Domestic disputes are often very stressful for everyone involved. However, when the matter involves one spouse harming or abusing the other, criminal sanctions may be applied upon conviction.
If you have been charged with harming your spouse, you may be at risk of experiencing significant penalties. To get started on building a defense, reach out to one of our trusted domestic violence Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert today. A Delray Beach spousal abuse Lawyer may be able to mitigate the criminal accusations made against you.
Spousal Abuse and Domestic Violence
Spousal abuse falls into the broad spectrum of domestic violence. You may be charged with spousal abuse if you commit any of the following actions against a spouse:
- Assault and aggravated assault
- Battery and aggravated battery
- Sexual assault and battery
- Stalking and aggravated stalking
- Kidnapping
- False imprisonment
You may be charged with spousal abuse even if the defendant is an ex-spouse or you are no longer living with your spouse. If an allegation is made, Law Enforcement has the right to initiate investigations to find out whether there is enough supporting evidence to prosecute. If you believe you are currently under investigation or suspect that an investigation is pending, be sure to contact a Delray Beach spousal abuse Lawyer today.
Penalties for Spousal Abuse
The minimum punishment for spousal abuse is one year of probation and court-ordered enrollment in a batterers’ intervention program. If someone has at least two prior convictions of domestic violence, the Court may charge a third offense as a third-degree felony.
Another potential consequence of spousal abuse is an issuance of a protective order. According to Florida Statute § 741.30, a spouse or ex-spouse can request an injunction from the Circuit Court, even if no act of violence took place. One of the few requirements for requesting a protective order is a sworn petition from the petitioner stating they have been a victim or are in imminent danger of becoming a victim. These orders can affect custody, child support, residence, gun ownership, and payment for necessities. If a judge issued an injunction against you, you must ensure that you comply with all of its conditions. Failure to adhere to the rules of an injunction could cause you to experience further criminal consequences.
Get Help from a Delray Beach Spousal Abuse Attorney
Being accused of a spousal abuse offense is a serious situation to find yourself in. Not only could you be sentenced to jail for a significant amount of time, but you could also find it very difficult to continue living a normal life. Upon receiving a guilty verdict, you find yourself having to change your living situation due to an injunction. This could have an instant effect on you since an injunction may also impact your employment.
If you have been accused, it may be best to retain the services of a Delray Beach spousal abuse Lawyer before it is too late. To get started on your case, schedule a consultation today with one of our experienced Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert today.
