Orlando Domestic Violence Attorney

Defending Against Domestic Violence Charges in Orange County, FL

Domestic violence is considered a serious criminal offense and carries significant penalties in the state of Florida. Navigating the complexities of domestic violence allegations requires the guidance of an experienced legal professional. At Mazin Law, our Orlando domestic violence lawyers provide compassionate, strategic representation for individuals facing these challenging situations. 

Domestic violence allegations can have far-reaching consequences that affect your legal standing, personal life, and professional future. These charges often arise in emotionally charged circumstances, making it critical to have a defender who can navigate both the legal and personal complexities involved. Without proper legal guidance, you risk facing harsh penalties, so early intervention is vital for a successful defense strategy.

Have you been accused of domestic violence? Call Mazin Law today at (407) 477-6744 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our domestic violence lawyer in Orlando!

What Is Domestic Violence Under Florida's Law?

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive or violent behavior by someone attempting to control another person through dominance and force. Domestic violence can occur at any time and often continues as a cycle that undermines a victim's confidence and sense of safety. It remains a significant issue in Florida.

Florida law defines domestic violence as a range of criminal offenses committed by one family or household member against another. Abuse is not always physical; emotional, psychological, and economic abuse can all play a role in creating a cycle of control and fear.

Florida implements protections for victims, including injunctions for protection (restraining orders), mandatory arrest policies under certain conditions, and support such as shelters and counseling. Victims have resources to seek safety and hold abusers accountable through the legal system.

The definition of family or household member under Florida Statutes Section 741.28 is broad, covering spouses, former spouses, persons related by blood or marriage, people who are presently residing together as a family, and persons who have a child in common. By recognizing a wide variety of relationships under the law, Florida courts ensure that those who need legal protection have access regardless of their living arrangement.

Common Types of Domestic Violence 

In Florida, domestic violence refers to any unlawful touching or violent act. Offenses include assault, battery, spousal abuse, false imprisonment, kidnapping, sexual battery, stalking, and any act resulting in physical injury or death to a family or household member.

Our domestic violence lawyers in Orlando assist with the following charges:

• Spousal Abuse
• Sexual Battery
• Kidnapping
• Stalking
• Cyberstalking
• Verbal Abuse
• Emotional Abuse

While many associate domestic violence with a man harming a woman, the reality is more complex. Statistically, more women report domestic violence, but some men also endure abuse.

Same-sex relationships also experience high occurrences of domestic violence. Addressing these situations requires fairness and a commitment to equal protection under the law. Mazin Law upholds these key values in every case.

Florida’s courts consider allegations involving a wide array of circumstances in domestic violence cases. Many incidents do not involve visible physical injuries, and authorities rely on the evidence that may include photographs, witness statements, or prior reports. In Orange County, law enforcement responds quickly to calls and must follow mandatory arrest policies if they determine probable cause exists. Judges evaluate individual facts carefully, so understanding the nuances of your charge and the local procedures makes a marked difference in how your case proceeds.

What Are the Penalties for Domestic Violence in Florida?

If you are convicted of domestic violence, you may be ordered to complete:

• A 26-week batterer's intervention program
• Mandatory 12 months of probation
• Additional community service
• Loss of gun ownership rights
• An injunction (no contact) order

Domestic violence cases in Florida are complex, and the outcomes vary based on each situation.

If you are charged in a domestic violence case, you cannot afford to leave the outcome to chance. Criminal penalties you could face include:

• Misdemeanor Charges: Simple domestic violence offenses are generally misdemeanors. Conviction can lead to probation, fines, and mandatory batterer intervention programs.
• Felony Charges: Aggravated domestic violence or repeat offenses may be prosecuted as felonies. Felony convictions carry greater penalties, including longer imprisonment and steeper fines.

These charges can negatively impact your life in many ways. You need someone with the knowledge and commitment to protect your rights.

Beyond immediate legal consequences, a domestic violence conviction in Florida can affect employment opportunities and housing, as background checks may reveal the conviction to employers or landlords. Partnering with Mazin Law helps clients pursue strategic legal options to mitigate these impacts.

The consequences for domestic violence go beyond the initial court sentence. Florida law does not allow you to seal or expunge a conviction for domestic violence, even if the judge withholds adjudication. When facing charges in Orlando, individuals often discover that the Orange County Clerk of Courts retains public records of cases indefinitely, which can cause long-term obstacles in professional licensing, education, and custody disputes. Attorneys must address both the immediate court process and the broader effects on your future, so early consultation is critical.

Defenses Against Domestic Violence Charges

Every domestic violence case is unique, and your defense will depend on the specifics of your situation. However, several legal defenses may apply, including:

• False Allegations: Sometimes the accusation is entirely fabricated due to anger, jealousy, or a desire to gain an advantage in custody or divorce proceedings.
• Acting in Defense: A person may have used force to protect themselves or another individual from a real and immediate threat.
• Weak or Missing Evidence: Charges may not hold up in court if the prosecution cannot provide sufficient proof.
• Accidental Harm: The incident may have been unintentional, with no intent to harm or instill fear.
• Mutual Combat: If both parties were involved in a physical altercation with evidence of mutual aggression, this could influence the charges.
• Violation of Rights: Evidence obtained unlawfully by law enforcement may not be admissible in court.

A thorough review of all circumstances and available evidence is crucial for mounting the strongest defense possible.

Local courts review the evidence presented in Orlando domestic violence cases with strict attention to due process. Your attorney will inspect police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence, and may challenge the manner in which law enforcement conducted the investigation. Cases in Orange County often hinge on the credibility of the accuser and accused, so presenting clear documentation and testimony is essential. Early legal intervention allows you to begin collecting favorable evidence and preserve your options at each phase of the case.

Facing a domestic violence charge and unsure of your next move? Call Mazin Law today at (407) 477-6744 or contact us online to discuss your options and protect your future.

The Importance of Acting Quickly to Protect Your Future