Tampa Domestic Violence Lawyer

Domestic Violence Attorney In Tampa, FL

When allegations of violence involve family members or intimate partners, Florida laws allow for serious penalties that can leave defendants facing potential jail or even prison time for multiple offenses. Tampa domestic violence laws often place restrictions on defendants, like no-contact orders, even before the criminal case plays out. If you are facing domestic violence charges, you can rely on the legal services of a Tampa domestic violence lawyer to protect your rights in court.

Experienced Defense Counsel for Domestic Violence Crimes in Tampa

At the Amarosa Law Firm, P.A., we understand that domestic violence charges are a threat to both your reputation and your future. Our law firm stands ready to fight your charges and clear your name by taking a methodical and strategic approach to your criminal case. Domestic violence charges are often complicated by interpersonal relationships. Our job is to examine the facts and determine what truly happened.

Our legal team knows that a single allegation doesn’t define a person. When you work with our defense attorney, you gain an advocate who believes every defendant deserves a fair, strategic defense that challenges the prosecution’s narrative. As a former professor of criminal justice, our lead attorney combines both legal experience and practical insight to guide each case toward a positive outcome.

Defining Domestic Violence in Florida

Domestic violence is a broad term that refers to violent acts committed against family or household members. The types of actions that can qualify for domestic violence include:

• Assault
• Aggravated assault
• Battery
• Sexual assault
• Stalking
• Kidnapping
• False imprisonment
• Other offenses that result in injury or death

Family or household members refer to spouses, former spouses, individuals related by blood or marriage, and household residents. Attacks on family and household members are seen as particularly egregious acts by the courts, which is why domestic violence charges often involve restrictions throughout the court process and potentially serious penalties for anyone convicted of these types of offenses.

How Domestic Violence Cases Are Investigated

There are multiple ways that someone could be charged with domestic violence. Many arrests are initiated when police receive a phone call about a domestic disturbance, either from the residence in question or from a neighbor. By the time police arrive at a disturbance, they are often prepared to take action.

They may speak to both parties and any potential witnesses. If one party has clearly been harmed, police have an obligation to take action, which often means arresting the party who appears to have committed the physical assault.

If they do not have probable cause to arrest someone, they may file a report without making an arrest. This doesn’t mean that the police won’t follow up later on if they decide to investigate the potential criminal case. Whether police make an arrest on the spot or begin an investigation that leads to an arrest, being charged with domestic violence can mark the beginning of a lengthy ordeal.

What Happens Once I’m Arrested

Following an arrest, you’ll likely be booked at a nearby jail. Most defendants are then released on bail and instructed to appear in court. Once we assist you entering a plea of not guilty, the pre-trial process begins. We then handle the process from that point onward, speaking on behalf of you the client to the court and prosecutors.

Domestic violence charges often come with court-ordered restrictions that prevent the suspect from contacting or approaching the alleged victim. Violations of these orders are taken seriously and would result in the immediate arrest of the defendant and additional charges are brought by the State Attorney’s Office.

How an Attorney Can Help

Your attorney can review the prosecution’s evidence during this time to find weaknesses in the state’s case or instances where the victim’s testimony may be contradictory or inconsistent. During the pre-trial phase, the prosecution may offer a plea bargain agreement that lays out the terms for resolving the case.

Domestic Violence Statistics

In 2023, Florida reported 71,431 domestic violence offenses, with a statewide rate of 315 incidents per 100,000 residents. These cases range from simple battery to more serious charges like aggravated assault or false imprisonment. About 23% of women and 14% of men in Florida have experienced severe intimate partner violence at some point in their lives.

Tampa is home to over 85,000 family households, according to data from Point2Homes, which account for 53% of all households in the city. Neighborhoods such as East Tampa, Sulphur Springs, and Palm River have consistently reported higher rates of domestic-related arrests. Anyone arrested for committing domestic violence would likely be booked into the Falkenburg Road or Orient Road Jails, which are Hillsborough County’s primary detention centers for pre-trial custody.

