Category Archives: Criminal Defense
Dispelling Myths About Domestic Violence & Divorce
By far, the most domestic violence claims arise out of incidents that occur between spouses – the American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy estimates that as many as 20 percent of marriages will experience some form of intimate partner violence (IPV). That said, there are still several myths surrounding domestic violence cases that… Read More »
How Does Florida Prosecute Domestic Violence?
Unlike some other U.S. states, Florida does not have a single criminal offense called ‘domestic violence’ on its books. Rather, domestic violence is seen as an umbrella under which individual offenses can acquire a ‘domestic’ character. If you have been charged with a criminal offense that may rise to the level of domestic violence,… Read More »
When You Truly Acted In Self-Defense
It is fairly common for domestic violence defendants in Florida to argue that they acted in self-defense even if this is not truly the case. If you are charged with domestic violence, but you truly did act in self-defense, you may be under the impression that you will not be believed in court. If… Read More »
The Legal Consequences of A Domestic Violence Conviction
Florida’s definition of domestic violence is fairly broad, intending to ensure that as many of the cases which might fall under that umbrella as possible are tried as such. Domestic violence is not a single crime in Florida; rather, the presence of domestic violence is used as a sentencing enhancement in the event of… Read More »
Domestic Violence Charges May Impact Your Immigration Status
Domestic violence is seen as a serious crime in Florida, and a conviction will result in serious penalties. However, for people who are not citizens of the United States, it is crucial to understand that a conviction for this type of crime can have consequences even beyond jail time – namely, that you will… Read More »
Can Teenagers Face Domestic Violence Charges?
At least in theory, anyone is capable of committing domestic violence. However, the average person tends to think only of adults when discussing these topics. In reality, teenagers can be respondents in domestic violence cases as well, though the cases are usually prosecuted in a different manner. If you or your child have been… Read More »
Does Stalking Count As Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is an ‘umbrella’ of sorts in Florida, encompassing any crime that causes physical injury or death to a “family or household member” of the alleged perpetrator. Stalking is a crime that is normally charged as a first-degree misdemeanor, but aggravating factors can bump it up to a third-degree felony, and can place… Read More »
Florida’s LGBTQ+ Community & Domestic Violence
As of this writing, Florida is a difficult place to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community. In early April 2023, the advocacy group Equality Florida took the step of issuing a travel warning for LGBTQ+ people, citing the current administration’s legislative direction and a general lack of protection for members of those communities…. Read More »
What Is – And Is Not – Domestic Violence In Florida
The definition of domestic violence in Florida is necessarily wide-ranging, as several types of criminal offenses may fall under that proverbial umbrella. The legislature intended to extend that umbrella as far as possible, so that more victims could seek justice – but sometimes, domestic violence may not actually be the right charge for someone… Read More »
The “Reasonable Person” Standard in Florida Domestic Violence Cases
Domestic violence is seen as a serious crime in Florida, but not every allegation will lead to a protection order and charges. The average person may think that the victim’s testimony is enough to obtain a domestic violence injunction against their alleged abuser, but Florida (and most other jurisdictions) observe what is known as… Read More »