A spousal abuse charge is often one of the harder charges to combat due to the sensitive nature of the case. Not only would your life be affected by an accusation, but the life of your spouse could also be significantly impacted as well. However, if you have been formally charged with committing this crime, you should take legal action.
By hiring one of our experienced domestic violence attorneys at Leifert & Leifert, you may be able to mitigate the severity of the charges made against you. A Boca Raton spousal abuse lawyer could examine the details of the charge and provide you with guidance on how to present a convincing defense.
Definition of Spousal Abuse in Boca Raton
Spousal abuse includes numerous violent actions involving married couples. In the State of Florida, you may be charged with spousal abuse if you commit any of the following actions against your spouse:
- Assault
- Battery
- Stalking
- Kidnapping
- False imprisonment
- Any other criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death
Depending on the abuse inflicted upon a spouse, you may be facing substantial time in jail should you be handed a guilty verdict. In addition, of the offense involved some sort of sex crime such as sexual assault, you may also be required to register on Florida’s Sex Offender Registry. In order to avoid facing these criminal sanctions, be sure to consult with a Boca Raton spousal abuse lawyer promptly after being charged.
Penalties for Abuse of a Spouse
In Boca Raton, the penalties for spousal abuse may vary on the nature of the crime. For example, if the abuse includes a form of battery, the offense may be charged as a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail. If the abuse involves a forcible felony such as aggravated assault and kidnapping, the offense could be charged with a jail sentence of five to 30 years in jail. Furthermore, you may be required to attend classes specified by the Court, such as a Batterer’s Intervention Program.
Other Consequences for Spousal Abuse
In addition, to immediate criminal sanctions, a conviction for spousal abuse may be ineligible for expungement. It is also to keep in mind the impact a conviction may have on a marriage involving a child. A spouse could use a conviction on your record to request full custody of your children in Court. The Court may also order you to vacate the residence you shared with a spouse and be required to pay for all costs associated with financial maintenance. A spousal abuse lawyer in Boca Raton could further explain the ramifications a conviction for spousal abuse may have.
Get Help from a Boca Raton Spousal Abuse Attorney
Being accused of committing a criminal offense could prove to be very stressful. However, when the offense involves an altercation with your spouse, you could be overwhelmed with the severity of the charges held against you.
No matter the circumstances of your offense, a Boca Raton spousal abuse lawyer may be able to fight tirelessly on your behalf to mitigate the charges made against you. To get started, speak with one of our skilled attorneys at Leifert & Leifert as soon as possible.
