Fort Lauderdale Attorney for Domestic Violence Issues
Sometimes situations get out of control. Other times, false allegations are made. Whatever happened, if you have been charged with domestic violence, it is important to work with a tough lawyer who protects your rights.
Under Florida law, domestic violence cases are brought by the state. In a purely legal sense, it is the state itself and not a particular individual that is considered the victim. This means that you are not going to walk just because an alleged victim ultimately does not want to press charges. It means that the state may still bring its case, calling the victim as a witness. Domestic violence is defined broadly in Florida, and includes a wide variety of offenses, such as:
- Assault
- Aggravated assault
- Battery
- Aggravated battery
- Sexual assault
- Sexual battery
- Stalking
- Aggravated stalking
- Kidnapping
- False imprisonment
- Any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death by one family or household member against another family or household member
Arrested for Domestic Violence? Call 866-435-4172 for a Free Consultation.
If you have been arrested for domestic violence, it is important to get an attorney as soon as possible — within days of the arrest is best, and before a case is filed. The chance of getting a case dismissed in domestic violence court is greatest before the state attorney's office actually files charges. There is often a two-three week period between the alleged offense and the charge being filed, and that timeframe can be critically important for the opportunities it presents me to speak with the attorney filing the case and providing affidavits and other documentation to possibly keep the case from being filed at all. At The Law Office of Gustavo E. Frances, P.A., in Fort Lauderdale, I begin working the case as early as possible. Often I can prevent the domestic violence case from ever being filed.
Domestic violence cases often have other legal effects. They can cause immigration trouble or impact a family law decision. I take these things into account when I handle your case.
I worked as an assistant public defender for three years before starting my own law practice. During that time, I defended hundreds of people with cases ranging from misdemeanors to first-degree felonies. This gave me the experience necessary to help you achieve the best possible results in your domestic violence case. I know the Fort Lauderdale courts — and I am not afraid to fight hard to protect your rights in the courtroom.
If you have been charged with spousal abuse, take action, because the penalties associated with domestic violence in Florida are substantially different and can be potentially greater than for other types of criminal charges. Contact The Law Office of Gustavo E. Frances, P.A., 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 866-435-4172. I accept most major credit cards and offer payment plans for my services.
