Representing Victims of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence cases are some of the most unique, yet most common criminal offenses. Unfortunately, the domestic, romantic relationship is one that is naturally ripe for conflict. When family members are cooped up with each other for too long, little conflicts can transform into physical and emotional violence. And when that happens, the criminal justice system will not be far behind to mete out justice. The unique aspect of domestic violence cases is that one can never be sure who is telling the truth. And because the suspects and the victims of domestic violence matters are necessarily linked by either blood or marriage, people’s stories and claims can change rapidly depending on whether the relationship is in a good place or not.

Domestic violence is itself not a crime, but rather a modifier of already existing criminal offenses. Assault, battery, kidnapping, and even murder are all examples of offenses that can be charged as domestic violence crimes. In order to qualify as a domestic violence matter, the victim and offender must be proven to be married, in a sexual relationship, or otherwise reside together as family. Once that has been established, special domestic violence procedures and increased penalties can be applied. If you or a loved one has been charged with any domestic violence offense, or if you are the victim of domestic violence, you should contact a dedicated Sarasota criminal defense lawyer for a consultation right away.

One of the unique aspects of practicing domestic violence law is that the victim of the offense is often the same person that contacts a lawyer for the accused. This phenomenon does not happen anywhere else in the criminal justice system, but is a direct byproduct of the domestic violence definition. By statute, domestic violence can only occur between family members and those is romantic relationships. Anyone who has ever had a family or a romantic partner has probably experienced the conflicts that inevitably arise between loved ones. Unfortunately, sometimes those conflicts can spiral out of control. When that happens, sometimes one or both parties will contact the police, or perhaps the authorities are notified by a bystander. Regardless of how the police are notified, when called out to a domestic violence situation, officers are required to make an arrest or prepare a detailed report justifying why they did not. Overworked and uninterested police will often take the path of least resistance and will make an arrest in almost every situation.

After an arrest is made, often victims are left not knowing what to do. The answer is simple: contact an experienced Sarasota criminal lawyer right away. Regardless of your goals, a lawyer can help guide you through the complexities of the criminal justice system to achieve your desires. If you want the charges against your loved one to be dropped, a lawyer can advise you on the best course of action and can convince the prosecutors on the case to cease their pursuit of the case. If you want to seek punishment for your abuser, your attorney can serve as your liaison with the judge and the state’s attorney to ensure that you get to be heard.

The attorneys at Hanlon Law have years of experience fighting for both victims and defendants in courtrooms throughout the State of Florida. We pride ourselves on seeking justice and obtaining excellent results for our clients. No matter the obstacles you might be facing with your case, our lawyers can devise a plan of action to overcome those challenges and achieve the results that you deserve and that justice requires. If you are the victim of a domestic violence offense, we can help guide you through the needlessly convoluted criminal justice system. Call today for a consultation at 941.462.1789.