Tampa Domestic Battery Lawyer
Domestic battery is assault, battery, or any other serious physical crime against a family or household member. Because domestic battery is always a hot political issue, it is heavily prosecuted, and defendants are not likely to find very favorable jurors. Even if the allegations against you are completely false, and are simply made up by a spiteful spouse or partner, you need to take this very seriously. If you have been arrested or accused of domestic violence, or a temporary restraining order has been placed on you, you need to take immediate legal action to protect yourself. The Tampa domestic battery lawyer at The Matassini Law Firm, P.A. is well versed in all types of domestic battery cases and has the experience and legal knowledge to clear your name and keep you out of jail.
Is Domestic Battery Its Own Crime?
Domestic battery/domestic assault occurs in conjunction with any of the following offenses when the offense is committed against a family or household member:
- Assault
- Aggravated assault
- Battery
- Aggravated battery
- Domestic battery strangulation
- Sexual assault or batter
- Stalking
- Aggravated stalking
- False imprisonment
- Kidnapping
- Other offenses that result in the death or injury of a family member or household member
Who is a Family or Household Member?
Domestic violence occurs when the offender and victim have one of the following types of relationships:
- Spouses
- Former spouses
- Romantic partners
- People residing in a house as if a family
- Parents of a shared child
- In-laws
- Step relatives
- Other family members
Penalties for Domestic Violence
Assault, battery, stalking, and other crimes of violence have their own penalties, including fines, probation, jail time, etc. When domestic violence is added on, the penalties simply increase. Depending on the case, these penalties may include:
- Mandatory minimum jail of five days in jail if an injury occurred
- Batterer intervention program
- Extended period of probation (up to 12 months)
- Community service
- Loss of civil rights, such as the right to own or carry a firearm
- No-contact orders (protective orders)
- Ineligibility to have a criminal record sealed or expunged
Furthermore, domestic battery is a crime in its own right. Domestic battery is a first degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. As such, you could be facing multiple charges, which only increases the likelihood of jail time and heavy fines.
Call a Tampa Domestic Battery Lawyer Today
Defense against a domestic battery charge is often complex and fraught with emotions. In order to keep your case from devolving into a “he said, she said” situation, you need to work with an attorney who can successfully defend against the allegations the other party has thrown at you. While it is true that you are innocent until proven guilty, it can take less evidence than you might believe to procure a guilty verdict. To discuss your case with a Tampa domestic battery lawyer today, do not hesitate to reach out to The Matassini Law Firm, P.A. at 813-217-5715 to schedule a free consultation.
