Ocala Domestic Violence Attorneys
Domestic violence is a common crime seen in households across Florida. It often involves spouses hitting each other and causing injuries and even death. Domestic violence is taken seriously by both the criminal courts and civil courts. As such, these charges are punished harshly in Florida. They cannot be removed from your criminal record through expungement or record sealing, so if you don’t get the right legal help, they could be on your record for life. Let an Ocala domestic violence attorney assess your case and fight for your legal rights and your future.
What is Domestic Violence?
Under Florida law, domestic violence is a criminal offense committed by a victim’s family member or household member that results in physical injury or death. Family or household members may include spouses, former spouses, children, or anyone else related to someone by blood or marriage. However, family or household members must be currently living together or have lived together in the past.
Some common examples of domestic violence include:
- Sexual assault
- Assault and battery
- Threats of bodily harm
- Stalking
- Kidnapping
- False imprisonment
- Withholding medication or other important health resources
However, this is not a comprehensive list. Domestic violence charges can result when there is emotional or economic abuse as well. Emotional abuse may include name-calling, yelling, sarcasm, insults, swearing, belittling one’s appearance or interests, or public embarrassment. Economic abuse may include withholding money, controlling all the money, hiding assets, identity theft, sabotaging work opportunities, or forbidding a person to work.
Penalties for Domestic Violence Convictions
Penalties for domestic violence can range dramatically, from restraining orders to third-degree felonies. They will depend on the type and severity of the violence.
A misdemeanor charge can result in a one-year prison sentence. A third-degree felony on the other hand, can result in five years in prison. Once a person is released from prison, they may be placed on probation and the requirements may include treatment for alcohol abuse and/or anger management.
A domestic violence conviction also comes with other consequences. It can impact one’s career, making it hard to get into teaching and many other careers. It can also limit your housing options. If you are looking to rent a place, the landlord can perform a background check. Domestic violence is a serious crime that can impact relationships as well. If you are convicted of a felony, you will lose many civil rights, such as the rights to vote, serve on a jury, and bear arms.
Contact an Ocala Domestic Violence Attorney Today
Domestic violence charges are punished harshly, Plus, they cannot be removed from your criminal record, so you need to ensure they don’t get on there in the first place. Get the right aggressive legal representation to protect yourself.
The criminal defense attorneys at Meldon Law will work diligently to get your charges reduced or removed altogether. Schedule a consultation with our Ocala domestic violence attorneys today by calling (800) 373-3000.
