Recently, Florida prosecutors dropped criminal domestic violence charges against a professional boxer who had been accused of striking his ex-girlfriend in front of their child. Part of what factored into that decision was that the defendant agreed to complete an Anger Management class and both agreed to begin meeting with…
Articles Posted in Domestic Violence
Can Teens Be Arrested for Domestic Violence in Florida?
Much of the focus on Florida domestic violence prosecution centers around cases involving adults – co-parents, estranged spouses, dating partners, etc. But as our Broward domestic violence defense lawyers can explain, teens can be involved too. The U.S. Department of Justice reports 1 in 11 teen girls and 1 in…
Will I Still be Prosecuted for Florida Domestic Violence if the Alleged Victim Won’t Cooperate?
This is arguably one of the most common questions I get asked as a Fort Lauderdale domestic violence defense lawyer. The short answer is: Probably. That said, without the cooperation of the alleged victim, the foundation for the prosecution’s domestic violence case is undeniably weakened. If the alleged victim is…
Is Evidence of Prior Bad Acts Admissible in Florida Domestic Violence Cases?
Defendants in Florida domestic violence cases should understand that while they still have the rights of most other criminal defendants, the justice system does deviate in its approach and practices in several respects with these cases. For example, you’re still presumed innocent until proven guilty, but if there is a…
Can I Claim Self Defense in a Florida Domestic Violence Case?
Recently, a man in Florida was arrested after allegedly shooting his live-in girlfriend four times in the back. Upon arrest for first-degree murder, he told police his actions were in self-defense. How likely is it that one can be successful in a claim of self-defense in Florida domestic violence cases?…
Why Self-Defense is a Risky Claim in Broward Domestic Violence Cases
Although society tends to view domestic violence as a one-sided crime, the reality is often a bit messier than that. It’s not unusual for both sides to be physical with each other. Yet law enforcement in Florida are statutorily urged to identify and arrest just one primary aggressor. One can…
Big Penalties For Firearm Possession While Subject to Florida Domestic Violence Injunction
Many Americans hold their Second Amendment rights dear. But if you’re convicted of a Florida domestic violence offense OR you have a final domestic violence/stalking injunction against you, the right to bear arms goes out the window. In fact, buying or possessing firearms or ammunition post conviction or while you…
Exploring Mutual Combat Defense in Florida Domestic Violence Cases
Questions about the mutual combat defense in Florida domestic violence cases arose recently when video surfaced of UFC President Dana White slapping his wife, Anne, at a night club in Mexico on New Year’s Eve – after she slapped him. The TMZ video showed the couple in a verbal altercation…
When False Imprisonment Charge is Part of a Florida Domestic Violence Case
Words like “kidnapping” or “false imprisonment” immediately conjure images of a person being bound and blindfolded, unable to escape a cagey stranger’s clutches. But more often, false imprisonment charges in Florida stem from incidents alleged domestic violence. Rather than tying someone up, false imprisonment looks more like forcing someone to…
Fighting to Dissolve a Florida Domestic Violence Injunction – Even Decades Later
A Florida domestic violence injunction has the potential to significantly impact the respondent for years to come. An injunction will show up on background checks, impacting your ability to obtain certain types of employment, travel freedoms, clearance for certain government jobs, and your right to own a firearm and ammunition.…