Pinellas County Domestic Violence Charges And The Heavy Penalties For A Conviction

The 2024 storm season has been a stressful one for residents of Pinellas County. Hurricane Helene hit in late September, followed by Hurricane Matthew just two weeks later. Widespread property damages were reported throughout the region, and economic losses are likely to be ongoing and severe.

Unfortunately, these types of difficulties can take a heavy toll on relationships. It increases the likelihood of disputes and can cause people to act out in harmful ways. Before getting pushed to the limit when it comes to your partner, be aware of the potential ramifications. Our Seminole criminal attorney explains domestic violence charges In Pinellas County and the serious penalties you could face.

Domestic Violence Charges In Pinellas County 

Domestic violence often begins with a desire to control and dominate a partner. It typically involves an escalating pattern of aggressive and threatening behavior before reaching a turning point and erupting into violence. Dealing with major stress, facing financial difficulties, or fearing a breakup are among the things that can serve as triggers.

An October 5, 2024,  WTSB News report details a domestic violence case that occurred in Pinellas Park. A local man was fighting with his girlfriend and began to get aggressive when she called an older female friend for help. When the 74-year-old arrived at the scene and called one of her friends for assistance, the man pulled a gun.

Police were able to eventually coax him from the home, with no harm to any of the victims, and he got arrested and taken to the Pinellas County Jail. As police continue their investigations, he likely faces additional domestic violence charges. Under The Florida Statute, domestic violence is a serious crime and can involve any of the following:

• Assault;
• Sexual assault;
• Battery;
• Kidnapping,
• False imprisonment;
• Stalking and other harassing behavior.

 Potential Penalties For Domestic Violence Convictions In Pinellas County

The Family Justice Center serves victims of domestic violence in Pinellas County and states that law enforcement responds to more than 32,000 reports in our area each year, ranking us in 5th out of 67 other counties in terms of the risks.

Unfortunately, abusive behavior tends to escalate during stressful situations. Perpetrators can benefit from admitting the problem and getting anger management or other types of counseling, but penalties through the Pinellas County Criminal Court tend to be far more severe. They include:

• Restraining orders preventing you from living in your home or even approaching the property;
• Family court orders preventing you from seeing your children;
• Mandatory spousal and child support payments;
• Heavy fines and court costs;
• A jail sentence of one to five years or longer.

To Protect Your Rights, Contact Our Pinellas County Criminal Attorney

The stress surrounding this hurricane season can aggravate existing problems in relationships and may make domestic abuse more likely to happen. If facing charges of domestic violence in Pinellas County, get the strong legal defense you need at The Reep Law Firm. Contact our office today to request a consultation with our Seminole criminal attorney.

Sources:

wtsp.com/article/news/crime/pinellas-park-police-swat-response-94th-avenue-50th-way/67-0edc0048-85b0-4e4c-a77a-5eb6eb6aa9a3

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0741/Sections/0741.28.html