#1 Powerful Domestic Violence Lawyer, Central Florida

Are you dealing with a domestic violence case and feeling overwhelmed? You don’t have to navigate this alone. Our experienced, top-ranked domestic violence lawyers are ready to stand by your side and provide the powerful defense you deserve. Time is of the essence in these situations. Act now and get immediate, free legal advice by calling us at 407-644-2466. Don’t leave your future to chance – secure your powerful defense today.

Facing Domestic Violence Charges in Florida? Get Help from The Rivas Law Firm – Attorney Jose Rivas

Even in the best of times, frustration and anger in relationships can lead people to lash out at partners or family members with aggressive and regrettable words and actions. Law enforcement agencies statewide receive more than 100,000 reports of domestic violence every year resulting in nearly 65,000 arrests. Orange County logs more than 4,000 domestic violence arrests every year, including nearly 1,100 arrests in Orlando alone – and domestic violence cases are on the rise.

When the police get involved, serious criminal charges often follow, including Domestic Battery, Domestic Battery by Strangulation, Aggravated Battery, and Aggravated Assault.  Penalties will result in long-term, life-altering consequences ranging from Domestic Violence injunctions (restraining orders) to prison terms. That’s why it’s important for those arrested for domestic violence charges to talk with an experienced and aggressive domestic violence defense attorney. Call 407-644-2466 for a free consultation with the Orlando Domestic Violence defense attorneys at the Rivas Law Firm.

What is Domestic Violence in the State of Florida

Domestic violence charges can include many crimes. The most common are Domestic Battery, which is a misdemeanor, and Domestic Battery by Strangulation, which is a 3rd-degree felony. Battery is the unlawful touching or striking of someone without their consent. Domestic Battery is when the victim is considered a member of the household or family as defined by Florida Statute 741.28:

  • Spouse(s) or ex-spouse(s).
  • Blood relatives such as siblings, parents, children, or family members who currently live or have in the past lived as a family.
  • Persons who currently or have in the past lived as a family such as a boyfriend, girlfriend, or significant other.
  • Any parents who have a child in common regardless if they were ever married.

Other Crimes associated with Domestic Violence as defined by Florida statute 741.28   include:

  • Assault
  • Aggravated assault
  • Domestic 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 Violence No Contact Order

A defendant arrested for Domestic Violence cannot get out of jail by posting bond. The defendant must first appear before a judge at an Initial Appearance Hearing within 24 hours. Without proper representation, the judge will most likely issue a No Contact Order prohibiting the defendant from contacting the alleged victim or returning to the scene of the incident — even if it is the defendant’s own home.   

 As your domestic violence attorney, a lawyer from the Rivas Law Firm will appear at this initial hearing and request a bond hearing. Your attorney will also petition the court to allow you to contact the alleged victim and seek permission for you to return home. The alleged victim cannot modify a No Contact order. Only a judge can do that, and you will have a better chance for success when an experienced domestic violence attorney pleads your case before the court.

Can I Drop Domestic Violence Charges?

In many cases, the accuser wants to drop domestic violence charges. But under Florida law, the alleged victim cannot decline to press charges — before or after an arrest. Once police have been called and you’re booked into the system, your fate is in the hands of prosecutors who are encouraged to aggressively pursue charges. Florida law states that “The state attorney… shall adopt a pro-prosecution policy for acts of domestic violence.”

Domestic violence laws can be complicated and charges can be layered.  However, the prosecutor is not required to file charges, and if contacted quickly enough, a domestic violence defense attorney may be able to persuade the state attorney to reduce or even dismiss the charges if there are mitigating circumstances. If the prosecutor is convinced he has enough evidence to convict, he will do everything within his control to persuade you to negotiate a plea or to stand trial. An aggressive domestic violence criminal defense attorney can help you get the charges dismissed by:

  • Contacting the accuser to get his/her position regarding the dismissal of charges
  • Providing the state with a mental and health evaluation if relevant
  • Providing a drug & alcohol evaluation
  • Providing a witness list and statements
  • Providing proof of counseling
  • Filing a Declination of Prosecution

Defenses for the Charge of Domestic Violence Battery

To aggressively defend domestic violence charges, it’s strongly recommended that you get help from an experienced domestic violence defense attorney because the system can be harsh and unforgiving.  

 A Rivas Law Firm domestic violence defense attorney will investigate the case to build the best defense possible. We will examine all aspects of the case and file motions on your behalf. Police are required to follow certain procedures when collecting evidence when they arrest someone on domestic violence charges. We are often able to persuade the judge to reject questionable witness statements or exclude certain evidence if it was improperly collected.

Some of the most effective Domestic Violence defenses include:

  • Self-defense
  • Absence of injuries
  • Protection of property
  • Inconsistent police report statements
  • Call to 911
  • Third-party witnesses
  • Video recordings/Surveillance
  • Prior record of abuse
  • Drug, substance, or alcohol abuse
  • Defense of others
  • Alternative motives, such as pending divorce
  • Vindictive motive
  • Immigration issues
  • Stand your ground

Since you are being charged with a serious crime that will impact you for the rest of your life, it is vital to protect your rights and present a vigorous defense.

Penalties for Charges of Domestic Violence / Battery

Penalties for Misdemeanor Domestic Battery are serious and can have lifelong consequences. Hiring an experienced Orlando criminal defense attorney can increase your chances of getting the charges reduced or even dismissed. For instance, you may be allowed to enter a diversion program that will ultimately result in the dismissal of your charges. Conviction of domestic battery charges can include mandatory jail time as per Florida Statute 741.283, among other consequences:

  • Up 12 months County Jail 
  • Twelve months supervised probation
  • Batterer’s Intervention Program for 29 weeks
  • Mandatory 10 days in jail if the defendant intentionally caused harm
  • Revocation of concealed weapon permit
  • Ineligible for sealing  or expungement
  • Permanent criminal record
  • Forfeiture of guns or weapons during probation

Case Example/Result- Domestic Violence Battery.

Our client was a husband who came home after a long day at work and decided to take a nap. His wife checked his cell phone and saw several text messages suggesting that he may have been unfaithful. She aggressively woke our client. There was an altercation when the wife blocked the door as the husband was trying to leave the home. After he left, the wife called 911, alleging that the husband grabbed her by the hands and threw her on the floor. Upon returning home, the husband was arrested on Domestic Violence charges. He was held in the Orange County Jail, and the judge issued a restraining order prohibiting the husband from contacting his wife or returning to their home — which he had purchased before the marriage.

After being released from Orange County jail, the husband contacted the Rivas Domestic Violence Defense Law Firm. Our extensive investigation revealed that the facts did not back up the victim’s allegations. We uncovered discrepancies in the alleged victim’s written statements and her call to 911. We also found inconsistent statements in the arresting officer’s initial body camera interview. In addition, we discovered that the wife had a motive to blackmail our client with issues concerning immigration.

Once we shared this information with the prosecutor, we were able to persuade him to dismiss all charges, and our client was allowed to return home.

Our aggressive and experienced Domestic Violence Defense team gets results. If you have been arrested on domestic violence charges call the Orlando Criminal Defense Attorneys at the Rivas Law Firm in Winter Park. With nearly 30 years of combined experience, we’ve helped people get through legal troubles and get on with their lives. Let us help you. Call 407-644-2466 for a free consultation.

Start Your Fight Back: Get Your Free Consultation Now

Facing a legal issue can be stressful and confusing. That’s why our team of criminal defense experts is ready to offer you free legal advice. Send us your question or call us at 407-644-2466. Our team will contact you as soon as possible and explain your possible options.

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