Category Archives: Domestic Violence
Are More Domestic Violence Crimes Committed During Summer?
It is considered a bit of an urban legend that crime rates rise during the summer, particularly more ‘intimate’ crimes like domestic violence. This rise can be attributed to shorter tempers, more time at home, and a host of other reasons that can lead to discord – however, some researchers and law enforcement professionals… Read More »
Can I Persuade My Alleged Victim To Drop Domestic Violence Charges?
If you have been charged with a crime that falls under the umbrella of domestic violence, it is crucial that you take such a charge seriously. It is understandable, particularly if this is your first run-in with the law, to be uncomfortable or even frightened at finding yourself in this kind of situation –… Read More »
Domestic Violence Against A Pregnant Person Carries Stiffer Penalties
Crimes of domestic violence are taken seriously in Florida, regardless of who the alleged victim may be. However, there are certain particular classes of victims against whom domestic violence is seen as particularly egregious. Pregnant people are at the top of this list; their biological and medical status – particularly during a difficult pregnancy… Read More »
How Can Domestic Violence Affect Divorce?
Divorce is never easy, but when domestic violence is a factor, things can get infinitely more complex. Discussions of child visitation and custody are immediately made minefields if a parent has been convicted of a crime of domestic violence, and it can cause major problems for that parent in terms of establishing that they… Read More »
Legal & Practical Consequences Of A Domestic Violence Conviction
Domestic violence is a serious crime that is treated as appropriately serious by Florida authorities. The state does not have one specific cause of action referred to as ‘domestic violence;’ rather, it is treated as an umbrella under which several crimes fit. If a person is convicted of a crime of domestic violence, there… Read More »
Can You Face Federal Charges For Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is generally an intimate offense, involving family or household members (at least in Florida) and perpetrated by someone sharing some kind of relationship with their victim. However, there are rare instances in which a domestic violence-related offense can be charged under federal law. More often than not, a federal conviction means a… Read More »
“Gabby Petito Act” Proposed In Florida Senate
It is a sad truism that many victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) pay the ultimate price, often because the system simply fails them. The 2021 murder of Gabby Petito caused awareness of this issue to rise, but very little changed in the legal system. In early December 2023, two Florida legislators used the… Read More »
Domestic Violence Charges & Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” Law
Florida is one of the states that has what is known as a “Stand Your Ground” law, which is intended to clarify the situations in which a person can use force in self-defense. However, there are still questions surrounding its use in specific situations, particularly in cases where domestic violence is a factor. If… Read More »
Holiday Spike In Domestic Violence Smaller Than Average
The holiday season is meant to be a happy time, but unfortunately, it winds up tragic for some families. Rates of domestic violence tend to spike during the December holidays, for a variety of reasons; however, as of this writing, 2023’s holidays appear to have passed more smoothly. Florida prosecutes these offenses aggressively, though,… Read More »
October Was Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the United States, and in 2023, the statistics for domestic abuse have sadly been elevated. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office in Central Florida reports around 3,500 domestic abuse calls placed to them, with roughly 95 percent of them resulting in an arrest. Shelters have reported higher numbers… Read More »