Fort Lauderdale Domestic Violence Lawyer
In 2010, more than half of all reports of domestic violence resulted in an arrest
Domestic violence is not just a highly emotional issue — it is also a highly politicized issue. Public outcry has created more legislation and greater law enforcement efforts. It is good and important work to protect the victims — but not at the expense of justice. Our Fort Lauderdale domestic violence lawyers believe in upholding the rights of the accused — men and women from communities in Broward County and throughout South Florida who face domestic violence charges from stalking to domestic assault and battery. As a former assistant state prosecutor who now practices criminal defense exclusively, Kevin Kulik knows how the laws have evolved, what to look for and how, as a domestic violence lawyer, to mount a compelling defense for our clients.
There is more than one type of domestic abuse
Domestic abuse is not bound by age, social, economic or even gender stereotypes. While women and children are still the most victimized, domestic violence can include young adults abusing a parent and violence between boyfriends and girlfriends or same-sex couples. It can occur between people in their teens or in their eighties.
The state of Florida defines domestic violence as “any assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death of one family or household member by another family or household member.” Domestic abuse can be sexual, emotional or physical.
Penalties for domestic violence go beyond fines and imprisonment
Penalties for a domestic violence conviction depend on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony, but often include:
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There are other penalties that can be even more damaging to your livelihood, your relationships and your standing in the community. A conviction for certain domestic violence charges can include:
- Being barred from returning to your own home
- Losing professional licensure or the right to practice certain professions
- Losing the right to own a firearm
- Being unable to contact a person who files a restraining order against you, which may preclude you from contacting any children you may have together
Florida cuts offenders very little slack. However, if this is your first charge, as your domestic abuse attorneys, we seek to have you entered into a pretrial diversion program and have the charges against you dropped. Contact our Fort Lauderdale domestic violence lawyers for more information.
Handling false accusations and “he said, she said” matters
When there are problems in a marriage or a domestic relationship, or a divorce is particularly contentious, a partner may choose to “get even” by making up a story of abuse. Police usually do not arrest the person making the accusation — but they frequently arrest the accused. If you are the victim of a false accusation, do not argue with law enforcement officers and do not attempt to contact the spouse, partner or family member who leveled the charge — especially if the person has an order of protection against you. Violating a restraining order, even if it was obtained under false premises, can get you in serious trouble.
Do get experienced legal counsel immediately. No matter how grim the situation may seem, we work to obtain the best possible outcome for your situation.
Providing vigorous representation against domestic violence charges
We have helped clients fight charges and false allegations for nearly 30 years. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact us online or call us at 954-761-9411 to schedule a free and confidential consultation with Fort Lauderdale domestic violence lawyer Kevin Kulik.
