Domestic Battery

Domestic Violence Battery Charges in Florida

Domestic violence battery charges are defined as any unlawful touching of a person that is a household or family member. Florida prosecutes domestic violence charges harshly, and convictions often carry long-term consequences and severe penalties.

Coplan-Gardner & Gardner, PA, has superior criminal defense strategies when it comes to defending these types of cases.

What is Domestic Battery?

When someone strikes or abuses a household or family member, this is defined as domestic battery. A household or family member may include:

• Wives and husbands
• Ex-spouses
• Individuals living together as a family
• Individuals related by blood or marriage
• Individuals that have lived together in the past
• People that have a child in common

Penalties of Domestic Violence Charges

The penalties for domestic violence convictions can be severe, which is why it’s essential to consult with an attorney immediately if you are charged with this type of crime. As a first degree misdemeanor, you may have to serve one year in jail or have 12 months of probation and receive a $1,000 fine. You may also face:

• A mandatory 26-week Batterer’s Intervention Program
• Five days of jail time
• Community Service
• Loss of civil liberties, such as concealed carry rights
• The imposition of having a no-contact order in effect

Domestic Battery Defenses

Fortunately, domestic violence is one of the most defendable charges, so a decision to plead to these charges should never be entered into without first consulting with an attorney.

Common domestic battery defenses include:

• Disputes about the alleged incident
• Absence of injuries to the victim
• No corroborating evidence
• Self-defense
• Vindictive victim
• Defense of other people
• Defense of property
• Consensual confrontation, such as mutual combat
• Stand Your Ground

Under Florida law, if you commit, plead guilty or are found guilty of a domestic violence act, you are not eligible to have your record sealed or expunged. It is crucial that you contact an attorney to review your case so they can develop a custom domestic battery defense on your behalf.

Detail-Oriented Florida Legal Team

Coplan-Gardner & Gardner has more than 40 years of combined legal experience handling a wide variety of criminal defense strategies and cases. If you are charged with domestic violence, don’t wait to retain an attorney, as if you are convicted of these charges, they can have long-reaching negative impacts on your future.

If you are military, police, a first responder, firefighter or an educator, we offer a preferred discount and free consultation. If you are charged with domestic battery assault, don’t hesitate to contact our office to schedule an appointment.