Arrested After a Family Argument? Get an Orlando Domestic Violence Lawyer Who Protects Your Home and Your Record.

It depends on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony, whether there's also an injunction case, how complex the evidence is and whether the case goes to trial. Your first consultation is free and confidential, and we'll explain our fee in writing before you decide anything.

Domestic battery is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine. A finding of guilt, a withhold or a no-contest plea brings at least 1 year of probation and a batterers' intervention program. If you're adjudicated guilty of intentionally causing bodily harm, § 741.283 requires at least 10 days in jail for a first offense (15 if a child under 16 in the household was present). Strangulation is a third-degree felony, aggravated battery a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years, and a battery after a prior battery conviction can be charged as a felony.

The alleged victim can't drop them — only the State Attorney's Office can. Prosecutors can move forward even if the alleged victim recants or won't cooperate. But charges are dropped or reduced when the defense shows the evidence is weak, the statements are unreliable, the relationship doesn't qualify, or you acted in self-defense. That's where an experienced domestic violence attorney makes the difference.

Florida law (§ 741.2901) requires every State Attorney to adopt a pro-prosecution policy for domestic violence and assign specialized prosecutors, who decide whether to file, drop or divert charges — over the alleged victim's objection if necessary. In practice, the case doesn't end just because the alleged victim wants it to. We work within that system by building the evidence that gives the prosecutor a reason to resolve it.

Not if the court ordered no contact, and it usually does as a condition of release. That means no calls, texts, emails, social media or messages through other people, even if your partner reaches out first. Violating it can mean a new charge and losing your bond. Our attorneys can ask the court to modify the order, especially when children or shared housing are involved and the alleged victim agrees.

Very likely. Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9)) bars anyone convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence against a spouse, former spouse, co-parent, cohabiting partner or certain dating partners from possessing firearms. A final injunction under § 741.30 also requires you to surrender firearms while it's in effect, and a felony conviction ends gun rights entirely. If you carry for work — law enforcement, military or security — protecting against a conviction is critical.

It's a court-ordered program for people found guilty of, or who plead no contest to, a domestic violence offense in Florida, even when adjudication is withheld. It typically runs 29 weeks of group sessions paid for by the defendant and is different from an anger management class. The court must order it unless it states on the record why it's inappropriate. Failing to finish is a probation violation.

Yes. A first-time domestic battery can still mean jail, a year of probation, a batterers' intervention program, a record that can never be sealed, a federal firearm ban and immigration consequences. An attorney can challenge the evidence, address the no-contact order and push for dismissal, diversion or a non-domestic resolution. The sooner you call, the more options you have.