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FLORIDA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CHARGE
Woman · Male · Spousal Abuse
Child · Teen · Family

Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney

WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE? Domestic Violence is physical violence, threatened violence, and abuse which occurs in the following relationships:

  • Married Couples (also known as Spousal Abuse)
  • Cohabiting Couples
  • Persons who have a child or children in common
  • Persons in a dating relationship or who were in a former dating relationship
  • Persons who were formerly married to each other

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE covers a wide variety of abuse, including Spousal Abuse and child endangerment. Any threatening or violent act, even if the accused did not intend to harm or compromise the safety and security of the victim, could be grounds for prosecution under the Florida Domestic Violence laws.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE cases are treated differently than other criminal cases. There exists designated Prosecutors and special Domestic Violence Units (DV Units) within the Prosecutor's office that are ready to aggressively prosecute anyone charged with Domestic Violence.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ABUSE
EXAMPLES
  • Threats
  • Intimidation
  • Annoying Phone calls
  • Stalking (such as following the victim to and from work, and threatening the victim)
  • Physical Assault or Abuse
    • Hitting
    • Kicking
    • Biting
    • Pinching
    • Punching
    • Hair pulling
    • Beating
    • Slapping
    • Pushing
    • Shoving
  • Sexual Abuse
    • Unwanted sexual touching
    • Forced sexual acts
    • Criticizing sexual ability
  • Verbal Abuse
    • Emotional cruelty
    • Constant criticism
    • Name calling
    • Ignoring the victim
    • Degrading remarks
    • Mocking
    • Taunting
    • Swearing
  • Financial Abuse
    • Refusing to pay bills
    • Withholding money from victim
    • Not allowing victim to work
    • Not purchasing family necessities
  • Social Abuse
    • Opening and reading victim's mail
    • Monitoring and listening in on telephone calls
    • Outward jealousy and possessiveness
    • Isolating the victim from family / friends
    • Violating privacy rights of victim
  • Child Abuse
    • Child endangerment charges can be submitted and filed if the child witnesses the violence

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE charges may be submitted and filed as a misdemeanor or a felony. How it is submitted and filed by the Prosecutor is based on the severeness of the case. Severe injuries (including severe cuts and broken bones) will althe majority always be charged as a felony. No injury or slight injury cases will generally be submitted and filed as a misdemeanor. Both past acts of reported domestic violence and the criminal history of the accused may also influence how the case is submitted and filed---usually as a felony.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN FLORIDA
PUNISHMENT · CONSEQUENCES

Potential Punishments

Misdemeanors:

  • Brief prison sentence (0 to 6 months County prison)
  • Counseling (52-week program)
  • 40 hours of community service or physical labor (calTrans)
  • Various fines
  • Stay-Away Order from the victim, including moving out from residence
  • "No Harm, No Strike" Order for couples

Felonies:

  • Jail time (time can variety from 3 months in County prison to 3 years in State prison)
  • Counseling (52-week program)
  • 40 hours of community service or physical labor (calTrans)
  • Various fines
  • Stay-Away Order from the victim, including moving out from residence
  • "No Harm, No Strike" Order for couples

 

WHAT IF THE VICTIM WANTS TO DROP CHARGES?

In Florida, you can be arrested and prosecuted for Domestic Violence even if the victim does not want you arrested.

In some cases, particularly with Spousal Abuse, it is very difficult for the victim to lower charges against the abuser. The Prosecutor can proceed with the criminal case even if the alleged victim decides not to go to court. The Prosecutor is the only one who can lower charges because the victim is merely a witness in a government prosecution.

THE LAW REGARDING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE is complex and highly specialized. This is why it is significant to secure an attorney who is qualified, unmatched, and knowledgeable in defending Domestic Violence cases.

An experienced attorney in these types of cases can successfully defend those who are accused of Domestic Violence and take advantages of prison alternatives such as counseling and probation. Do not rely on the advice of friends or family members. Speak with an experienced attorney. call William H. Bryan III, Esq., Attorney at Law, to discuss the specific evidence and proven facts of your case.

If in fact you feel you are in danger and need to file a Protective Order, such as a Domestic Violence Restraining Order, a Civil Restraining Order, or Civil Harassment Order, please contact The Law Offices of William H. Bryan III, P.A. for expert advice.


If in fact you have been arrested or under investigation for Domestic Violence in Florida, it is significant that you hire an experienced Orlando Domestic Violence criminal defense attorney to represent you. The Law Offices of William H. Bryan III, P.A. will work relentlessly to mount a successful defense to the charges with which you have been charged. As a former Assistant United States Attorney for nearly 10 years, William H. Bryan III is well versed in the strategies and tactics of the prosecution and can predict and anticipate the next move and how to aggressively defend Domestic Violence in the state of Florida. We are a strong defender of our clients' consitutional rights and will do everything in our power to protect and defend them. William H. Bryan III, Esq. is an aggressive Orlando Domestic Violence criminal defense lawyer who will organize and prepare every aspect of your Domestic Violence case up to and including trial.

 
Law Offices of William H. Bryan III, P.A.
The Premiere Trade Plaza
189 South Orange Avenue
Suite 1800
Orlando, Florida 32801
Email Us: attorney@williambryanlaw.com

Telephone
(407) 401-9565
(Available 24/7) Se Habla Espanol
 
Copyright © 2005-08 The Law Offices of William H.Bryan III, P.A. All rights reserved.
 
The Law offices of William H. Bryan III represents individuals accused of Domestic Violence in Florida including Orlando, Kissimmee, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Myers in the following counties: Orange County, Broward County, Putnam County, Osceola County, Seminole County, Volusia County, Brevard County and Palm Beach County.