Florida domestic violence criminal defense requires an attorney with extensive experience and a history of success in these cases. This is especially true considering there are increasingly serious consequences to domestic violence arrest and conviction, even outside of the criminal justice system. The professional damage, for instance, can be substantial.
Recently, a report on the NFL’s evolving response to players’ alleged domestic violence made national headlines, though there isn’t great consistency. In one instance, a Minnesota Vikings cornerback accused of felony assault against his girlfriend hasn’t lost his job. He’s been kept on the roster after being selected in the first round of the NFL draft last year. By contrast, an undrafted offensive tackle from Seattle charged with felony assault was cut from the team the same day. This is despite the fact that he hasn’t even been convicted.
The football league’s approach to domestic violence cases has shifted since the Ray Rice elevator video involving his then-fiancée went viral in 2014. The number of second chances extended to players arrested for domestic violence has been significantly curbed. Prior to that incident, USA Today reported 85 percent of NFL players arrested or convicted in domestic violence cases got second chances from the league. Since the Rice video, that’s been reduced to about half – regardless of whether those individuals were later convicted or cleared.
Defining Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is generally understood as aggressive behavior toward:
- Current or former spouses.
- Persons related by blood or marriage.
- Persons currently and formerly residing together, as if a family.
- Parents who have a child in common, regardless of whether they are/were married.
Per F.S. 741.28, except for parents with a child in common, persons involved must currently or previously have resided together in the same household to be considered a family or household member under Florida domestic violence law.
Legal Help After Fort Lauderdale Domestic Violence Arrest
People charged with domestic violence can face jail time, restraining orders and large fines. A conviction for domestic violence can inhibit your opportunities residential and employment opportunities for years to come. If you’re arrested for domestic violence in Fort Lauderdale, it’s imperative to contact a criminal defense lawyer right away.
Penalties can range from restraining orders in civil court to third-degree felonies (or worse, depending on the severity of the alleged victim’s injuries). Even a conviction for misdemeanor battery can result in a one-year jail sentence. For a third-degree felony, the maximum is five years in prison.
Courts also routinely impose stringent probation requirements, which can include treatment for anger management and alcohol abuse.
If you plead guilty or no contest to a domestic violence charge, you will be left with a permanent record that can never be expunged from your record, and it will come up every time you are involved in a process that requires a criminal background check. It can impact child custody and parenting time agreements. Such a stain on your record can impede opportunities, harm relationships and cost you economically. It is essential you contact an attorney before talking to police or entering a plea.
Call Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney Richard Ansara at (954) 761-4011. Serving Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties.
Additional Resources:
NFL teams cut rate of second chances for players charged with domestic violence, June 10, 2021, By Brent Schrotenboer, USA Today
More Blog Entries:
Arrested for Drunk Driving in Fort Lauderdale? Hire a Defense Lawyer Now. April 1, 2021, Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney Blog