Facing domestic violence charges in Tampa can devastate every aspect of your life—your freedom, your family relationships, your career, and your future. Florida’s domestic battery laws impose some of the harshest penalties in the nation, including mandatory jail time, permanent criminal records that cannot be expunged, and a federal lifetime ban on firearm ownership. Whether you’re facing false accusations, acted in self-defense, or the situation has been exaggerated, you need an experienced domestic violence defense lawyer who understands Florida Statute § 784.03 and knows how to protect your constitutional rights in Hillsborough County’s criminal courts.
Unlike typical misdemeanor charges, domestic battery cases carry mandatory minimum sentences that judges cannot waive, aggressive prosecution even when alleged victims don’t want charges filed, and collateral consequences that follow you for life. The State Attorney’s Office for the 13th Judicial Circuit prosecutes these cases relentlessly, making skilled legal representation not just helpful—but essential to protecting your future.
⚖️ Arrested for Domestic Violence in Tampa?
Every moment without legal representation puts your case at risk. Call Matassini Law immediately at 813-680-3004 for a free consultation. Our experienced domestic violence defense attorneys—including Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer Nicholas Matassini and former prosecutor Christina Matassini—have been defending Tampa residents since 1976.
Florida’s Domestic Battery Laws: What You’re Actually Facing
Florida Statute § 784.03 defines domestic battery as any intentional touching or striking of a family or household member against their will, or intentionally causing bodily harm to a family or household member. This definition is significantly broader than most people realize, and Tampa police make arrests for conduct that many wouldn’t consider criminal. You don’t need to cause visible injury, use a weapon, or even intend harm—simply touching someone during an argument can result in criminal charges if that person claims it was unwanted.
Who Qualifies as a “Family or Household Member” Under Florida Law
Florida’s domestic violence statute applies when the alleged victim falls within specific relationship categories. Under § 784.03, family or household members include current spouses or former spouses, people related by blood or marriage (parents, children, siblings, grandparents, in-laws), people who are currently residing together as if a family or who have resided together in the past as if a family, and people who are parents of a child in common regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time. This broad definition means domestic battery charges can arise from incidents involving ex-girlfriends or ex-boyfriends you lived with years ago, roommates who shared housing with you, parents or siblings during family disputes, or the mother or father of your child even if you never had a relationship.
Importantly, the “resided together as if a family” language has been interpreted broadly by Florida courts. Even temporary living arrangements or situations where someone frequently stayed at your residence may qualify. This expansive definition means many people don’t realize their altercation could result in domestic battery charges rather than simple battery charges until they’re arrested and facing significantly harsher penalties.
The Difference Between Domestic Battery and Simple Battery
The physical act that constitutes domestic battery is identical to simple battery—intentionally touching or striking another person against their will or causing bodily harm. However, the relationship between the parties transforms a first-degree misdemeanor into something far more serious with mandatory enhanced penalties. While both offenses carry up to one year in jail and $1,000 in fines, domestic battery includes mandatory jail time if bodily injury occurred, compulsory completion of a 26-week Batterer’s Intervention Program, automatic loss of firearm rights under federal law, and a permanent criminal record that Florida law prohibits from being sealed or expunged under any circumstances, even with withheld adjudication.
Additionally, simple battery cases sometimes qualify for pretrial diversion programs that allow first-time offenders to avoid conviction entirely. Domestic battery charges rarely qualify for such programs, and prosecutors in Tampa’s 13th Judicial Circuit maintain no-drop policies that prosecute these cases even when alleged victims want charges dismissed.
