Category Archives: Criminal Defense
Can Domestic Violence Be Considered During Divorce Proceedings?
Divorce, also called dissolution of marriage, is always a difficult event for two people, even if they agree that going their separate ways is best for both of them. Serious questions like child support, alimony and property division can become acrimonious even in the easiest of divorces, but in a proceeding where domestic violence… Read More »
How Do I Respond To A Domestic Violence Injunction?
Florida has a fairly expansive definition of domestic violence, though it is specified that the offense must be committed against a “family or household member” of the perpetrator. If a person has been the victim of domestic violence, or if they have “reasonable cause” to believe they are in imminent danger of becoming a… Read More »
Cross-Complaints In Florida Domestic Violence Cases
When Florida law enforcement responds to a domestic dispute call, they will often be met by two people both strongly alleging that the other is at fault. While it is generally not recommended for law enforcement to make dual arrests, it is more common than one might think for both participants to file cross-complaints… Read More »
Florida Domestic Violence: Not Just Against Family
The standard vision of a domestic violence case will usually involve a husband and wife, but in reality, Florida’s definition of the offense is far more expansive than that. Because living with a spouse is not the only viable familial relationship, Florida’s legislature has broadened the definition to include other relationships – though it… Read More »
The Williams Rule in Florida Domestic Violence Cases
Normally, a Florida defendant’s prior bad acts are not admissible in a new trial unless very specific criteria are met, because a defendant should be tried for their current alleged conduct, rather than their past history. That said, domestic violence cases are some of the few where there is a recognized legal exception stating… Read More »
Understanding The Statute Of Limitations In Florida Domestic Violence Cases
Being charged with a crime of domestic violence in Florida can be irritating at best, terrifying at worst. Depending on the nature of the offense, it is not inconceivable that a guilty verdict might put you in prison for years or even decades. That said, both civil and criminal law in Florida have statutes… Read More »
“Standing Your Ground” And Domestic Violence
Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” (SYG) law came to the public consciousness in the context of homicides, but what many do not know is that it also applies to home invasion scenarios and, sometimes, to crimes of domestic violence. In general, SYG laws codify the amount of force that is proportional to use against an… Read More »
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… Read More »
Domestic Violence Reform Law Ready For Governor’s Signature
In early 2026, a law seeking to make major reforms to Florida’s domestic violence statute passed the House and the Senate. As of this writing, it now awaits the governor’s signature, with bipartisan support from both houses. If passed, this bill would ensure that more resources are available for survivors and more factors are… Read More »
Hearsay Exceptions & Domestic Violence Cases
As most people know, any domestic violence case will hinge upon the quality of evidence offered. However, not every piece of testimony or object will be admissible in court as evidence. One of the major reasons why is because of a legal concept called hearsay – but sometimes, simple errors of procedure by law… Read More »