Florida Domestic Violence Lawyers
Classified as a misdemeanor offense in Florida, domestic violence is a serious charge that can cause permanent marks on a person's criminal record, if convicted. Domestic violence can be physical, emotional, verbal or sexual, and anyone in an intimate relationship can be affected by domestic violence. Commonly, domestic violence occurs between spouses, significant others, relatives or ex-significant others.
In some cases, domestic violence charges are filed at the same time a spouse files for divorce. In these instances, the petitioner may need to take some extra legal steps to ensure his or her safety as well as the safety of any involved children.
If you are seeking a divorce and have been victimized by domestic violence, the skilled, compassionate divorce lawyers at Troum & Wallsh welcome you to attend a complimentary, no obligation consultation to learn more about your rights and legal entitlements. We are here to protect your rights, aggressively defend your needs and support you during these trying times. Our esteemed Florida family law firm has been successfully standing up for our clients' rights for more than two decades.
Florida Domestic Violence Laws
According to Florida Statute 741.28, domestic violence is defined as “any assault, battery, sexual assault, or any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death of one family or household member by another who is or was residing in the same single dwelling unit.” The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) reports that more than 77 percent of domestic violence offenses are cases of simple assault. Women are three times more likely than men to be the victims of domestic violence.
Those charged with domestic violence will face trial if they don't plead guilty. Should they be convicted of domestic violence, by Florida domestic violence law, convicts will likely face:
- Mandatory jail time, particularly if the other party was injured
- Mandatory education and counseling
- Permanent criminal record
- An inability to seal or expunge their criminal record
Domestic Violence Statistics for Florida
- More than 120,000 incidents of domestic violence are reported to the authorities each year in the state of Florida.
- While domestic violence centers throughout Florida have responded to more than 132,000 help line calls, they have counseled nearly 200,000 victims of domestic violence.
- Last year, nearly 15,000 victims sought emergency shelter in domestic violence centers.
- Nearly 44 percent of those who seek help from domestic violence shelters are between the ages of 18 and 44, representing the largest group of victims seeking emergency help.
- Over the past 10 years, FDLE has found that reports of domestic violence have been on the downfall, decreasing about 33 percent. While the decrease may be due to a decrease in the incidence of domestic violence, it can also be due to a lack of reporting the crime.
It's important to note that domestic violence cases are not always reported, potentially due to the victims' fear or other factors. As a result, many of the above domestic violence statistics are likely higher than reported.
Have you been a victim of domestic violence in Florida? If so, contact our family law firm for help. We understand that this may be one of the most difficult things you will have to face in your lifetime, and we are committed to providing you the respect, dignity and compassion you deserve. Our experienced domestic violence lawyers are here to aggressively represent your rights in any legal proceeding so you can be free from your abuser and move on with your life. For more information, contact our family law attorneys today.
Office Location
2450 Maitland Center Pkwy #303
Maitland, FL. 32751
Phone: (866) 433-1087
Fax: (407) 644-5511