Tampa Criminal Domestic Violence Attorney
Domestic violence is not just a highly emotional issue it is also a highly politicized issue. Public outcry has created more legislation and greater law enforcement efforts. It is good and important work to protect the victims, but not at the expense of justice. Our domestic violence criminal defense lawyers in Tampa believe in upholding the rights of men and women from communities in Hillsborough County and throughout Florida who face domestic violence charges from stalking to domestic assault and battery
If assistance is needed during regular business hours, please call 813-672-1900. Or if there is an emergency and you need to call after hours, weekends and holidays please call telephone number: (813) 551-3903 for assistance.
There is more than one type of domestic abuse
Domestic abuse is not bound by age, social, economic or even gender stereotypes. While women and children are still the most victimized, domestic violence can include young adults abusing a parent and violence between boyfriends and girlfriends or same-sex couples. It can occur between people in their teens or in their eighties.
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, or any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death of one family or household member by another family or household member.” Domestic abuse can be sexual, emotional or physical.
Penalties for domestic violence go beyond fines and imprisonment
Penalties for a domestic violence conviction depend on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony, but often include:
- Mandatory jail sentence
- Steep fines
- Court costs
- Required completion of anger management classes
- Counseling
- Batterer intervention program
- Community service
There are other penalties that can be even more damaging to your livelihood, your relationships and your standing in the community. A conviction for certain domestic violence charges can include:
- Being barred from returning to your own home
- Losing professional licensure or the right to practice certain professions
- Losing the right to own a firearm
Being unable to contact a person who files a restraining order against you, which may preclude you from contacting any children you may have together. Florida cuts offenders very little slack. However, if this is your first charge, as your domestic abuse attorneys, we work to have you entered into a pretrial diversion program and have the charges against you dropped. Contact our Tampa domestic violence attorneys for more information.
Handling false accusations and “he said, she said” matters
When there are problems in a marriage or a domestic relationship, or a divorce is particularly contentious, a partner may choose to “get even” by making up a story of abuse. Police usually do not arrest the person making the accusation — but they frequently arrest the accused. If you are the victim of a false accusation, do not argue with law enforcement officers and do not attempt to contact the spouse, partner or family member who leveled the charge — especially if the person has an order of protection against you. Violating a restraining order, even if it was obtained under false premises, can get you in serious trouble. Do get experienced legal counsel immediately. No matter how grim the situation may seem, we work to obtain the best possible outcome for your situation.
Providing vigorous representation against domestic violence charges
We have helped clients fight charges and false allegations. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact All Family Law Group, P.A. to schedule a free and confidential consultation with our Tampa domestic violence attorneys. Call us at 813-672-1900 or contact us online and we will respond back to you at our earliest opportunity.
AFTER HOURS, please call (813) 551-3903.
