A Family Violence Attorney Explains the Consequences of Domestic Violence in Fort Lauderdale

Domestic violence charges under Florida Law are considered a criminal offense. Unlike other crimes, the actions alleged to have occurred and the relationship between those involved characterizes domestic violence.

The law under F.S.741.28 includes any aggravated battery, sexual assault, kidnapping, assault, or aggravated assault that results in death or physical injury of a household member or a family member of the accused offender.

Prosecutors take family violence cases seriously and are specially trained to handle such cases. It is critical to seek representation from a highly-rated family violence attorney in Fort Lauderdale.

Potential Penalties for a Domestic Violence Charge

You can be charged with felony domestic violence. Cases like these involve:

• An offender who has three previous convictions for battery-related crimes
• The victim has broken bones
• A weapon was involved
• The victim suffered permanent scars

A Case Involving Misdemeanor Charges Includes:

• A violation of a protection order
• Domestic assault
• Domestic battery

You could experience the following penalties if convicted: the inability to own a gun, 12 months’ probation, 5 days minimum jail time, community service hours, and 26 weeks of mandatory group counseling. In addition to these possible penalties, you will have a permanent criminal record.

These possible penalties are harsh and difficult to deal with on your own.

Unfortunately, the punishment doesn’t end after you’ve completed your time or probation. The conviction could affect other areas of your life. These areas include:

• Employment: you’ll have a difficult time trying to get a job in public office, teaching, nursing, or police work. Also, you may lose your job if you’re convicted of domestic violence.
• Leasing and Renting: no landlord wants to rent out their homes or apartments to domestic violence offenders. Some landlords may even require you to move out if you have been accused but not convicted.
• Child Custody: A prior conviction affects family rights and relationships. You’ll find it difficult to obtain child custody if you’ve been a convicted domestic violence offender.

Domestic violence cases are based on certain circumstances and rules. There is a special domestic violence unit in the state attorney’s office. For this reason, it’s best to work with a highly-rated family violence attorney. Having an attorney can help increase your chances of success in such a case.