have a diligent attorney and legal team, such as the ones at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett, fight on your behalf. Our criminal defense attorneys will not stop until substantial supporting evidence for your claim is gathered.

It’s possible for a simple argument between family members and loved ones to escalate into a drama-filled experience. Voices rise, tensions flare, and someone may have become violent before you know it. Pushing or an arm grab can turn into full-fledged blows involving choking and punching.

The following ordeal, once the police turn up, can drag on for years. A conviction can impact your ability to land a job, find housing, and lead an everyday life. Further, you may face losing custody if children were involved. Don’t allow this to happen – let Carlson Meissner & Hayslett fight for your legal rights.

Misdemeanor vs. Felony in Domestic Violence

There is tremendous confusion regarding charges of domestic violence:

  • Florida law defines domestic violence as a household or family member committing a violent crime against another member
  • However, it does not determine the level of crime
  • Domestic violence can be tried as a second-degree misdemeanor, such as an assault
  • Based on this, aggravated battery as part of domestic violence will attract a second-degree felony charge
  • Defendants can be sentenced to a domestic abuse program by courts

Domestic crimes are typically charged without the consent of the victim. This means that if the officers have probable cause to arrest you, they won't need the victim’s consent or cooperation. In most cases, courts tend to issue temporary injunctions before trial.

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Legal Help is Here from Top-Rated Criminal Defense Attorneys in Florida

If you are charged with domestic violence in Florida, you need aggressive litigation from the experienced domestic violence lawyers at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett. They will fight on your behalf, prove your innocence, and preserve your reputation by keeping you out of jail. We understand the long-term consequences of getting a domestic violence conviction and will work hard to ensure your charges are reduced or dismissed altogether.

We are happy to provide you with a free case evaluation. Call us at (727) 306-0273 or reach us online.

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