Facing domestic violence charges alone can be daunting. However, it is not an experience that you have to undergo alone. By getting in contact with a domestic violence lawyer, you are putting yourself in the best position to mount a defense to the potential penalties you face. A skilled lawyer can use their knowledge of local laws, and their relationship with the judges and prosecutors, to fight for a positive outcome for you to mitigate any Ft. Lauderdale domestic violence penalties that may be in your future.
Potential Penalties for Domestic Abuse
If a case remains a domestic violence-related case, it is the sort of case that cannot be sealed, even if it is resolved with a no-contest plea and adjudication is withheld. If a domestic violence case in Ft. Lauderdale is not handled properly and effectively, it can have wide-ranging penalties down the road as a result of an individual’s inability to have it removed from their record, even with a relatively good result. For example, no jail time, withholding of adjudication, and a no-contest plea still would result in an individual’s inability to have their case sealed from their record.
Mandatory Minimums
There are minimum mandatory penalties with respect to domestic violence cases. Judges must impose periods of probation and domestic abuse counseling. In cases where an individual is convicted and it was proven that there was a physical injury to the alleged victim in the case, Florida law requires a mandatory period of five days in the county jail.
Because of minimum mandatory sentencing, it is important for an individual to have a defense attorney by their side to mitigate the potential penalties for domestic violence. These types of cases can have negative consequences on any divorce or custody case that might be ongoing at the time. Domestic violence criminal cases have an effect on child custody issues and child visitation issues.
Consequences for Domestic Violence on an Accused’s Personal Life
These cases can have an impact on the ownership, use, or possession of firearms as well as result in a restraining order against the accused person. For example, in many instances of domestic violence, a defendant may face no-contact limitations with their spouse or children. The benefit of getting a Ft. Lauderdale attorney involved is that they might be able to advocate at the first hearing for contact if the parties agree, or if it is ordered that there was no contact, they can attempt to go back in front of the judge to have that modified.
Employment Opportunities
Domestic violence cases can have negative penalties with respect to employment opportunities in Ft Lauderdale. Many employees ask about domestic violence-related cases as they are more reluctant to extend a job offer or position to somebody who has a criminal record.
Certain employment opportunities that are high profile or public service-related, like teaching, nursing, social services, political offices, and law enforcement are impeded by having a domestic violence entry on a person’s record. Jobs involving the requirement to have any weapons or hazardous materials would be affected by somebody having a domestic violence case, as well.
Immigration Consequences
Now, more so than ever before, there are immigration consequences not only to any criminal case but particularly to a domestic abuse case. Under federal immigration laws, domestic violence convictions can be grounds for deportation or exclusion. Family violence cases can have a negative impact on somebody’s credit score and their ability to qualify or get a loan. Thus, the person will have issues with respect to renting or homeowner’s associations might disqualify somebody from living in a particular community or becoming a member of an HOA or disqualify somebody from a lease. An attorney is that they can fight the potential Ft. Lauderdale domestic violence penalties someone faces, particularly regarding immigration.
Contact a Ft. Lauderdale Attorney for Help Fighting Domestic Violence Penalties
Domestic abuse cases differ from other cases in that they have very specific rules and circumstances. It is a carved out area of law by the legislator and it is carved out in the court system. There are designated judges that solely handle these cases. The state attorney’s office has a domestic violence unit. Therefore, these cases are different and require a great degree of skill and knowledge. The benefit of a domestic abuse attorney by your side from the beginning is that it is going to be extremely helpful and increase your chances of success in the case and avoiding the Ft. Lauderdale domestic violence penalties. A lawyer can devote the time and resources necessary to advocate for you.