Mandatory Penalties: Understanding What a Conviction Really Means
Florida law imposes specific mandatory penalties for domestic battery convictions that judges cannot waive or reduce, regardless of the circumstances. Understanding these consequences is crucial because they extend far beyond typical misdemeanor punishment and create lasting impacts on every aspect of your life.
| Penalty Type | Requirement | Can Judge Waive? |
|---|---|---|
| Jail Time (if bodily harm) | Mandatory minimum 5 days in jail | ❌ No |
| Maximum Jail Time | Up to 1 year in county jail | ✓ Yes (discretionary) |
| Probation | Mandatory minimum 1 year | ❌ No |
| Fines | Up to $1,000 | ✓ Yes (discretionary) |
| Batterer’s Intervention Program | 26 weeks (you pay for this) | ❌ No |
| No-Contact Order | Typically imposed | ✓ Partial (can be modified) |
| Firearm Ban | Lifetime federal prohibition | ❌ No (federal law) |
| Criminal Record | Permanent (cannot seal/expunge) | ❌ No |
The 26-Week Batterer’s Intervention Program
Florida Statute § 741.281 requires anyone convicted of domestic battery to complete a state-certified Batterer’s Intervention Program (BIP). This isn’t anger management—it’s a specific 26-week program (minimum) focused on power, control, and relationship dynamics in domestic settings. You must attend weekly group sessions, pay all program fees out of pocket (typically $1,000-$1,500 total), complete all homework and assignments, and comply with program rules or face probation violation charges.
The BIP requirement is mandatory even if the judge withholds adjudication, meaning you can complete probation successfully, have no formal “conviction” on your record, and still be forever ineligible to seal or expunge the arrest because Florida law treats domestic violence cases differently. Many people don’t discover this harsh reality until years later when they attempt to clear their record and learn it’s impossible.
Federal Firearm Prohibition: The Lautenberg Amendment
Under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9)), commonly called the Lautenberg Amendment, any person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence is permanently prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. This federal prohibition applies nationwide, cannot be restored through any state court process including pardons or expungements (which aren’t available anyway for Florida domestic violence convictions), and applies regardless of how old the conviction is.
For law enforcement officers, military personnel, security professionals, and anyone whose career involves firearms, a domestic battery conviction ends that career immediately and permanently. Even recreational gun owners lose their Second Amendment rights forever. The prohibition also extends to ammunition, meaning you cannot legally purchase or possess even a single bullet.
The Permanent Criminal Record That Cannot Be Sealed or Expunged
Florida Statute § 943.0585 explicitly prohibits sealing or expunging criminal records for domestic violence offenses. This prohibition applies even if adjudication was withheld, meaning even if you weren’t technically “convicted,” the arrest and case resolution remain on your permanent record forever. Background checks conducted by employers, landlords, professional licensing boards, and educational institutions will reveal this information indefinitely.
This permanent record creates obstacles in employment (many employers reject applicants with domestic violence records), housing (landlords frequently deny applications based on domestic violence charges), professional licensing (doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, and many other licensed professionals face disciplinary action or license denial), educational opportunities (some graduate programs and professional schools reject applicants with domestic violence records), and immigration status (domestic violence convictions can trigger deportation or prevent naturalization for non-citizens).
⚠️ Don’t Let False Accusations Ruin Your Life
Tampa prosecutors pursue domestic violence cases aggressively even when alleged victims don’t want to press charges. You need an experienced domestic violence attorney Tampa residents trust to fight back. Call Matassini Law at 813-680-3004 for aggressive defense from former prosecutors who know how to win these cases.
Common Defenses in Tampa Domestic Violence Cases
Experienced domestic violence defense lawyers Tampa prosecutors respect understand that every case presents unique defense opportunities based on the specific facts, evidence, and circumstances. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you intentionally touched or struck the alleged victim against their will, or that you intentionally caused bodily harm. This burden of proof creates multiple strategic defense opportunities.
Self-Defense and Defense of Others
Florida Statute § 776.012 codifies your right to use non-deadly force to defend yourself or others from imminent use of unlawful force. If the alleged victim was the aggressor and you responded to protect yourself or someone else, self-defense provides a complete defense to domestic battery charges. Your attorney will investigate and establish whether the alleged victim initiated physical contact or threatened imminent harm, whether you reasonably believed you or another person faced imminent unlawful force, and whether your response was proportional to the threat you faced.
