What Is the Longest You Can Get for Domestic Violence in Fort Lauderdale?
What is the longest you can get for domestic violence in Fort Lauderdale is a question that depends on the specific nature of a criminal charge. Domestic violence refers to a broad range of crimes against a family or household member that have different punishments depending on the severity. Florida also has both mandatory minimum sentencing and maximum sentencing that applies to domestic violence charges based on the classification of the criminal offense. The criminal defense Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert can fight on your behalf after an arrest for domestic violence in Fort Lauderdale. Learn more about the possible sentencing for your domestic violence charge below and how we can advocate to get you the best result possible in a criminal case.
The Minimum Sentencing for Domestic Violence
Florida imposes minimum imprisonment terms if you are found guilty of domestic violence in Fort Lauderdale under Florida Statutes § 741.283. The following minimum sentences may apply if the act of domestic violence intentionally causes bodily harm to another person:
- 10 days for a first offense
- 15 days for a second offense
- 20 days for a third offense or more
The minimum sentencing can increase if the act of domestic violence occurs in the presence of a child who is under 16. The sentencing increases to 15 days for a first offense, 20 days for a second offense, and 30 days for a third offense or more. These minimum jail times apply to any act of domestic violence defined under Florida Statutes § 741.28.
The Longest Potential Sentences for Domestic Violence
A Court in Fort Lauderdale can punish anyone found guilty of domestic violence within the maximum punishment thresholds for the class of the offense outlined in Florida Statutes § 775.082. These guidelines, along with any specific punishments provided in the criminal statute for a specific charge, will determine the longest you can get for domestic violence in Fort Lauderdale. For example, the domestic violence crimes listed below have the following maximum punishments:
- Assault: A second-degree misdemeanor punishable up to 60 days in prison
- Battery: A first-degree misdemeanor punishable up to one year in prison
- Sexual battery: A first-degree felony punishable up to 30 years in prison
- Stalking: A first-degree misdemeanor punishable up to one year in prison
- Kidnapping: A first-degree felony punishable up to life in prison
- False imprisonment: A third-degree felony punishable up to 5 years in prison
The maximum punishments for domestic violence crimes can further increase if aggravating circumstances or certain conditions apply. These issues could include domestic violence that involves a minor or the use of a deadly weapon. For example, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon is a third-degree felony with a maximum punishment of up to 5 years in prison compared with a simple assault which has a maximum punishment of 60 days in prison.
Consult a Domestic Violence Criminal Defense Attorney from Leifert & Leifert
The criminal defense Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert can help you understand how long you can get for a domestic violence conviction in Fort Lauderdale based on the facts of your case. We can use this information to advise on available defenses and other options for getting the best results in a case. Schedule a free initial consultation and case review with us today.
