Domestic Violence
The crime of Domestic Violence is said to occur when one person who is or has been in a familial type relationship with another person, commits a crime of violence against that person. A crime of violence is not necessarily limited to an assault or battery. It could also include the crimes of stalking and false imprisonment.
All law enforcement agencies in Northwest Florida have a pro-arrest and mandatory arrest policy if they have to respond to a Domestic Violence call. Law Enforcement discretion is extremely limited. This is because state intervention has been promoted by advocacy groups as a way of helping and protecting battered women who have also been psychologically traumatized. Unfortunately, law enforcement officers because of the pro-arrest/mandatory arrest policies will arrest the person they feel is the primary aggressor. More than any other crime that we know of, law enforcement’s attitude towards you is that you are guilty until proven innocent.
IF YOU ARE CONVICTED OF THE CRIME OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE THERE IS A MINIMUM TERM OF IMPRISONMENT OF 5 DAYS IN THE COUNTY JAIL.
MILITARY MEMBERS
If you are in the military it is imperative that you retain an attorney to handle your domestic violence case. Should you be convicted you could be removed from the military because you will no longer be able to carry a firearm. Domestic violence charges are also in the group of charges which can never be sealed or expunged. That is why it is important to hire an attorney to find a way to have the case dismissed or pled to a lesser offense. Glenn Swiatek only practices criminal law. He has the experience, knowledge and expertise to handle your domestic violence charge. Call the office for a free consultation or send us an email - click here.