Self-defense cases often come down to credibility determinations and available evidence. Photographs documenting your injuries, witness statements from neighbors or family members who saw the incident or its aftermath, prior domestic violence arrests or injunctions against the alleged victim, text messages or social media posts showing the alleged victim’s violent tendencies or threats, and medical records documenting injuries you sustained all strengthen self-defense claims.
At Matassini Law, both Nicholas and Christina Matassini served as prosecutors in the 13th Judicial Circuit before dedicating their careers to criminal defense. This prosecutorial experience gives them unique insight into how the State Attorney’s Office evaluates self-defense claims and what evidence prosecutors find most persuasive or most difficult to overcome.
False Accusations and Fabricated Evidence
Unfortunately, false domestic violence allegations are disturbingly common in Tampa’s criminal courts. People make false accusations to gain advantage in divorce or child custody proceedings, secure favorable outcomes in family court, retaliate against former partners after relationship breakups, manufacture evidence supporting civil domestic violence injunctions, or simply out of anger, jealousy, or revenge.
A skilled domestic violence criminal lawyer will scrutinize every aspect of the alleged victim’s story and credibility, identifying inconsistencies between their statements to police, at depositions, and at trial, examining whether they have clear motives to fabricate accusations, investigating their history of making similar false accusations in the past, analyzing the timeline to determine whether physical injuries could have resulted from the incident as described, and presenting alternative explanations for any injuries (accidents, self-inflicted wounds, or injuries from another source).
Many domestic violence cases lack independent witnesses or physical evidence beyond the alleged victim’s testimony. When that testimony contains contradictions, implausible claims, or motivations to lie, reasonable doubt emerges. The best domestic violence defense attorney knows how to exploit these weaknesses and create compelling narratives that lead to acquittals or case dismissals.
Lack of Intent or Accidental Contact
Florida’s domestic battery statute requires proof that you intentionally touched or struck the alleged victim. Accidental contact, even if it causes injury, does not constitute domestic battery. Your attorney can argue that any physical contact was completely unintentional—perhaps you accidentally bumped into someone during an argument, they walked into your hand as you gestured while speaking, or an object you were moving or holding accidentally made contact with them.
Similarly, if injuries resulted from the alleged victim’s own actions (tripping and falling, walking into a door or object, or sustaining injuries during mutual combat where both parties share responsibility), your attorney can present evidence undermining the prosecution’s claim that you intentionally caused harm.
Constitutional Violations and Illegal Evidence
Your constitutional rights remain fully protected even during domestic violence investigations. Tampa police must respect your Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, your Sixth Amendment right to counsel, and your Fourteenth Amendment due process rights.
If police violated these rights, your attorney can file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or dismiss charges entirely. Common constitutional violations in domestic violence cases include warrantless searches of homes or vehicles without valid consent or exigent circumstances, interrogating suspects in custody without proper Miranda warnings, continuing interrogation after suspects invoke their right to counsel or right to remain silent, and obtaining statements through coercion, deception, or promises that cannot be kept.
As former prosecutors, Nicholas and Christina Matassini understand exactly how Tampa police should conduct investigations and where they frequently cut corners or violate constitutional rights. This insider knowledge allows them to identify violations that less experienced attorneys miss entirely.
The Domestic Violence Arrest and Court Process in Tampa
Understanding what happens after a domestic violence arrest helps you navigate this complex process and make informed decisions about your defense. Time is critical—Florida’s mandatory arrest policies and aggressive prosecution mean you need experienced legal representation immediately.
Florida’s Mandatory Arrest Policy
Florida Statute § 741.29 requires law enforcement officers to arrest someone when they have probable cause to believe domestic violence occurred. Tampa police must make an arrest even if the alleged victim doesn’t want to press charges, visible injuries are minor or absent, both parties share responsibility for the altercation, or the incident was primarily verbal rather than physical.
