Domestic violence cases are among the most serious and sensitive of criminal cases. As a victim of domestic violence, you need your case resolved as expeditiously and effectively as possible.
As the accused of domestic violence, your liberty is on the line and you should hire a defense attorney immediately. A skilled domestic violence lawyer in Vero Beach can help resolve your case.
Understanding Domestic Violence Charges in Florida
Under Florida Statute 741.28, domestic violence encompasses any assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death when committed by one family or household member against another.
For the accused, even an allegation can result in:
- Removal from the home
- Loss of child custody or visitation rights
- Criminal charges and potential jail time
- A permanent record that affects employment and reputation
At Dadan Law Firm, we can help you as the accused fight your case. Learn more about how we can help.
Legal Strategies for Victims
If you have been wrongly accused of domestic violence, you may feel like you have to prove your innocence. It is important to act quickly to protect your reputation.
In many domestic violence cases, the accused’s testimony is a crucial component of the case against him or her. However, the accused often desires to explain his or her version of events. This can be a particularly difficult issue in domestic violence cases, because the accused’s testimony can be viewed with skepticism by the jury and the trial judge.
- Challenging Evidence: Is the evidence consistent? Are all facts proved?
- Identifying False Accusations: Many accusations of domestic violence are made during divorce proceedings or child custody disputes with no basis in fact.
- Sentence Reduction/Dismissal: An attorney will negotiate for a sentence reduction or, in some cases, a dismissal of charges.
Legal Strategies for Victims
Domestic violence victims have very little time to consider their legal options — first and foremost, they need to find safety, and then pursue legal relief.
Key strategies include:
- Filing for a restraining order (injunction): You can obtain a restraining order or injunction against the accused, and through this order, prevent any contact with you. At Dadan Law Firm, we can help you file a restraining order.
- Take photographs of injuries, save messages received or sent (including emails), gather witness statements, and document details of police involvement.
- Law Enforcement: Filing a police report helps document the crime.
- Protective Orders for Children: If children are involved, the Court may alter the terms of an existing custody schedule to best protect them.
The Importance of Legal Representation
In Vero Beach, domestic violence cases often involve both criminal charges and family law issues like divorce, paternity, custody, child support, or alimony.
Dadan Law Firm approaches each domestic violence matter with the seriousness and sensitivity it deserves. Whether you are seeking a restraining order or defending against domestic violence allegations, we can provide strong, strategic, and respectful representation.
Involved in a domestic violence case? Contact a domestic violence lawyer in Vero Beach. 772-263-7417.