Jacksonville Domestic Battery Lawyer 

Defending Clients Charged With Domestic Battery in Duval County 

With an experienced Jacksonville domestic battery attorney, you can seek justice and ensure your future remains secure. Domestic battery is a serious crime with significant social, financial, and legal penalties. Even if the charges are eventually dismissed, having them on your record can affect your life in many ways. An accomplished lawyer can help protect you from these consequences and provide the best possible defense for your case. With years of experience providing legal services to those facing domestic battery charges, The Law Offices of Kate Mesic, P.A. has the knowledge and resources to get positive results for our clients. We understand how stressful this situation can be, and we strive to ensure all our clients receive personalized attention throughout their cases to feel supported every step of the way. 

Are you facing a domestic battery charge in Florida? Call The Law Offices of Kate Mesic, P.A. today at (904) 615-8950 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our domestic battery attorney in Jacksonville! 

What is the Difference Between Domestic Violence & Domestic Battery in Florida? 

In Florida, domestic violence and domestic battery are two separate crimes. Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior used by one person to control another in an intimate relationship. This includes physical, emotional, psychological, or sexual abuse. It can also involve stalking or threatening behaviors.

Domestic battery is a specific assault between family members or intimate partners. The perpetrator intentionally touches the victim against their will with the intent to harm them physically. This encompasses more than just hitting; it includes kicking, pushing, scratching, choking, throwing objects at someone, and other similar acts of physical aggression. Both men and women can commit domestic battery and be victims of it; however, it is most commonly perpetrated by men.

What are the Penalties for Domestic Battery in Florida?

Under Florida law, domestic battery is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or fines up to $1,000. If the defendant has a prior conviction for domestic battery or the offense was committed against someone pregnant, the penalty may be reduced to up to five years in prison and/or fines up to $5,000. Hefty penalties such as these can have far-reaching implications on the defendant's professional and personal life. If you are charged with domestic battery in Florida, you must retain experienced legal counsel from an experienced Jacksonville domestic battery attorney as soon as possible. An aggressive defense attorney will help protect your rights throughout the legal process and ensure you receive the best possible outcome.

Domestic battery charges can also carry the following penalties:

• Mandatory 26-29 weeks long batterers intervention program
• Cannot seal or expunge your criminal record (even if adjudication is withheld)
• Forfeit your right to have a gun while on probation, even for a misdemeanor
• Your concealed weapons permit will be revoked
• Mandatory jail time if there were injuries
• For non-citizens this can be treated as a deportable offense
• Mandatory counseling

When a person is arrested for domestic battery in Duval, Clay, or St. Johns Counties, he or she will be:

• Jailed without bond until he or she meets with a judge (i.e. first appearance). This will take place within 24 hours.
• At the first appearance, the judge will determine the conditions of release.

Conditions of release usually are as follows:

• Cannot return back to the house if the alleged victim also resides there. Please understand it does not matter who owns the house or whose name is on the lease.
• No contact with the victim. This means no texting, calling, emailing or person to person contact. 

Start your defense today with our Jacksonville domestic battery laywer!

Can The Victim Drop Domestic Battery Charges?

In Florida, victims cannot unilaterally drop domestic battery charges. Victims are integral to the prosecution's case, and as such, they are prevented from influencing whether or not a prosecutor chooses to pursue a criminal case against an accused individual. Prosecutors have wide discretion when deciding whether to proceed with any particular criminal case and must weigh the evidence and the circumstances of each case when making this decision. 

When a victim of domestic battery withdraws support for a criminal prosecution, it reduces the likelihood that a prosecutor will pursue charges; ultimately, it is still up to the prosecutor's discretion whether or not they choose to move forward with a case. Additionally, if there is enough evidence to prosecute the case without a victim's testimony, then prosecutors may still pursue the charges, even if they are asked not to by the victim. Therefore, victims of domestic battery in Florida need to understand that they do not have the final say on whether or not criminal charges will be filed against an accused individual. 

How Can a Domestic Battery Lawyer Help You?

When facing domestic battery charges, the stakes are high, and the legal process can be overwhelming. Our team of experienced lawyers plays a crucial role in navigating these challenges and ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the legal proceedings.

One of the primary ways a domestic battery lawyer can assist you is by providing expert legal representation. They have a deep understanding of Florida’s domestic battery laws and can offer valuable insights into how these laws apply to your specific situation. With their experience, they can help you build a strong defense strategy tailored to the unique circumstances of your case. This might involve gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, or challenging the credibility of the prosecution's evidence.

Additionally, a domestic battery attorney can offer crucial guidance on navigating the court system. They can explain complex legal terms, procedures, and potential outcomes, ensuring you are informed every step of the way. Their familiarity with local judges and prosecutors can also be advantageous, as they understand the tendencies and preferences that might influence your case.

A skilled lawyer will also work to minimize the impact of the charges on your life. They can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options, such as counseling or diversion programs, which can be more beneficial than traditional penalties.

Ultimately, hiring a domestic battery lawyer provides you with a dedicated advocate who is committed to defending your rights and achieving the best possible outcome in your case. By leveraging their legal expertise and experience, you can approach your situation with confidence and increase your chances of a favorable resolution.

Contact Our Jacksonville Domestic Battery Attorney Today

Domestic battery can have severe legal consequences, and a Jacksonville domestic battery lawyer from The Law Offices of Kate Mesic, P.A. can help protect your rights. With years of experience and a reputation for providing quality representation in Florida courts, our attorneys are committed to fighting for you to obtain the best outcome possible in your domestic battery case. We understand that every point is unique and strive to provide personalized attention to each client and their needs. Contact us today if you need assistance with a domestic battery charge or related charges!  

Contact The Law Offices of Kate Mesic, P.A. today to schedule a FREE consultation with our domestic battery lawyer in in Duval, Clay, or St. Johns County.