Miami, FL Domestic Violence Attorney

Respected Criminal Defense Lawyer Representing People Accused of Domestic Violence in Miami, Florida

Accusations of domestic violence can be very serious. If you have been arrested based on claims that you have committed abuse against a family member, you may face both legal and personal consequences. In addition to criminal charges, your reputation, employment, and family life could be affected. You will need to respond to these accusations, defend yourself in court, and protect your good name, and you can do so with the help of an experienced attorney.

The Hoffman Firm is ready to provide you with a strong defense against domestic violence charges. We have extensive experience representing clients in a wide variety of criminal cases, and we will work with you to determine the best defense strategies based on your specific situation. Our attorney will aggressively advocate for you, challenging false allegations and helping you avoid penalties that could affect your life and your family.

Understanding Domestic Violence Under Florida Law

In Florida, domestic violence may involve any criminal offense that results in physical injuries to a member of a person's family or household. These offenses may include:

• Assault and Battery: A person may be accused of threatening to harm a family member or taking actions that led to serious bodily injuries.
• False Imprisonment or Kidnapping: Accusations that a person has unlawfully restrained or confined a family member can lead to arrests and criminal charges.
• Sexual Battery: Any non-consensual sexual acts committed against a household or family member may be classified as domestic violence.
• Stalking, Cyberstalking, or Harassment: Repeated unwanted contact with a family member or other forms of harassment, including text messages or online communications, could lead to domestic violence charges.

To be classified as domestic violence, the alleged offense must have been committed against a family member or a person who lives in the same household. Family or household members may include:

• Spouses or former spouses
• Blood relatives
• People related by marriage, such as stepparents and stepchildren
• Parents who share a child, including married or unmarried couples who do or do not live together
• Any other people who currently or previously lived together as a family

Examples of Situations That May Lead to Domestic Violence Arrests

A person may be arrested for domestic violence in situations such as:

• Disputes Between Spouses or Partners: A heated argument that escalates into physical contact may result in an arrest, even if the contact was accidental or minor.
• False Accusations During a Divorce or Custody Battle: A person may be falsely accused of domestic violence to gain an advantage in family law proceedings.
• Calls to Police During a Domestic Dispute: If law enforcement is called to a home for a domestic disturbance, officers may make an arrest if they have probable cause to believe that domestic violence occurred.
• Defensive Actions Misinterpreted as Aggression: If someone acts in self-defense, police officers may mistakenly charge them as the aggressor.

Florida law allows officers to perform arrests for domestic violence even if the alleged victim does not wish to press charges. Once charges are filed, only the state prosecutor has the authority to drop them.

Penalties for Domestic Violence Convictions in Florida

Domestic violence charges carry severe penalties, including:

• Mandatory Jail Time: If a person is found guilty of a crime of domestic violence in which they intentionally inflicted bodily harm, they will be required to serve a mandatory sentence of 10 days in county jail for a first offense, 15 days for a second offense, and 20 days for any subsequent offense. A conviction on charges such as domestic battery may lead to additional jail time.
• Longer Incarceration for Felony Domestic Violence: Serious domestic violence offenses such as aggravated domestic battery or battery by strangulation, may result in sentences of years or even decades in prison.
• Probation and Community Service: A person who is convicted of domestic violence may be required to complete a batterer's intervention program, perform community service, and serve a period of probation.

Orders of Protection in Domestic Violence Cases

When a person is arrested for domestic violence, a court may issue a domestic violence injunction (restraining order) to prohibit the accused from contacting the alleged victim. Even if no arrest occurs, an alleged victim may request an order of protection based on claims that they or other family members are at risk of harm.

An order of protection can place a number of restrictions on a person who has been accused of domestic violence. They may be prevented from contacting their family members or returning to their home. They will be required to turn over any firearms they own to law enforcement. Violations of these restrictions can lead to additional criminal charges and serious penalties. Our defense attorney can challenge a protective order in court, presenting evidence to demonstrate that the order is unnecessary or was based on false claims.

Contact Our Miami Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

Claims that you have committed violence or abuse against family members can have long-lasting consequences that could affect you and your family for years to come. In these situations, it is essential to contact an attorney as soon as possible. At The Hoffman Firm, we can help you respond to accusations of domestic violence, defend against criminal charges and orders of protection, and protect your rights and reputation. Get in touch with us today at 305-249-0090 to schedule a free consultation with an attorney who will treat you with compassion and help you resolve these issues successfully.