Officers make this probable cause determination at the scene based on visible injuries (scratches, bruises, redness), the alleged victim’s statements, witness observations, 911 call recordings, and the parties’ demeanors. Once probable cause exists, police have no discretion—arrest is mandatory. This policy often results in arrests based on minor physical contact during arguments or situations where mutual combat occurred but only one person has visible marks.
Booking, First Appearance, and Bond Hearings
After arrest, you’re transported to the Hillsborough County jail for booking and processing. Within 24 hours, you’ll appear before a judge for a first appearance hearing where the judge determines whether to set bond and under what conditions. In domestic violence cases, judges routinely impose pretrial release conditions including no-contact orders prohibiting any communication with the alleged victim, GPS ankle monitoring to track your location, prohibition from returning to a shared residence even if you own the home, random drug and alcohol testing, and surrender of all firearms.
These conditions create enormous practical and financial challenges, especially when you share children, property, or financial accounts with the alleged victim. However, your attorney can appear at this hearing to argue for reasonable conditions that allow you to maintain employment, support your family, and prepare your defense. Having experienced representation at your first appearance can mean the difference between remaining incarcerated or securing release under manageable conditions.
The No-Contact Order Trap
No-contact orders prohibit any communication whatsoever—calls, texts, emails, social media messages, communication through third parties, or physical proximity to the alleged victim. Even if the alleged victim initiates contact with you, responding violates the order and results in additional criminal charges under Florida Statute § 784.047.
This creates devastating consequences when you share children requiring custody exchanges, own property or businesses together requiring financial decisions, or depend on each other financially for housing or living expenses. Many defendants violate no-contact orders unintentionally, not understanding that these orders remain in effect regardless of who initiates contact.
Prosecutors view no-contact order violations as evidence of your dangerousness and disrespect for the legal process. Violations can result in bond revocation (you go back to jail), additional criminal charges, and judges becoming less inclined to grant favorable outcomes. Your attorney may be able to modify or lift the no-contact order if circumstances require some level of contact, but you must never violate the order on your own initiative.
Prosecution Without Victim Cooperation
Many people facing domestic battery charges in Tampa believe the case will be dismissed once the alleged victim decides not to cooperate. This is one of the most dangerous misconceptions. Florida’s criminal justice system prosecutes domestic violence based on the state’s interest in preventing violence, not the alleged victim’s preferences. The State Attorney’s Office for the 13th Judicial Circuit maintains strict no-drop policies for domestic violence cases.
Prosecutors can and will compel the alleged victim to testify through subpoena. If they refuse to appear or testify, prosecutors may introduce their prior statements to police through hearsay exceptions under Florida Evidence Code § 90.803, use photographs of injuries, property damage, or the crime scene, introduce 911 recordings where the alleged victim described the incident, call police officers to testify about their observations at the scene, and present testimony from neighbors or witnesses who heard or saw portions of the incident.
While uncooperative alleged victims make prosecution more difficult, they don’t guarantee dismissal. This reality makes experienced legal representation absolutely critical from the moment of arrest—you cannot wait to see if the alleged victim will cooperate before taking your defense seriously.
📞 Free Consultation Available 24/7
Domestic violence cases move quickly. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and opportunities to build your defense vanish. Don’t wait another moment. Call 813-680-3004 now for immediate help from Tampa’s most experienced domestic violence defense lawyers. We meet clients in jails, homes, and offices because we understand that accessibility matters during legal crises.
Why Choose Matassini Law for Tampa Domestic Violence Defense
Facing domestic violence charges requires more than just any criminal defense attorney—you need lawyers who specifically understand these cases’ unique challenges, mandatory penalties, and aggressive prosecution. The attorneys at Matassini Law bring nearly five decades of combined experience defending clients throughout Hillsborough County, with particular expertise in domestic violence cases that few Tampa firms can match.
Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer and Former Prosecutors
Nicholas Matassini is Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law by The Florida Bar—a distinction held by fewer than 500 attorneys among Florida’s more than 100,000 lawyers. This certification requires extensive trial experience, passing rigorous written examinations, and favorable peer evaluations demonstrating exceptional competence in criminal defense trial work.
