CRIMINAL
DEFENSE​

Domestic violence charges are usually intimate in nature because they often involve close family members, household members or loved ones. For this reason, domestic violence charges are almost always upsetting and emotional for the individual who has been accused. Florida law defines domestic violence as any threat or act that places an individual in fear of his or her safety. An arrest for domestic violence can arise from alleged physical abuse, sexual abuse, violent acts, threats, child abuse, neglect, child endangerment and more. Florida Code § 741.28 states that domestic violence can occur between:

• Spouses / former spouses
• Blood relatives
• Roommates
• Those with a child in common
• People who are dating

In order for the crime to fit the definition of domestic violence, however, it must be shown that the victim and the alleged aggressor are currently living together or have lived together in the past – with the exception of those who have a child in common. If this is not the case, assault or battery charges may be filed instead. Regardless of the circumstances that led to your arrest, it is crucial that you move quickly to secure the representation of a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney. The sooner you act, the sooner you can put this behind you.