Individuals convicted of domestic violence in Plantation could face various penalties, including probation, mandatory participation in a batterers’ intervention program, a fine, or a term of incarceration. The exact penalties imposed depend on the specific domestic violence offense and whether it was a Misdemeanor or Felony. Consult one of our knowledgeable Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert to discuss your questions regarding Plantation domestic violence penalties.
Consequences for Spousal Abuse in Plantation
Spousal abuse is a form of domestic violence that occurs when one spouse commits assault or battery against the other spouse. Individuals convicted of spousal abuse could be placed on probation and be required to also participate in a batterers’ intervention program. Other penalties could include a fine and Jail time.
The length of time a person is sentenced to Jail could vary depending on whether the instance of spousal abuse was a first, second, or subsequent offense. The minimum Jail sentence for a first offense is ten days. The penalty for a second offense of spousal abuse is a minimum of 15 days in Jail and increases to 20 days minimum for subsequent offenses. A longer Jail sentence could be imposed for committing spousal abuse in front of a child under age 16.
Penalties for Child Abuse and Neglect
Two additional offenses related to domestic violence that involve children are child abuse and neglect. Abuse of a child and child neglect are both felonies of the third degree. The penalties for such offenses include a fine up to $5,000 and a prison sentence of up to five years.
Abuse of a child involving the infliction of great bodily injury, permanent disfigurement, or permanent disability is charged as aggravated child abuse and is a Felony of the first degree. Aggravated child abuse is punishable by a fine up to $10,000 and a prison sentence up to 30 years. Consult a Plantation domestic violence Lawyer for more information about the sanctions for domestic violence involving children.
Penalties for Violating a Protective Order in Plantation
Protective orders are issued by the Court in some domestic violence situations. Protective orders are also known as injunctions for protection against domestic violence and prevent an individual accused of domestic violence from contacting family or household members listed in the protective order.
Violating a protective order in Plantation is a first degree Misdemeanor and could result in various Court-imposed sanctions, such as a $1,000 fine and up to one year incarceration. Subsequent violations of a protective order are punished as third degree felonies. The associated penalties include a $5,000 fine and incarceration for up to five years.
Other sanctions that could be imposed in addition to a term of imprisonment and a fine include mandatory enrollment in a Batterers’ Intervention Program and restitution for any economic loss, including Attorney fees, sustained by the individuals protected by the protective order.
Contact a Domestic Violence Attorney Today
For more information about the specific penalties regarding a domestic violence offense, or if you are worried that you may be charged with an offense related to a domestic dispute, contact one of our Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert today. An Attorney could inform you on the seriousness of the charges against you, as well as which Plantation domestic violence penalties you may be subject to upon conviction. Schedule a consultation today to get started.