Both Nicholas and Christina Matassini served as prosecutors for the State Attorney’s Office in the 13th Judicial Circuit before dedicating their careers to criminal defense. They prosecuted domestic violence cases, understand how Tampa prosecutors build these cases, know what evidence prosecutors rely on most heavily, and can anticipate prosecution strategies before they develop. This insider knowledge provides invaluable advantages that defense-only attorneys cannot match.
Nearly 50 Years Serving Tampa’s Criminal Defense Needs
The Matassini family has practiced law in Tampa since 1976, building relationships and earning respect throughout the local legal community. We know the judges in Hillsborough County criminal courts and understand their tendencies in domestic violence cases. We’ve negotiated with prosecutors in the State Attorney’s Office for decades and have established professional credibility that benefits our clients in plea negotiations and courtroom proceedings.
We understand Tampa’s legal landscape, from the 13th Judicial Circuit’s local procedures to how specific judges handle pretrial motions. This local knowledge provides strategic advantages that attorneys practicing in multiple jurisdictions simply cannot replicate.
Proven Results: Dozens of Not Guilty Verdicts and Hundreds of Dismissals
Our track record speaks for itself. Nicholas and Christina Matassini have secured dozens of not guilty verdicts and hundreds of case dismissals through skilled investigation, aggressive motion practice, and compelling trial advocacy. While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes—and Florida Bar rules require us to include this disclaimer—our proven ability to achieve favorable results demonstrates the expertise we bring to every case.
Personal Attention from Experienced Attorneys
At Matassini Law, you work directly with Nicholas and Christina Matassini—not junior associates or paralegals. You’ll receive their personal cell phone numbers, direct access when you have questions or concerns, and their commitment to fighting aggressively for your rights and freedom. We understand that domestic violence allegations affect not just you but your entire family, and we approach each case with the sensitivity and strategic thinking required to protect everyone’s interests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Violence Defense in Tampa
What evidence is needed for a battery conviction in Florida?
To convict you of domestic battery in Florida, prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you intentionally touched or struck a family or household member against their will, or that you intentionally caused bodily harm to a family or household member. The prosecution typically relies on several types of evidence to meet this burden.
The alleged victim’s testimony describing the incident and the physical contact is often the cornerstone of the prosecution’s case. Prosecutors also present photographs of visible injuries like bruises, scratches, redness, or swelling, though Florida law does not require proof of injury—the touching itself is sufficient. Any statements you made to police are used against you, which is why you should never speak to law enforcement without an attorney present. Witness testimony from neighbors, family members, or others who saw or heard the incident can corroborate the alleged victim’s account.
Prosecutors frequently introduce 911 recordings if the alleged victim called for help, as these calls often contain excited utterances admissible under hearsay exceptions. Medical records documenting injuries, treatment, or the alleged victim’s description of how injuries occurred provide additional evidence. Physical evidence such as torn clothing, damaged property, or items used during the altercation may also be presented.
Importantly, the alleged victim’s testimony alone can be sufficient for conviction if the jury finds them credible. This is why challenging credibility, identifying inconsistencies, and presenting alternative explanations for any injuries becomes crucial to your defense. An experienced domestic violence defense lawyer near me will scrutinize all prosecution evidence, identify weaknesses, challenge unreliable testimony, and present compelling defenses that create reasonable doubt. At Matassini Law, our attorneys know how to dismantle weak prosecution cases and protect your rights throughout the legal process.
Is battery worse than assault in Florida?
In Florida’s criminal justice system, battery is generally considered more serious than assault because battery involves actual physical contact while assault does not. Understanding this distinction is important when facing domestic violence charges in Tampa.
Under Florida Statute § 784.011, assault is an intentional threat by word or act to do violence to another person, coupled with an apparent ability to carry out the threat, that creates a well-founded fear in the other person that violence is imminent. Simple assault is a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. No physical contact occurs in an assault—the crime is complete when the threat creates reasonable fear.
