Domestic Violence Lawyer in West Palm Beach
Domestic violence charges carry a stigma and a set of legal consequences that can alter the course of your life overnight. Whether the allegations are accurate or the result of a misunderstanding, the legal system moves fast once a report is filed, and the stakes are immediate.
Unlike many other criminal charges, domestic violence arrests in West Palm Beach can have automatic consequences even before a judge hears the evidence, including a mandatory minimum of one night in jail and potential no-contact orders that can affect your access to your home and family immediately after arrest.
Contact Gonzalez & Associates, PLLC to speak with a domestic violence lawyer who will take the time to hear your side and begin building your criminal defense strategy.
Protective Orders in a Domestic Violence Charge
One of the first things that typically happens after a domestic violence allegation is the issuance of a protective order. In Florida, a judge can grant a temporary injunction without the accused party being present in court.
Once issued, a protective order can prohibit contact with the alleged victim, force you out of your own home, and restrict access to your children. Violating any term of a protective order is a separate criminal offense that carries additional penalties.
Domestic Violence Charges in Florida
Florida law defines domestic violence broadly, and the charges can stem from a wide range of interactions between household or family members. The specific offense you face depends on the nature of the alleged conduct and the relationship between the parties involved:
- Assault: Threatening violence against a household member in a way that creates a reasonable fear of imminent harm.
- Battery: Any intentional physical contact or striking of a family or household member against their will.
- Aggravated Battery: Causing great bodily harm, permanent disability, or using a deadly weapon during a domestic incident.
- Stalking: Engaging in a pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that causes substantial emotional distress.
- False Imprisonment: Restricting a household member’s movement or freedom against their will through force or threat.
Penalties for Domestic Violence in Florida
Convictions for domestic violence in Florida carry penalties that extend well beyond jail time, and judges have limited discretion to reduce certain mandatory requirements. Under Florida Statute § 741.281, anyone convicted of a domestic violence offense faces the following:
- Minimum of one year on probation
- Completion of a 29-week batterer’s intervention program
- Community service hours ordered by the court
- Possible jail or prison time, depending on the severity of the charge
- Permanent loss of firearm rights under federal law
- A criminal record that cannot be sealed or expunged
How Gonzalez & Associates, PLLC Can Help
Every domestic violence case involves unique facts, and a strong defense starts with examining every detail surrounding the allegations. Our firm approaches these cases with the thoroughness and discretion they demand:
- Investigating the circumstances and timeline of the alleged incident
- Challenging inconsistencies in the accuser’s statements
- Filing motions to modify or dissolve protective orders
- Negotiating with prosecutors for reduced or dismissed charges
- Representing clients at injunction hearings and trial proceedings
- Protecting your custody and visitation rights throughout the case
Don’t Wait to Contact Our West Palm Beach Domestic Violence Attorney
Has a domestic violence accusation put your freedom, your home, and your relationship with your children in jeopardy? Contact Gonzalez & Associates, PLLC at 561-500-4529 to schedule a free initial consultation with our West Palm Beach domestic violence defense lawyer who will examine the facts of your case, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and work toward the best possible outcome for your situation.
