Being arrested for domestic violence can be both frustrating and overwhelming, especially if no one in your family or household has pressed charges against you. However, Law Enforcement Officers often make arrests when responding to domestic violence reports from uninvolved parties even if no one in your home wants to press charges.
If you are arrested for alleged domestic violence, it is up to the Office of the State Attorney to decide whether or not to charge you formally. In this situation, hiring one of our seasoned criminal defense attorneys may be of critical importance. A Greenacres domestic violence lawyer from Leifert & Leifert could work to protect your legal rights and help you with your case.
Greenacres Domestic Violence Laws
Florida Statutes Chapter 741 defines “domestic violence” as any type of assault or criminal offense by a member of a family or household that results in physical injury to or the death of another family or household member. Family and household members include current or former spouses, co-parents who share a child, individuals who are related by blood or by marriage, and individuals who live in the same residence together.
State law outlines specific forms of assault and other criminal offenses that constitute domestic violence when committed by a family or household member against another member of the family or household. These offenses include:
- Assault or battery
- Aggravated assault or battery
- Sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault
- Stalking and aggravated stalking
- False imprisonment
- Kidnapping
A Greenacres domestic violence attorney could answer specific questions about domestic violence laws and what types of situations might be considered examples of domestic violence.
Legal Penalties for Domestic Violence in Greenacres
The minimum term of incarceration for a person found guilty of domestic violence in Greenacres varies based on whether it is a first, second, or subsequent offense. The minimum term of incarceration for a first offense is ten days in county jail, increasing to minimums of 15 and 20 days, respectively, for a second offense and a third or subsequent offense.
Certain aggravating factors could also result in a longer minimum term of incarceration for a first, second, or subsequent offense. For example, intentionally causing physical harm to a family or household member in the presence of a child younger than 16 years of age who is also a family or household member may result in a longer minimum term of incarceration.
Other penalties for domestic violence that can be imposed by the Court in addition to incarceration include probation and community control. The Court could also impose a longer period of incarceration than the minimum prescribed by law. A domestic violence lawyer in Greenacres could answer questions about the legal penalties for different domestic violence offenses.
Contact a Greenacres Domestic Violence Attorney Today
There is no need to face domestic violence charges on your own when a Greenacres domestic violence lawyer could assist you with your case. Once retained, an attorney from our firm could safeguard your legal rights and help you fight for the best possible legal resolution to your case. Obtain the legal assistance and representation you deserve—contact Leifert & Leifert today for a free initial consultation.