Battery, defined in Florida Statute § 784.03, involves actual touching or striking of another person against their will or intentionally causing bodily harm. Simple battery is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Because battery requires actual physical contact, courts and prosecutors generally view it as more serious than assault.
Both offenses can be elevated to felonies under certain circumstances. Aggravated assault involves an assault with a deadly weapon or with intent to commit a felony, and it’s a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison. Aggravated battery involves causing great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement, or using a deadly weapon, and it’s a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
In the domestic violence context, battery charges carry particularly severe consequences beyond simple battery. Domestic battery includes mandatory jail time if bodily injury occurred (minimum five days), required completion of a 26-week Batterer’s Intervention Program, permanent prohibition on firearm possession under federal law, and a permanent criminal record that cannot be sealed or expunged under any circumstances.
The best domestic violence defense attorney will explain exactly how Florida law applies to your specific situation, identify all potential defenses, and develop strategies to minimize the consequences you face. The attorneys at Matassini Law have extensive experience defending both assault and battery charges in Tampa and understand the nuances that can make the difference between conviction and acquittal.
What is an example of battery but not assault?
Battery without assault occurs when physical contact happens without the victim having prior awareness or reasonable fear of the contact. Understanding this distinction helps explain how Florida’s criminal laws apply to different fact patterns.
Common examples include situations where someone is struck from behind without any warning or threatening gestures, touched while asleep or unconscious and therefore unable to experience fear, grabbed or pushed unexpectedly during an argument without any prior threatening words or actions, or struck by an object they never saw coming and thus never had opportunity to fear.
For instance, if someone walks up behind another person during an argument and pushes them without making any prior threats or aggressive gestures, that constitutes battery but not assault because the victim had no opportunity to experience reasonable fear before the contact occurred. Similarly, if someone throws an object that strikes another person who never saw it coming, there’s battery but no assault because the victim never experienced the fear element required for assault.
In domestic violence contexts, battery without assault might occur when someone wakes their sleeping partner by shaking them forcefully or striking them, when unexpected physical contact occurs during an argument that escalated suddenly without prior threatening behavior, or when someone strikes another person from behind during a dispute.
Understanding these legal distinctions matters because domestic violence defense lawyers near me can sometimes negotiate to have charges reduced from more serious offenses to lesser charges, or identify defenses based on the specific elements the prosecution must prove. If prosecutors charged you with both assault and battery but evidence shows the alleged victim never had opportunity to experience fear before contact occurred, your attorney can challenge the assault charge even if physical contact did occur.
The experienced domestic violence defense lawyers at Matassini Law analyze every aspect of the alleged incident to develop the most effective defense strategy for your particular case. We scrutinize police reports, interview witnesses, examine physical evidence, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s theory of the case. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome, whether that means complete dismissal, reduced charges, or acquittal at trial.
What is the sentence for battery in Florida?
The sentence for battery in Florida depends on the specific type of battery charge, whether it’s classified as domestic battery, and whether any aggravating factors exist. Understanding the potential penalties is crucial when facing these charges in Tampa.
Simple battery under Florida Statute § 784.03 is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail, up to one year of probation (either concurrent with or instead of jail time), and fines up to $1,000. However, judges have discretion in sentencing simple battery cases and may impose less than the maximum penalties depending on circumstances.
Domestic battery carries mandatory enhanced penalties that make it far more serious than simple battery. For domestic battery convictions under Florida Statute § 784.03, you face up to one year in jail (maximum), fines up to $1,000, a mandatory minimum of one year of probation that judges cannot waive, mandatory completion of a 26-week Batterer’s Intervention Program at your expense (typically $1,000-$1,500), and a mandatory minimum of five days in jail if any bodily harm occurred (judges cannot waive this requirement).
