When most people think of domestic violence, they think of some sort of physical confrontation between husband and wife or romantic partners. While this is true, keep in mind that the definition of domestic violence of Florida is very expansive and includes many other types of criminal actions.
According to Florida Statute §741.28(2), “domestic violence” means:
“any assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death of one family or household member by another family or household member.”
And pursuant to Florida Statute §741.28(3), “family or household member” means:
“spouses, former spouses, persons related by blood or marriage, persons who are presently residing together as if a family or who have resided together in the past as if a family, and persons who are parents of a child in common regardless of whether they have been married. With the exception of persons who have a child in common, the family or household members must be currently residing or have in the past resided together in the same single dwelling unit.”
A Miami Domestic Violence Attorney’s Advice
A domestic violence conviction carries steep penalties in Florida. Depending on the facts and circumstances of your case and your prior criminal history, these penalties may include: jail or prison time, stringent probation requirements, steep fines, a detrimental impact on divorce or child custody cases, a detrimental impact on your current and future employment prospects, and prohibition from using, possessing, or owning a firearm. In addition, your sentence may include provisions such as the issuance of a restraining order forbidding contact with the victim, substance abuse evaluation and treatment, psychological evaluation and treatment, and restitution to the victim.
Since Florida law enforcement takes domestic violence charges extremely seriously, if you have been charged with any type of domestic violence crime, it is imperative you retain the services of an experienced and knowledgeable Miami domestic violence attorney or Fort Lauderdale domestic violence attorney as soon as possible. A skilled domestic violence lawyer familiar with the Florida and Miami laws on domestic abuse, such as the ones at the South Florida law firm of Galanter Law, will help you avoid a conviction or get the charges reduced or dismissed altogether.
Domestic violence is a serious crime. As such, you will need a serious lawyer such as Yale Galanter or one of his associates at Galanter Law to represent you and execute a serious defense strategy. The sooner you hire a domestic violence attorney the better. So don’t delay— contact our law firm as soon as you have been charged with a domestic violence crime.
Commentary by Miami Criminal Defense Attorney Yale Galanter:
Yale Galanter, a Miami criminal defense lawyer, has over 30 years of experience providing discreet and aggressive legal counseling to both public figures and clients looking for precise and excellent legal defense. Yale Galanter is known for his personal representation and attention to your criminal matter.
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