Fort Lauderdale Domestic Violence Attorney

The Hoffman Firm Offers Client-Focused Representation

Domestic violence charges can be incredibly overwhelming. Not only are these situations emotionally charged, but a conviction can upend your entire life. In addition to potential imprisonment, a domestic violence conviction can also impact your ability to find a job, secure housing, and can have a negative impact on custody and other family law matters. In short, your life, livelihood, and freedom are all at stake.

If you are facing domestic violence charges, it is vital that you seek legal representation as soon as possible. Because so much is at stake, it is not recommended that you represent yourself, even if you believe your innocence is self-evident. At The Hoffman Firm, we offer all our clients aggressive yet compassionate legal counsel, no matter what type of domestic violence charges they may be facing. We know how complicated these situations can be, and we work tirelessly to provide our clients with the strong, personalized representation they deserve.

To schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced Fort Lauderdale domestic violence lawyer, call The Hoffman Firm at 954-737-3004 or contact us online.

Understanding Florida Domestic Violence Charges

Domestic violence is defined by Florida Statute § 741.28. According to state law, domestic violence refers to “assault, aggravated assault, better, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death of one family or household member by another family or household member.”

The major distinction between domestic violence and other assault or battery charges is the familial or household relationship between the parties involved. A family or household member can be a spouse, parent, grandparent, child, sibling, romantic partner, co-parent, people currently residing together, or those who are related by blood.

The statute also specifies that unless the parties involved share a child in common, to be considered a family or household member, they must currently be residing or have previously resided together in the same home.

Examples of charges that can be related to domestic violence include:

• Battery or aggravated battery
• Aggravated battery on a pregnant female
• Domestic assault or domestic battery
• Stalking or aggravated stalking
• Cyberstalking
• Kidnapping or imprisonment
• Sexual assault or molestation

Child abuse and child neglect are also associated with domestic violence charges. If you are facing a domestic violence charge, no matter the type or severity, it is crucial that you reach out to an experienced attorney right away.

The Penalties of a Domestic Violence Conviction

Prosecutors are notorious for their aggressive pursuit of domestic violence positions, and the courts take a particularly hard line when sentencing. It is also important to remember that Florida has minimum sentencing guidelines for domestic violence convictions. If you are convicted, you may face a prison sentence, even for a misdemeanor.

According to Florida Statute § 741.283, minimum terms of imprisonment ordered as part of the imposed sentence are: 

• 10 days in county jail for a first offense
• 15 days for a second offense
• 20 days for a third or subsequent offense

Additionally, according to this statute, if the crime occurred in the presence of a minor child, 16 or under, and who is a family or household member, minimum sentencing increases to 15 days for a first offense, 20 days for a second offense, and 30 days for a third or subsequent offense. If the court has also sentenced a nonsuspended period in state prison, these minimums may not apply.

Florida also has other mandatory penalties for domestic violence convictions. These may include the court imposing an injunction or no contact/restraining order, mandatory enrollment in a batterers’ intervention program, a year of parole, and/or community service.

We Have Decades of Experience & A Proven Track Record of Success

Domestic violence cases can be complicated. It is not uncommon for there to be competing accounts of what happened. If you were arrested or accused of domestic violence in Fort Lauderdale, there is no time to waste. The sooner you secure legal representation, the sooner you can start building your defense. Reach out to The Hoffman Firm right away.

Our law firm has decades of experience helping clients protect their rights and our track record of favorable outcomes speaks for itself. Our Fort Lauderdale domestic violence attorney has experience handling some of the most complex domestic violence cases, and as a former state prosecutor, Attorney Evan Hoffman understands how these cases are prosecuted. When you need a fierce advocate on your side, turn to The Hoffman Law Firm.

We are always available for our clients. Discuss your case with our Fort Lauderdale domestic violence lawyer today by calling 954-737-3004  or send us a message online.