Four Defenses Against Domestic Violence Charges
It is not uncommon for couples to get into heated disputes and fights on occasion. However, once it reaches a certain level, police are likely to be called. As a result, you could find yourself facing domestic violence charges in Florida. These are serious allegations. In addition to damaging your reputation and your relationship with family and friends, you could be facing heavy fines and a lengthy jail sentence. The following are four domestic violence defenses that can help you avoid a conviction.
Defending Yourself Against Domestic Violence Charges In Seminole
Domestic violence is unfortunately common in Seminole and in other cities throughout the state. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), as many as 140,000 cases are reported each year.
Domestic violence is defined as acts of physical or sexual abuse that occurs between spouses, domestic partners, and other family members. In addition to, hitting, punching, pushing, and sexual assault or harrassment, under the Florida Statutes it also includes stalking, making terroristic threats, doing damage to property, preventing the victim from leaving the home, and forcing them to go with you against their will.
If you are facing these types of charges, you need to be aware that the penalties can be severe. It is important to get our experienced Seminole domestic violence attorney on your side immediately to protect yourself. Depending on the circumstances, defenses to domestic violence charges that we may be able to use in your case include:
- You were falsely charged. Claiming the alleged victim is lying or exaggerating the situation is one of the most common defenses to domestic violence charges. Motivations behind their allegations may include mental health problems, wanting an advantage in divorce or child custody proceedings, and simple spite or vindictiveness.
- You were acting in self-defense. It is not uncommon for one party to get aggressive with the other after having been victims of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse themselves. Cuts or bruises you have, damages to your property, previously filed police reports, and testimony from friends and family can all be used as evidence in your case.
- It was an accident. In cases where a couple is in a heated argument, actions one takes can accidentally result in injuries to another. This may involve inadvertently striking them with an object or pushing them out of the way, causing them to fall. In these types of cases, your own reputation, a clean criminal record, and even statements from your partner can be used in building a strong legal defense.
- Your rights were violated during your arrest. In some situations, it may not matter what the circumstances are surrounding your arrest. If the police violated your rights, it could justify having your charges dropped or reduced.
Contact Us Today for Help
At The Reep Law Firm, we can help you avoid the serious penalties associated with domestic violence charges in Florida. Serving the Seminole and Clearwater areas, call or contact our Seminole domestic violence attorney online to request a consultation today.
https://www.reeplawfirm.com/can-domestic-violence-charges-be-dropped/
