Panama City Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers

Charged with Domestic Violence in Florida? Call Hinson Law Offices

If you are facing charges of domestic violence in Northwest Florida, you need to contact an experienced Panama City domestic violence lawyer as soon as possible. Domestic violence is a very serious charge, and a conviction is likely to come with harsh penalties. These could include fines, probation, community service, counseling, and/or prison time. 

If you are facing these charges, do not hesitate to contact Hinson Law Offices. Our firm can help you get your life back on track. Call us at (850) 403-6348 for a free case review from our Panama City domestic violence attorneys today!

What Is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is any type of violent crime that is committed against a household member, which is defined as a spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, parent, child, or anyone else related by blood or marriage. Domestic violence charges are taken very seriously in Florida, and if you are convicted, you could face harsh penalties.

Some of the most common domestic violence charges include:

• Violation of a protection order or injunction — This is a common charge for domestic violence. If you are accused of violating a protection order, you could face up to 1 year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
• Battery — Battery is a 1^st degree misdemeanor and can carry up to a year in jail. If you have a prior conviction for battery, you could be charged with a 3^rd Degree Felony which, in addition to other penalties, carries up to 5 years in prison.
• Aggravated battery — This is a more serious charge than battery. If convicted of aggravated battery, you could face up to 5 years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.
• Sexual battery — This is the most serious charge for domestic violence. If you are convicted of sexual battery, you could face up to 30 years or more in prison depending on the circumstances.

How Does Domestic Violence Affect a Restraining Order?

If you are involved in a domestic relationship and you are seeking a restraining order against your significant other, the judge will likely consider your past behavior when deciding whether or not to grant your restraining order. If you have been charged with domestic violence, this could seriously hurt your chances of getting the restraining order you need.

What Are the Penalties for Domestic Violence?

If you are convicted of domestic violence, you could face harsh penalties. These penalties could include:

• Fines
• Probation
• Community service
• Counseling
• Jail time

How Does Domestic Violence Affect Gun Rights in Florida?

If you are convicted of domestic violence, you could lose your gun rights. This could make it difficult to protect yourself and your family in the future.

In Florida, if you are convicted of any crime that shows you have a "risk of violence," you could lose your gun rights. This includes domestic violence charges. If you are convicted of domestic violence, you could lose your gun rights for at least 5 years.

How Can a Domestic Violence Defense Attorney Help?

If you've been charged with domestic violence, a skilled defense attorney can provide critical assistance that can potentially alter the outcome of your case. They understand the nuances of Florida's specific laws related to domestic violence charges and can help navigate complex legal procedures. Through aggressive representation, they can work to ensure that your rights are protected, help negotiate plea deals, or seek to have your charges reduced or even dismissed.

The services offered by a domestic violence defense attorney include:

• Case Evaluation: An attorney will thoroughly review your case, looking at all the facts, evidence, and circumstances in detail. They can help you understand the charges against you and the potential consequences.
• Legal Advice: A lawyer can provide advice on the best course of action based on your specific situation. They can guide you on what to say or not say, what actions to take, and how to interact with law enforcement and the court.
• Representation in Court: If your case goes to trial, an attorney will represent you in court, arguing on your behalf, cross-examining witnesses, and presenting evidence to support your defense.
• Negotiation: An attorney can negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf, potentially leading to reduced charges or a more favorable plea deal.
• Expungement Services: If you have a domestic violence conviction on your record, an attorney can guide you through the process of seeking to have the charge expunged, if possible under Florida law.
• Counseling Referrals: An attorney can refer you to counseling services, which may be required by the court or beneficial for your personal growth and well-being.

Understanding the Cycle of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. It can take many forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, or financial abuse. Understanding the cycle of domestic violence is crucial for both victims and those accused of domestic violence.

The cycle of domestic violence typically consists of three main phases:

• Tension-building phase: This phase is characterized by increasing tension, arguments, and a breakdown in communication.
• Explosion phase: This is when the abusive incident occurs, which can include physical violence, verbal abuse, or other forms of aggression.
• Honeymoon phase: After the abusive incident, the abuser may apologize, show remorse, and promise to change. This phase may also include gifts, affection, and promises of better behavior.

It's important for victims to recognize this cycle and seek help, and for those accused of domestic violence to understand the impact of their actions and seek the necessary support and guidance to break the cycle.

Our Domestic Violence Lawyers in Panama City Are Ready to Protect Your Rights!

If you have been charged with domestic violence in Northwest Florida, don't wait to get the help and representation you need. Contact the experienced Panama City domestic violence lawyers at Hinson Law Offices today to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the best possible outcome in your case. With our team of knowledgeable attorneys on your side, you can be sure that all angles of your case are explored and that you get the best possible defense.

If you are facing these charges, do not hesitate to contact Hinson Law Offices. Our firm can help you get your life back on track. Call us at (850) 403-6348 for a free case review from our Panama City domestic violence attorneys today!