Every minute, at least 50 people in America experience physical violence. Most of them are in the hands of their spouses. That is why it is important to know the legal avenues open to you if you or someone you know is accused of domestic violence and you want to preserve your freedom. Hiring a domestic violence lawyer is one of the most important things you can do to safeguard your rights.
You might only need to hire a lawyer for domestic violence charges to defend yourself. But it might be difficult to know where to begin with so many attorneys to select from.
You may learn everything you need to know about hiring a domestic violence attorney from this guide. For all the information you require to choose a lawyer who will effectively represent you, continue reading.
What is considered domestic violence in Florida?
When it comes to state laws, there are different strokes for different folks. According to Florida law, “domestic violence” is any act of violence perpetrated against a person who lives with you. You should take charge of domestic violence seriously if you have been accused of it. You must immediately speak with a skilled domestic violence lawyer from a law firm to learn more about your rights and potential defences for your case. Don’t try to address the accusations on your own because your freedom and reputation are on the line.
Examples of domestic abuse include:
● Aggravated assault or assault
● battery or battery with aggravation
● Sexual battery or assault
● Stalking
● Kidnapping
● False incarceration
● emotional violence
According to the law, a “family or household member” may be:
● spouses, either current or past
● Persons who have lived together as a family in the past or who do so now
● people who are blood or marriage related
● who are parents to a child together
● Roommates
● people in relationships
Domestic abuse is a highly serious offence in Florida that is severely prosecuted and punished. If found guilty, the defendant must complete a Batterer’s Intervention Program and serve a minimum of one year of probation. In addition to jail time and community service, a domestic violence violation could result in the offender losing custody, visitation, or parental rights. Working with a lawyer who can establish your innocence and maybe exonerate you is crucial since claims of domestic violence frequently come about out of spite, especially in contested divorce situations.
Guide to Hiring a Domestic Violence Lawyer
You must take the appropriate steps to dispel the false accusations if you want to safeguard your reputation and sense of self-worth.
To get help, consult a Florida lawyer for domestic violence.
It makes sense to consult a defence counsel before answering allegations of domestic abuse. By keeping all of your information private, consulting an attorney is a privileged act that gives them the advantage of advancing your case without any hassle. The evidence that is available in your case will be used by your attorney to represent you effectively. It is imperative to refrain from talking about this with friends and relatives.
When choosing an attorney, it may be tempting to select a well-known attorney from a significant metropolis. However, it’s crucial to give local knowledge priority. A local lawyer will be more acquainted with your area’s magistrates and district attorneys. Due to their familiarity, they may be able to negotiate a better sentence or have the charges dropped.
But more crucially, a local attorney will be familiar with your state’s particular laws and processes. In terms of laws pertaining to domestic violence, each state has its own set. Finding a lawyer who is conversant with the laws in your region is, therefore, essential.
Don’t call the police immediately.
Being wrongly accused of sexual or domestic abuse causes panic and anxiety. In the heat of the moment, you should use caution and refrain from telling the police all that happened. Any type of law enforcement can make your situation more complicated. Therefore, if you want to keep the initiative in your own hands, you must retain legal counsel who stays by your side during the hour of questioning.
Spend some time away from social media
People accused of domestic abuse frequently rave about their innocence on social networking sites. Such a deed may harm you in the future by giving the impression that you are bothering the accuser. Even if you could be criticising the individual who brought a lawsuit against you, ranting on social media could harm your reputation and make it more difficult for you to win in court. Therefore, it makes sense to take a break from social networking sites and refrain from using any hurtful language.
Keep the evidence and offer it before the judge.
You must gather proof in all formats, including social media posts, photos, and text messages. Take screenshots of any pertinent information before it is deleted and becomes difficult to recover. The accused frequently converses in derogatory terms. It is crucial to acquire proof if you have experienced such behaviour. You can use this material to demonstrate your innocence in court by enlisting the aid of a defence counsel.
Cut off contact with the accuser.
It’s possible that the individual accusing you of domestic abuse will retract their statement. Therefore, it’s imperative to cut off all communication to avoid aggravating the situation on your own. Any answer on your part allows the accuser to provide proof against you. You must avoid any involvement if the accuser contacts you after a court has issued a no-contact order because the prosecution will hold you responsible for breaking the terms.
Don’t forget the price
Depending on the lawyer’s level of experience, the fee will vary. The price will also vary according to how serious your charges are and how long it will take to resolve your case. The typical fee structure for attorneys is an hourly rate, flat rate, or retainer. Before choosing a lawyer, make sure you are aware of their fees and how they intend to bill you.
Ask about additional fees, such as hiring an expert witness or filing a lawsuit. The last thing you want is to discover unanticipated charges later.
Conclusion
If you are accused of domestic violence abuse, it could seriously impact your reputation and employment, disrupt your future, and cause other problems. If you find yourself in such a situation, you need to speak with a lawyer for domestic violence right away so they can assist you.