Domestic Violence

The Villages Domestic Violence Lawyer

Domestic battery, also called domestic violence, charges in The Villages, Florida are taken quite seriously. In fact, Florida laws regarding domestic violence are rather one-sided against the accused and law enforcement officers are encouraged to make an arrest if there is any evidence pointing to domestic battery, even if the evidence lacks credibility.

If you have been accused of acting violently against a partner or family member, it is imperative that you seek legal counsel immediately with an experienced domestic battery lawyer in the Villages. Contact Whittel & Melton to discuss your case and legal options during a free and confidential consultation.

What Constitutes Domestic Violence in Florida?

Most people are unaware that domestic battery can cover more than just violent disputes between spouses or a parent and child. Domestic violence situations can actually occur between any family members including:

• Domestic Partners
• Siblings
• Cohabitants
• Boyfriends and Girlfriends
• Current and Former Spouses
• A Parent and Child
• Grandparents and Grandchildren

While domestic violence laws can extend to a wide range of family members it can also cover a broad range of behaviors, including:

• Verbal Abuse
• Physical Violence
• Stalking
• Harassment
• Sexual Assault
• Abuse

What You Need to Know About Domestic Violence Allegations

Many people think that a person that makes a domestic battery allegation can reconsider their accusations at any time and drop the charges. However, this is not true. Once charges are filed in the state of Florida, the supposed victims do not have the power to drop or dismiss charges – the Prosecutor does. The Prosecutor can even choose to proceed with the criminal case even if the supposed victim does not wish to cooperate. Florida law regarding domestic battery is quite complex and highly specialized, which is why if you are facing potential charges of domestic violence you need to contact an experienced domestic violence attorney.

Domestic battery and domestic violence charges can be filed as a misdemeanor or felony and the decision is made exclusively by the prosecutor. These decisions are usually based upon the facts unique to the case but mostly hinge on the severity of injuries. Severe injuries, such as visible bruising and broken bones will usually be charged as a felony. No signs of visible injuries or slight injuries will most likely be charged as a misdemeanor. In addition, any previous acts of reported domestic battery, as well as the criminal background of the accused, can bear weight on how the case is filed. The penalties for a misdemeanor or felony conviction of domestic battery can include jail time, counseling, community service, fines and a Stay-Away Order from the victim.

The Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction

The consequences of a conviction for a misdemeanor or felony domestic violence criminal offense can be quite serious, as we mentioned previously. You could be looking at hefty fines and jail time, but what you may not realize is that a charge of this nature can affect child custody and visitation decisions or even impact your immigration status. It can be next to impossible to have a domestic violence conviction expunged from your record.

In cases involving domestic violence, the court can issue the alleged victim a temporary order of protection, even before a conviction. If you are accused of violating an order of protection, you can face additional criminal charges. Our Villages Domestic Violence Lawyers at Whittel & Melton are fully prepared to defend you against these charges, including a violation of a protection order on top of the original domestic violence charge.

Our Villages Domestic Violence Lawyers at Whittel & Melton are trial attorneys who want to achieve the best possible outcome for you. We are efficient and thorough with all of our cases. We will exhaust every possible avenue in order to reach a fair resolution, and we are not scared to take your case to trial if we feel that is your best option. We will not hesitate to present your case in front of a judge and jury in order to fight fairly for justice.

Contact a Domestic Violence Lawyer in The Villages Now to Discuss Your Legal Options

If you or someone you love has been accused of domestic violence in The Villages or throughout Lake, Sumter or Marion County, do not rely on the advice of friends or family members to get you through this process. Being labeled an abuser can bring about serious out-of-court side effects that can affect your career and social life. Contact a The Villages domestic violence lawyer at Whittel & Melton online or call 352-369-5334 to discuss the facts of your case and get the answers you need today.