Lake City Domestic Violence Attorneys
Charges of domestic violence are much more common in Lake City than many people think, and these charges are highly misunderstood. Contrary to what many people think, alleged victims cannot simply drop the charges and make the whole thing go away.
If police are called to a scene for suspected domestic violence, it will almost always end with an arrest, and the alleged victim has no say in whether or not that happens. This is very scary as once charged, there is a real possibility of a conviction. A Lake City domestic violence attorney can help you make sense of this time, and prepare a defense that will help you beat the charges.
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is an umbrella term that covers many different types of criminal offenses. The most common of these are as follows:
- Aggravated battery
- Aggravated assault
- Stalking
- Aggravated stalking
- Domestic battery
- Sexual battery
- Harassment
- Rape
- Kidnapping
- Elder abuse
- False imprisonment
- Violations of a no-contact order, such as a restraining order
Many people think that for domestic violence charges to apply, the alleged victim must be a spouse or romantic partner of the defendant. This is not true, either. Domestic violence charges can apply any time one person physically injures any family member or any member that lives in the same household as the defendant. Under state law, a “household member” is defined as anyone that lives as a family, or has lived as a family in the past. When a couple has a child together, they are also considered household members, even if they do not live together or were never married.
Another element of domestic violence that is often confusing for many people is that domestic violence does not have to include severe or even ongoing behavior. Even one violent event can result in domestic violence charges.
Consequences Associated with a Domestic Violence Conviction
Just like any other criminal offense, a conviction for domestic violence may include penalties such as lengthy jail sentences, high fines, and potential enrollment in a treatment facility. Unlike many other criminal offenses though, there are other consequences that come with a domestic violence conviction, as well.
If you are involved in a child custody dispute at the time you were charged, even just an arrest for domestic violence could hurt your family law case. If you are licensed to carry a concealed weapon, that may also be revoked and you may also be placed on community control or probation. You also can never expunge or seal a domestic violence arrest or conviction, so you will have a criminal record for the rest of your life. Additionally, if the alleged victim obtains an injunction, you may be prohibited from seeing or contacting your children.
Call Our Lake City Domestic Violence Attorney Today
At Meldon Law, our Lake City criminal defense attorney knows the seriousness of these charges, which is why we will provide the aggressive defense you need. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation so we can get started on your case.
