St. Pete Domestic Violence Lawyers Working Tirelessly to Defend Your Rights
Police officers that are called to the scene of a domestic disturbance are encouraged to use their best judgment to identify the aggressor and make an arrest. Unfortunately, this means that people are often arrested for domestic violence for minor, two-sided disputes with a family member. Once an arrest has been made, the state can continue to prosecute the defendant even if the victim no longer wants to press charges or cooperate with the investigation.
Don’t let a minor dispute with a loved one turn into an arrest and later, a domestic violence conviction. If you have been accused of committing domestic violence, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Carlson Meissner Hart & Hayslett right away. We have decades of experience helping defendants fight domestic violence charges. Let us work tirelessly to reach the best possible outcome in your case.
What Are the Domestic Violence Laws in St. Pete?
The state of Florida defines domestic violence as any:
- Assault
- Aggravated Assault
- Battery
- Aggravated Battery
- Sexual Assault
- Sexual Battery
- Stalking
- Aggravated Stalking
- Kidnapping
- False Imprisonment
- Other crime that results in injury or death of the victim
However, these crimes are only considered domestic violence if they are committed against by a “family or household member” against another “family or household member.” By law, this means that the crime must involve:
- 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 been married in the past
For example, if a husband assaults his wife, this is considered domestic violence. But if a person assaults a random stranger, this is just considered assault, not domestic violence.
What Are the Consequences of A Domestic Violence Conviction?
The penalties that you will face for a domestic violence conviction will vary depending on several factors, including the nature of the offense. For example, the penalties for aggravated assault will be more serious than the penalties for simple assault.
But in general, if you convicted of a domestic violence crime, you may face various penalties, including:
- Imprisonment
- Fines
- Probation
- Community Service
The law in Florida requires the court to sentence every domestic violence offender to at least one year of probation. Furthermore, one condition of this probation is the completion of a batterer’s intervention program. You must complete this program to comply with the terms of your probation. If you don’t, the court can impose additional penalties on you for violating the terms of your probation.
You can face additional consequences if you are accused of domestic violence in St. Pete. The person who is accusing you of domestic violence may be granted a protection order by the courts. If you are named on a protection order, this could have a significant impact on your personal life. For example, if you share a home with the victim, the protection order may order you to immediately leave the home in order to keep the victim safe. The protection order could also affect your ability to see and spend time with your children.
What Should I Do If I Was Wrongfully Accused of Domestic Violence in St. Pete?
If you have been accused of domestic violence, it’s in your best interest to contact our criminal defense attorneys right away. Our team of attorneys have over 125 years of combined legal experience, so we are well-versed in all aspects of criminal law. We know how domestic violence accusations can hurt your future, your reputation, and your personal relationships, which is why we work tirelessly to help you clear your name.
We work with an experienced investigator who will dig into the details of your case and gather the evidence that we need to reach the best possible outcome for you. Don’t wait another minute to seek legal guidance from our team—call us today to start protecting your rights.
Schedule A Free Case Evaluation With Our Domestic Violence Lawyers in St. Pete
Have you been accused of committing domestic violence? If so, you need to fight these charges with the help of the skilled domestic violence attorneys at Carlson Meissner Hart & Hayslett. Our experienced attorneys are committed to helping the accused aggressively protect their freedom and their future. To schedule a free consultation regarding your case, call 877-728-9653 or fill out the form on this website.