Courts also typically impose no-contact orders prohibiting any contact with the victim. These orders can be devastating if you share children, property, or financial obligations with the alleged victim.
Beyond the criminal sentence, domestic battery convictions result in permanent criminal records that Florida law prohibits from being sealed or expunged under any circumstances, even if the judge withholds adjudication (meaning you weren’t technically “convicted”). Background checks will reveal this record forever. Additionally, you’ll permanently lose your right to possess firearms under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9)), a prohibition that applies nationwide and cannot be restored through any state court process.
Professional licenses may be suspended or revoked, as many Florida licensing boards consider domestic violence convictions evidence of bad character or moral turpitude. Employment becomes difficult as employers frequently reject applicants with domestic violence records. Housing applications are routinely denied when landlords discover these charges. For non-citizens, domestic violence convictions can trigger deportation proceedings or prevent naturalization.
These severe, mandatory consequences make it essential to fight domestic battery charges aggressively with an experienced domestic violence attorney Tampa prosecutors respect. The attorneys at Matassini Law have successfully defended hundreds of clients against domestic violence charges in Tampa, securing dismissals, acquittals, and reduced charges that avoid these devastating mandatory penalties. Our track record includes dozens of not guilty verdicts and hundreds of case dismissals achieved through thorough investigation, aggressive motion practice, and skilled trial advocacy.
Don’t face these charges alone. Contact Matassini Law at 813-680-3004 for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn about your defense options.
Take Action Now to Protect Your Future
Domestic violence charges threaten every aspect of your life—your freedom, your family relationships, your career, and your future. Florida’s mandatory penalties, permanent criminal records, and lifetime firearm ban make these cases among the most serious misdemeanor charges in the criminal justice system. You cannot afford to treat these allegations lightly, wait to see what happens, or trust your future to an inexperienced attorney who doesn’t specialize in domestic violence defense.
The domestic violence defense lawyers at Matassini Law understand what you’re facing. We’ve defended hundreds of clients against domestic battery charges throughout Hillsborough County since 1976. We know that these cases often involve complex relationship dynamics, that accusations don’t always reflect the full truth, and that good people sometimes find themselves facing criminal charges based on misunderstandings, false allegations, or situations where both parties share responsibility.
Whether you acted in self-defense to protect yourself from an aggressor, the allegations are false or exaggerated for advantage in divorce or custody proceedings, the incident resulted from mutual combat where both parties initiated physical contact, or constitutional violations occurred during your arrest or investigation, we know how to investigate thoroughly, challenge prosecution evidence aggressively, and present compelling defenses that achieve favorable outcomes.
Nicholas Matassini’s Board Certification in Criminal Trial Law, combined with both attorneys’ experience as former prosecutors in the 13th Judicial Circuit, gives our clients significant advantages in negotiations and at trial. We understand how Tampa prosecutors think, what evidence they rely on most heavily, and how to exploit weaknesses in their cases.
Don’t wait another moment to get the legal help you need. The decisions you make immediately after arrest determine whether you go to jail, lose your job, get separated from your children, or face a permanent criminal record. Early intervention by experienced domestic violence defense lawyers can make the difference between conviction and acquittal, between jail time and freedom, between a permanent criminal record and getting your life back.
🛡️ Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
If you’ve been arrested for domestic violence anywhere in Tampa, Hillsborough County, or the surrounding areas, contact Matassini Law immediately for a confidential consultation.
Call 813-680-3004 now or visit our website to schedule your free consultation.
We meet clients in jails, hospitals, and homes because we understand that accessibility matters during legal crises. Your initial consultation is free, and you have nothing to lose by learning about your defense options. Time is critical in domestic violence cases—every moment without legal representation puts your case at risk.
The attorneys at Matassini Law are ready to fight for your rights, your freedom, and your future. We know Tampa’s criminal courts, we know the prosecutors in the State Attorney’s Office, and we know how to win. Let us put our nearly 50 years of experience to work for you. Your future is too important to leave to chance or entrust to an inexperienced attorney.