Domestic Violence in Bradenton, FL

In Florida, criminal domestic violence reports are taken very seriously. If there is a call to 911, it is likely one party will be arrested even if the other party does not want to press charges or there is insufficient evidence for the prosecutor to prove the case. The burden of proof necessary for law enforcement to arrest (probable cause) is less than the amount necessary for the prosecutor to file formal charges (beyond a reasonable doubt). In some cases, the victim’s requests are taken into consideration, but you may be charged and potentially convicted even if the victim does not testify against you. The prosecutor can rely on all evidence absence Victim cooperation to take a domestic charge to trial. Domestic violence convictions often have far-reaching consequences since they are considered crimes of violence. The stigmatism associated with these cases directly affects your social, professional, and family life. If you have been charged with a domestic violence crime in Manatee County, contact an aggressive Bradenton domestic violence attorney at Pallegar Law, P.A. to discuss strategies to minimize the charge.

There are many crimes that fall under the purview of domestic violence criminal law violations. These are usually violent crimes that are committed by a family member against another family member or those living under the same roof in the same household. These crimes include assault, aggravated assault, battery, variations of felony battery to include aggravated battery, kidnapping, stalking, false imprisonment, or sexual battery. In order to meet the criteria of a domestic violence crime, both (or all) parties must be related by blood, marriage, or have lived in the same household. The exception to this rule is if the parties have a child together, then it does not matter whether or not both parties live in the same household.

Once you are arrested for domestic violence, a no-contact order will typically be imposed as a condition of your release. Keep in mind this order can be issued even if the victim does not want to press charges. Once it is issued, violating the order is a first-degree misdemeanor. However, by hiring an experienced Bradenton domestic violence attorney at Pallegar Law, P.A. we maybe able to remove that no-contact order.

The penalties for a domestic violence conviction can be harsh and extensive, including jail time, probation, fines, domestic violence classes, and civil penalties.

Misdemeanor domestic battery is one of the most common domestic violence crimes that results in an arrest. Its definition is simple: intentional touch or strike another person without his or her consent. The crime is considered a first-degree misdemeanor, and is punishable by one year in jail, one year of probation, and fines of up to $1,000. In addition to fines, court costs, probation, and jail time, there are other penalties for domestic battery, which may include an 8 hour or a 26 week course, community service, and a potential injunction or no-contact order. It’s important to contact an experienced Bradenton domestic violence attorney as soon as you can in order to begin exploring your options for defense.

If you or someone you know has been arrested for domestic violence, call a knowledgeable Bradenton domestic violence lawyer at Pallegar Law, P.A. Call 941-893-5816 today to discuss your case.