Domestic Violence Convictions Have Long-Term Consequences

Being convicted of a crime is shameful for many people, particularly when it is an intimate offense like a crime of domestic violence. In Florida, this type of conviction can feel even worse, because, like in many other states, a domestic violence conviction in Florida carries long-term social, legal, and potentially financial consequences even after any jail time has been served. If you fear being convicted of this type of offense, it is imperative to seek out a knowledgeable attorney before moving forward.

Legal Issues Do Not Disappear

There is no single offense of ‘domestic violence’ in Florida law. Rather, domestic violence is used as a sentencing enhancement for a person who has been convicted of the underlying offense. For example, a person convicted of battery will serve a shorter sentence and pay a smaller fine than a person convicted of domestic battery. Crimes that involve harm being done to a “family or household member” are seen as more serious in most cases.

In addition to resulting in longer sentences, a domestic violence conviction may also wind up making a domestic violence injunction (DVI) permanent, or extend it, depending on the nature of the offense. DVIs usually come with no-contact orders, so if you are convicted of domestic violence against the person who has a DVI against you, that no-contact order will at the very least be extended for years.

Social & Emotional Fallout

When one is convicted of a crime, it is understandable to think that once one serves their time, they can put it behind them. In reality, a criminal record is often seen as a scarlet letter of sorts in North American society, and it can hamper the efforts of an ex-convict to get their life back together. For example, most landlords and prospective employers are able to view a person’s criminal record unless it has been expunged – but most crimes of domestic violence cannot be expunged in Florida.

In addition to all this, statistics report that those convicted of domestic violence crimes have higher rates of recidivism than average. However, this does not necessarily mean that those convicted of such an offense are inherently more violent; rather, studies show a correlation between repeated interactions with the legal system (for whatever reason) and recidivism. It is almost as if a person who has been in trouble with the law stops trying to avoid it.

Contact A West Palm Beach Domestic Violence Attorney

Being convicted of a domestic violence crime is a very serious event that can follow you throughout your entire life. If you are facing domestic violence charges, a West Palm Beach criminal defense attorney from the firm of Perlet & Shiner, P.A. can help protect your rights. Call our office today at (561) 721-0552 to schedule a consultation.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0741/Sections/0741.28.html