Guarding Your Freedom In Domestic Violence Cases

Last updated on August 2, 2024

When you have been accused of a domestic assault or a domestic violence-related offense, you may not know where to turn. Who can you trust?

At Mandell Law PA in central Florida, our Orlando criminal defense team maintains a high success rate in domestic violence cases for several reasons:

• We get involved in cases early whenever possible, often preventing charges from ever being filed.
• We back our clients with over 25 years of combined legal experience and the solid legal knowledge and relationships that come along with that.
• We are trial attorneys who know how to work with prosecutorial agencies from the very beginning to protect our clients’ interests.

What Is Domestic Violence In Texas?

In the state of Texas, domestic violence encompasses harmful behaviors within family and intimate relationships. Under current law, if it involves one family or household member harming or threatening to harm another, it may be considered a domestic violence case.

Examples of conduct that can lead to domestic violence charges include:

• Causing physical harm or bodily injury
• Making offensive physical contact
• Engaging in assault, including sexual assault
• Making threats of imminent harm

Like most states, Texas takes a harsh stance against domestic violence, leading to potentially severe consequences if convicted. Charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the severity of the offense and any prior convictions. Possible sentences include:

• Class A misdemeanor: Up to a year in jail and fines approaching $4,000
• Second and third-degree felony: Two to 10 years of imprisonment and fines approaching $10,000
• First-degree felony: Five to 99 years or life in prison and thousands in fines

A domestic violence conviction also poses long-term repercussions, such as trouble finding employment and potential child custody impacts. Defending yourself from conviction benefits from a strategic approach. Strategies to consider include:

• Self-defense
• Lack of intent or accidental
• False accusations
• Insufficient evidence and reasonable doubt

In some cases, demonstrating police misconduct or procedural errors can open additional defense possibilities.

Like many, you may believe someone with no relation to you cannot target you in a domestic violence case, but that is a misconception. Charges can arise across an array of different relationships.

While it often arises between spouses – current or former – other parties can pursue a domestic violence case against you, including:

• Unmarried intimate partners
• Parents and children
• Foster parents and foster children
• Individuals in dating relationships
• Siblings and extended family (aunts, uncles, cousins)

If it involves harm or threats against a current or former member of your household, even a roommate, domestic violence charges are possible. Understanding how broad this scope is can be vital – it informs you of who is permitted to bring a domestic violence case against you.

Accused Of Domestic Assault? We Can Help.

Domestic violence cases are, by nature, filled with he-said, she-said evidence. You may think this case will blow over as soon as the heat from your divorce or child custody battle dies down. This is unlikely. Even if your accuser changes his or her story, the case is in the state’s hands now, and Florida is tough on domestic violence offenders.

We are prepared to investigate your case thoroughly, seek statements and present a strong case to the state. We will aim to protect your reputation by getting the charges dropped as quickly as possible. If the circumstances do not allow this, we will take necessary actions to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

Common Domestic Abuse Charges In Florida

Understanding the specific domestic abuse charges you may face in Florida is crucial, as the state’s legal system takes these offenses seriously. Each type of charge carries its own set of complexities and potential consequences. Familiarizing yourself with these charges can help you better prepare for your defense strategy. Here’s a detailed overview of the most commonly encountered charges:

• Assault and battery: Assault involves intentional threats of violence that create a real fear of imminent harm, while battery refers to the unauthorized physical contact or injury inflicted on another person.
• Aggravated assault and battery: Aggravated assault is an enhanced form of assault involving a deadly weapon or intent to commit a felony. Aggravated battery occurs under circumstances that cause severe bodily harm or use a deadly weapon.
• Sexual assault and battery: Sexual assault includes coercing an individual into a sexual act against their will, whereas sexual battery, commonly known as rape, involves nonconsensual sexual penetration.
• Stalking and aggravated stalking: Regular stalking consists of malicious and repeated following or harassment that instills fear. Aggravated stalking arises when the perpetrator makes credible threats that pose a serious safety risk to the victim or their family.
• Kidnapping: This offense entails illegally confining, abducting or imprisoning another person without legal authority or their consent, often with intentions like ransom demands or using the victim as a shield.

Facing any of these charges can be an overwhelming experience, laden with emotional, legal and social challenges. At Mandell Law PA, in Orlando, our team is equipped with extensive experience and a deep understanding of Florida’s domestic violence laws, enabling us to provide robust defense strategies tailored to your unique situation. We are committed to working diligently to achieve the most favorable outcome for your case, ensuring you receive the expert legal assistance needed during this trying time.

Schedule A Free And Confidential Case Review

We encourage you to contact our law office to schedule a confidential meeting or conversation with our lead lawyer, Rob Mandell, as soon as possible. Your initial consultation is completely free of charge and obligation. This is an opportunity for us to review your case and for you to learn how we can help.

Call our Orlando office at 407-956-1180 or send us an email today.