Charged With Domestic Violence? Get Help Immediately.
Anyone who has been charged with a crime related to domestic violence needs the help of an attorney as soon as possible. Chances are that the court will move swiftly to protect the alleged victims, so the sooner you act, the better. At Leskovich Law Group, P.A., in Punta Gorda, we have an experienced team of lawyers who have handled hundreds of cases involving domestic abuse and other violent offenses. By mounting an aggressive defense quickly, we have achieved successful outcomes for many clients.
Florida’s Domestic Violence Laws
The state has incredibly strict laws in place to prevent and punish incidents of domestic abuse. Florida law defines domestic violence as any act of assault or battery against family members or members of your household. Per this definition, family members and household members include:
- Current or former spouses
- Current or former intimate partners
- Direct relatives
- Relatives through marriage
- The co-parent of your child
- Anyone who currently or previously shares a home with you
The minimum sentence for a conviction of inflicting bodily harm on another person is five days in jail. Once in jail, you must remain there until the court sets bond – then, the judge will consider factors such as your criminal record and the victim’s safety before issuing a sentence. Depending on these factors plus the severity of the offense, the court could issue a sentence ranging from probation to up to 15 years in prison.
What Is An Injunction? What Is A Restraining Order?
Orders of protection – also called restraining orders – and injunctions are both forms of protection for victims of domestic abuse. They can prohibit the offender from coming into contact with the victim. An order of protection usually has a shorter duration than an injunction. If someone in your household gets a restraining order or injunction against you, you might not be able to return to your home – even if you own it. The consequences of violating the order or injunction is up to one year of prison time.
Talk To A Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
The court often gives the benefit of the doubt to the accuser, not the accused. You still have the right to the presumption of innocence and a fair defense. To get advice on your case and how to approach the next steps, contact us for a free initial consultation. Call 941-621-6623 or send us an email to schedule yours today.