Tampa Domestic Violence Lawyers Aggressively Protecting the Rights of the Accused
Because of the relationship between the defendant and the victim, domestic violence is a complicated and emotional area of criminal law. Furthermore, these matters are now aggressively prosecuted by all agencies. For these reasons—and many others—it is in your best interest to seek legal representation right away if you are accused of domestic violence.
Let the domestic violence attorneys at Carlson Meissner Hart &Hayslett defend your rights and your reputation. We will ensure you are treated fairly by the criminal justice system and work tirelessly to reach the best possible outcome in your case. Call 813-223-2030 now to schedule a free consultation with our team regarding your criminal case.
How Does the Law Define Domestic Violence in Tampa?
Domestic violence laws vary from state-to-state. In Florida, the term “domestic violence” refers to certain crimes that are committed by one family or household member against another family or household member. These crimes include:
- Assault
- Aggravated Assault
- Battery
- Aggravated Battery
- Sexual Assault
- Sexual Battery
- Stalking
- Aggravated Stalking
- Kidnapping
- False Imprisonment
- Any other criminal offense that results in injury or death of the victim
Many domestic violence crimes are committed by one spouse against another. But as previously mentioned, a crime is considered domestic violence if it is committed by any family or household member against another family or household member. The law defines a “family or household member” as a:
- Spouse
- Former spouse
- Family member 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 are co-parents to a child, regardless of whether or not the parents have been married
Excluding co-parents, a defendant and victim are only considered “family and household members” if they currently live together or have lived together at some point in the past.
Why Are So Many People Arrested For Domestic Violence?
In Florida, the law encourages police to make arrests in domestic disputes, even in the smallest altercations. Once someone has called the police to report a domestic dispute, serious legal processes are set into motion. Even if a fight was two-sided, if both parties claim the other person started the fight, it is up to the police to decide who will be arrested and charged with a crime. For this reason, many people are wrongfully arrested for domestic violence in Tampa. These accusations can lead to serious consequences, which is why you will need an attorney’s help right away.
What Are the Penalties For Domestic Violence in Tampa?
If you are convicted of domestic violence, you will face serious penalties. Some of the many penalties that you can face include:
- Incarceration
- Fines
- Probation
- Mandatory completion of community service hours
By law, the court must impose a minimum of one year of probation on every defendant who is found guilty of domestic violence. Offenders must complete a batterer’s intervention program as a condition of their probation. If they fail to complete this program, they can face additional consequences for violating the terms of their probation.
How Can Our Attorneys Help You Fight Your Domestic Violence Charges?
If you have been arrested for domestic violence in Tampa, it is important to consult with a skilled criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. The best chance an attorney has to influence the outcome in your domestic violence case is in the crucial period immediately following your arrest, before formal charges are filed. That’s why the sooner you contact our attorneys, the better.
Our office employs its own dedicated and experienced investigator who works closely with our defense attorneys. This investigator will conduct a thorough investigation to identify issues that could be used to weaken the state’s case. The results of this investigation will help our team provide you with the most effective representation possible.
The skilled domestic violence lawyers from Carlson Meissner Hart &Hayslettare ready to help. We will advocate for your best interests and fight for your freedom.
Book A Free Initial Consultation With Our Domestic ViolenceAttorneys
Have you been accused of committing domestic violence? The best way to fight these charges—and protect your freedom—is to seek legal representation from the domestic violence attorneys at Carlson Meissner Hart &Hayslett. Since 1971, we have helped countless clients defend their rights after being accused of domestic violence. Now, let us help you. To schedule a free consultation regarding your case, call 813-223-2030 or fill out the form on this website.
