Living with another person can be difficult, especially when tensions rise. Fights between people who live together can be common and may inadvertently turn violent if the conflict escalates. Charges related to hurting your roommate may cause you to feel uncertain about the future, but you have options.
A Boca Raton roommate violence Lawyer can help you understand your options and build a case to protect your legal rights. The experienced criminal defense Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert have extensive knowledge about the laws and the potential consequences you may face. We can create a strategy to reduce the charges or potential penalties, minimizing the impact of the incident on your life.
Is Roommate Violence the Same as Domestic Violence?
Because both situations involve fights between people who live together, people may wonder if the law treats roommate violence like domestic violence. Florida Statute § 741.28 examines what happened and the relationship between those involved to classify an act as domestic violence. There must be an unlawful touching or act, such as an assault, kidnapping, or false imprisonment.
The parties must be family or household members for a fight between roommates to qualify as domestic violence. Family or household members are those related by blood or marriage or hold themselves out to be a family, even if not related by blood or marriage. Further, if two people have a child in common or used to live together as a family, they meet the law’s requirements for a family or household member.
In that context, some instances of violence between roommates may qualify as domestic violence, but that is not always the case. If the parties are not family or household members, the altercation can still result in criminal charges, but it may not qualify as domestic violence. A roommate violence Attorney in Boca Raton understands the nuanced requirements of the law and helps people prepare appropriate defenses against charges, limiting the impact on their lives.
Charges That Could Come With Roommate Violence
When people who live together get into a fight, it can result in a wide range of legal consequences for either party. Charges someone can face range from assault or battery to aggravated assault, even homicide charges if the situation results in death. The types of allegations depend on the circumstances, the evidence, and the applicable law.
People facing criminal charges stemming from conflict with their roommates benefit from getting legal help. Criminal convictions can have wide-reaching impacts on someone’s life. A roommate violence Lawyer in Boca Raton can help them fight the charges and limit the potential consequences.
Call a Boca Raton Roommate Violence Attorney for Help
Roommate violence charges can be daunting to handle alone. You may have many questions about what happens next and what you can do to protect your rights. A Boca Raton roommate violence Lawyer can help you fight the unjust charges against you and tell your side of the story.
State criminal laws contain numerous exceptions and rules about the types of evidence you can use. An Attorney can help you understand these laws and craft a case highlighting the evidence in your favor to increase the chance of a successful outcome. Take control of the situation by hiring an experienced Leifert & Leifert Attorney to help advocate for your best interests. Reach out to our team to protect yourself.
