Tampa Domestic Violence Defense Attorney

Domestic violence charges are serious and can ruin someone’s life. If you or a loved one is facing domestic violence charges, get help from Mike G, Tampa’s expert domestic violence lawyer.

Under Florida law, there is no specific charge for domestic assault or battery. A person charged in a domestic violence case in which another party was injured faces the same level of prosecution and penalties as any other assault against an unknown victim.

When the police come to the scene of a domestic disturbance, they often make an arrest in order to diffuse the situation. Once charges have been filed, the local state attorney’s office will proceed with prosecution, even if the victim wants to drop charges.

Charged With Domestic Abuse in the Tampa Area? Contact Me Today

If you need a domestic violence lawyer on your side immediately, call me today at 813-221-4303 or click here to fill out a contact form.

I offer more than 25 years of experience on both sides of the domestic violence criminal courtroom. As an Assistant State Attorney, I prosecuted hundreds of cases involving assault, battery, and child abuse. Since 1993, I have been aggressively representing individuals charged with assault and battery cases related to domestic relationships.

Wrongfully Accused of Domestic Violence?

It is a common tactic in custody disputes for one party to make false allegations of domestic violence or child abuse against the other parent. In many cases, the child may be coached to say or act in a certain way to make the accusations sound more believable. If you have been falsely accused, call me immediately. As a former prosecutor and domestic violence lawyer, I have seen dozens of these types of cases and know how to investigate and interview witnesses—including children—to bring out the truth.

A Lawyer Who WILL Defend You

If you have been arrested or removed from your home in the Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Hernando, Manatee, and Sarasota county area because of a domestic violence charge, call Mike G Law, criminal defense lawyer at 813-221-4303 or click here to fill out an online form. I offer a free case evaluation to review the details of your case and explain your legal options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered a domestic violence offense in Florida?

“Domestic violence” is a broad category that includes a lot of different crimes. In Florida, it is defined as a criminal offense that results in an injury or death of a family member, former spouse, someone living together with you as a family, or your child.

According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, some of the offenses considered domestic violence in Florida includes:

• Simple & aggravated assault
• Rape (including the threat of rape)
• Stalking
• Homicide & manslaughter
• Threats of violence

What happens when you get arrested for domestic violence?

Domestic violence is considered a serious violent crime. If you are charged with a domestic violence offense, you may be subject to jail time, fines, counseling orders, and you may even lose custody of children or the right to own firearms. If you are subject to a restraining order, you might even be forced to leave your home or your job.

If you know criminal charges are coming or you have already been arrested, it is critical you reach out to an experienced domestic violence lawyer. At Mike G Law, I will work with you during every step of the case, from the initial arraignment hearing all the way through plea negotiations and a trial if your case needs to go to court.

How long does a domestic violence case last?

The statute of limitations for a domestic violence claim varies depending on the severity of an offense. A person usually has between 1 to 3 years to press charges. Once a case has begun, it can last anywhere from a few days to even weeks or months depending on if a settlement is reached and the details of a case.

The Mike G Law firm will stand with you every step of the way to ensure your rights are protected and you get a fair outcome. A Tampa domestic violence lawyer will answer your questions and make sure you understand each step of the process, no matter how long a case takes.

What happens if a domestic violence case goes to trial?

If your case goes to trial, you will be asked to appear before a jury. During a trial, the court will hear witnesses, testimonies, and review evidence submitted to the court, like police reports. A court trial for domestic violence may take a few days to a few weeks depending on how much there is to cover. 

I have spent decades as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney, and I am committed to standing up for my clients in court. My team and I will be on your side in and out of the courtroom.

What defense is commonly used in domestic violence cases?

Domestic violence battery is a defendable charge in the state of Florida. The best defense will depend on the circumstances of your case, but some of the most common domestic violence defenses include the following: 

• Self-defense. A self-defense claim does not deny the violent act happened, but excuses the act by claiming it was necessary to avoid harm from another person’s actions.  In the state of Florida, the defendant must only provide the smallest amount of relevant evidence that they acted in self defense in order to raise the claim to a jury. 

• Defense of others. Using force to protect another person from a violent threat.

• Alibi defense. Evidence you were somewhere else when the alleged incident occurred, such as witness testimony, can significantly strengthen your defense against a domestic violence charge. 

• Mutual combat.  The confrontation was consensual.

The sooner you start building a defense, the stronger your defense will be. It takes time to investigate these defenses, speak with witnesses, and gather evidence. Hire a criminal defense attorney that specializes in domestic violence right away to protect your rights and your future.

Can domestic violence charges get dropped?

If someone is threatening to press charges, do not ever talk to them directly about dropping those charges—doing so may actually make things worse in the long run if they accuse you of deliberate intimidation. Instead, talk to a domestic violence lawyer immediately.

How do most domestic violence cases end?

The majority of defendants in domestic assault cases are first-time offenders, and most cases are dismissed. Either there isn’t enough evidence, the report was made by mistake (often by a neighbor), or the accuser chooses not to cooperate with the prosecution.

BUILD A STRONG DEFENSE WITH THE HELP OF A TAMPA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LAWYER

A domestic violence accusation has serious consequences, but the right attorney can help protect your reputation and your future.

During your free consultation with the Mike G Law team, we will discuss an action plan for your domestic violence case. No matter the details of your case, our law firm will be by your side to ensure your rights are protected and you receive a fair chance before the law. Schedule your free consultation with the top domestic violence lawyer in Tampa today.