Criminal Law
Domestic Violence and Child Abuse
Handling Domestic Violence in Criminal and Family Courts Statewide
Domestic violence charges involve crimes that involve the abuse of a spouse, family member, or other household member. A conviction for a domestic violence offense in Florida can greatly impact your life. It can strain your relationships with friends and family, damage your reputation, and, most importantly, limit your freedom. If someone has accused you of or charged you with domestic violence, our Florida Domestic Violence Attorneys at Whittel & Melton are ready to help you navigate the criminal justice system.
In Florida, domestic violence typically involves a violent act against a current or former partner, family member, or spouse. These cases can include charges of stalking, harassment, or abuse. When law enforcement responds to a domestic call, they often must make an arrest, regardless of the circumstances or who is at fault. Beyond legal consequences, domestic violence allegations can also lead to serious social repercussions.
Types of Domestic Violence and Their Impact
Domestic violence charges affect people of all backgrounds, regardless of class, race, income, or education level. These charges can involve various forms of abuse, including:
- Physical abuse, such as shoving, strangulation, pushing or hitting
- Sexual abuse, including rape, incest, elder abuse or any unwanted sexual contact
- Harassment, including repeatedly showing up at someone’s home or workplace unannounced, repeated phone calls, and stalking
- Emotional abuse, such as intimidation, threats, humiliation, isolation from friends and family or any other controlling behaviors
Domestic violence can involve former domestic partners, ex-boyfriends or girlfriends, or even caretakers of a disabled person. Domestic violence cases can be complicated because a person can face charges even if they do not live in your household.
How Our Florida Domestic Violence Attorneys Can Help
When you face a domestic violence charge in Florida, your attorney will investigate the events and identify who, if anyone, is at fault. These cases are notorious for having false or exaggerated reports of assault made by ex-lovers or other household members. Regardless of whether or not this is the case, our experienced Florida Domestic Violence Lawyers at Whittel & Melton will hear your side of the story and fight to achieve the best possible outcome on your behalf.
Child Abuse Defense Lawyers Near Me – Call Us Today 866-608-5529
Florida Child Abuse charges (Florida Statute § 827.03) stem from allegations of abuse (either physical or emotional) of a child, usually by family members, caretakers, or friends. The authorities determine whether this crime is charged as a misdemeanor or a felony based on the child’s age, the severity of their injuries, and any physical harm or claims of emotional abuse. In addition, they can file charges of child abuse against someone if their actions cause physical injury, even if those actions were unlikely to harm the child.
The State defines child abuse as intentionally causing physical or mental harm to a child. It also includes any intentional act that could reasonably lead to such harm. Encouraging someone else to commit an act that results in injury or could likely result in injury is also considered child abuse.
The term child abuse can cover charges ranging from intentionally striking a child to failing to move a hot pot of the stove that a child is near. Over the past several years, there has been an increase in the number of child abuse charges that are based on emotional abuse. Emotional abuse can be quite difficult to prove, and it can be hard to tell the difference between any emotional abuse that actually happened or a story created by a parent who coached a child to say emotional abuse occurred.
If someone accuses you of child abuse, you must seek legal help right away. The criminal justice system prioritizes these cases because they involve a child, so it’s essential to act quickly. The courts want these outstanding matters resolved as soon as possible. Our Florida Child Abuse Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can help you expedite the process while keeping your best interests in mind.
False Accusations of Child Abuse
False allegations of child abuse are, unfortunately, quite common. These accusations can damage your reputation and threaten your freedom. We can assist you in proving that the allegations against you are completely unfounded. Many child abuse claims arise during contentious divorce or custody battles, where one parent may falsely accuse the other of abuse in an effort to gain an advantage. Similarly, grandparents seeking custody may resort to such tactics to portray the parents as unfit.
If you are facing false accusations of child abuse, the most effective approach is to launch a strong counterattack. We can assist in exposing your accuser by questioning their credibility and demonstrating their potential motives for making false allegations. Our goal is to help clear your name and expedite your return to a sense of normalcy in your life.
Contact Us for Help With Your Domestic Violence or Child Abuse Charges
If you have been charged with Domestic Violence or Child Abuse, do not speak to anyone who may seem to be acting in your best interest. These include social workers, law enforcement officers, or representatives from Children & Family Services. While appearing friendly, these people may be gathering evidence against you. You should speak to a lawyer before speaking to anyone about your case’s circumstances. These cases are obviously emotionally charged and require the impartial perspective of an attorney.
Please contact us today to ensure that your legal rights are not being compromised.