Jacksonville Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

Strong emotions and stressful situations sometimes lead to violent actions — actions that many people think they’re incapable of committing. And many such violent confrontations occur in the home, between members of a family, but most often between parties in a relationship (whether married or not). In most cases, quick action is taken against the accused, often in the form of an arrest and the issuance of a domestic violence protective order (DVPO). A conviction for domestic violence can result in hefty fines, jail time, separation from your family, and a criminal record that can impact your means of making a living well into the future. When so much is at stake, it is critical that you obtain legal representation from a criminal defense attorney with experience handling domestic violence cases.

At The Law Office of Richard Landes the domestic violence defense attorneys have provided aggressive legal defense for Duval county residents for over a decade, and are ready to put their experience to work for you. We offer flexible appointment schedules and free case evaluations, making it easy for you to get the counsel you need regarding the charges against you.

Legal Defense For Domestic Abuse Charges

When many people think of domestic violence, they think of violence between a person and his or her spouse, but the legal definition is broader in North Carolina. Any act intended to cause injury, or threat of harm, to a person with whom you have a close personal relationship may be interpreted as an act of domestic violence. This might include a spouse or ex-spouse, child, boyfriend or girlfriend, or other relative or member of your household.

Florida’s domestic violence statutes

It’s important for you to realize that, depending on the circumstances of your case, your domestic violence charge may include additional charges based upon the state’s definition of domestic violence, according to Statute 741.28:

• “Domestic violence” means any assault, aggravated assault, battery, 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.
• “Family or household member” means spouses, former spouses, persons related by blood or marriage, persons who are presently residing together as if a family or who have resided together in the past as if a family, and persons who are parents of a child in common regardless of whether they have been married. With the exception of persons who have a child in common, the family or household members must be currently residing or have in the past resided together in the same single dwelling unit.

Depending on the circumstances, a conviction could result in fines, time served, probation, and inability to see your children — as well as a criminal record that can make it harder for you to find work, secure housing, and more.

A first-offense domestic violence charge that doesn’t involve battery is nearly always a misdemeanor, but if you plead guilty to domestic violence or are convicted at trial, you must attend a mandatory batterers’ intervention program—and pay for the cost of attending it. If you’ve been accused of domestic violence and this is your first offense, offer no information to the police or the prosecutors until you’ve spoken with us first. We can often keep such cases from going to court, but if we need to go to trial, we are prepared to mount a vigorous defense of the charges against you.

Contact us for experienced help with your domestic violence charge

If you have been charged with domestic violence, it is important to not give up hope. Domestic violence defense lawyer, The Law Office of Richard Landes is prepared to take on your case. He understands the tactics used by prosecutors to pursue a conviction and is prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.

At The Law Office of Richard Landes, our domestic violence lawyers in Jacksonville, Florida, are on your side, providing decades of criminal law experience. Involving a lawyer early in your case is vitally important and can often allow your charges to be dismissed or lessened. Take immediate action and call our office at 904-343-4556 or contact us online to arrange a consultation that is free, with no obligation.