Potential Penalties for a Domestic Violence Conviction

Domestic violence crimes are a large category that can potentially lead to misdemeanor or felony charges. If a lower-level offense is tied to domestic violence, you could face restrictive probation terms or county jail time. A conviction for any crime can result in fines. A felony conviction can result in imprisonment. Some felonies carry mandatory minimum sentences. Once a defendant has served their time, they may still face setbacks related to their criminal record.

The courts may order an ongoing injunction to protect the victim. This could result in a civil court order that prohibits you from contacting the victim. These restrictions could remain in place for years. Any criminal record related to domestic violence could potentially lead to lost job opportunities or denied applications for housing.

Employers and landlords typically screen applicants, and anyone found to have been convicted of a domestic violence crime could be considered a serious risk or danger to others. For these and other reasons, many defendants choose to fight their charges rather than face the lasting consequences of a conviction.

Defense Strategies for Fighting Your Criminal Charges

With the right legal defense strategy, you and your attorney can fight your charges and secure a favorable outcome to your case. One strategy could be to directly question whether any crime was committed. If the victim is not reliable or has a personal reason for wanting to harm the reputation of the defendant, that could greatly compromise the prosecution’s case.

Another strategy would be to explore whether you acted in self-defense. Florida law protects the rights of residents to use reasonable force to protect themselves if they believe they or someone else is in imminent danger.

For example, negotiating a reduction from a domestic battery charge to a lesser offense, such as simple assault, may reduce the potential penalties and long-term consequences. Each case depends on the facts, available evidence, and whether physical contact can be legally proven.

Why You Should Hire a Domestic Violence Lawyer

Anyone charged with domestic violence should hire a domestic violence lawyer who can represent them in court. A domestic violence attorney brings a unique perspective, gained from years or decades of experience helping clients avoid serious penalties in criminal court.

An attorney who understands how to handle domestic violence cases can look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and use those weaknesses to push for dropped or reduced criminal charges. Lawyers are also skilled negotiators who can leverage new findings and evidence to secure a favorable plea bargain agreement, allowing their clients to avoid jail or prison time.

Any steps that weaken the prosecution’s case can position the defendant for a favorable outcome that could include dropped or reduced charges. If the victim and the accused party know each other, a lawyer can explore whether there are potential conflicts of interest that could call into question the victim’s credibility.

The Importance of Legal Representation

At every step of the case, an attorney can provide trusted legal counsel and guidance, ensuring you are always informed about your case and understand your options. If needed, your attorney can take a case to trial where they present evidence and make oral arguments that prove that you did not commit the crime that you are charged with.

Tips for Finding the Right Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are facing domestic violence charges, there are few decisions you make that are more critical than finding the right attorney who understands both the legal and emotional complexities involved.

You can start by looking for a lawyer with experience handling domestic violence cases. Ask about their trial history and what the outcome of those trials was. You can also inquire about their overall history of success in court and how often they resolve cases through dismissal or negotiation.

Once you have that information, choose someone who communicates clearly, answers questions directly, and explains your legal options in plain language. Local experience is also important, especially with attorneys who regularly work in Tampa courts and know how prosecutors operate. Most importantly, trust your instincts.

What to Look for in an Attorney

A strong and effective attorney should be confident in court, respectful with clients, and focused on protecting your future. The sooner you secure this level of legal representation, the better your chances are of building a strong defense and avoiding long-term consequences.

FAQs

Contact Our Tampa Domestic Violence Lawyer Today

Domestic violence charges can jeopardize your reputation and your freedom. At the Amarosa Law Firm, P.A., we defend individuals accused of domestic violence by taking decisive action to scrutinize the state’s case and the victim’s credibility. If you are falsely accused or were acting in self-defense, our attorneys can build a case that works to clear you of any wrongdoing.

Our founding attorney has established a strong reputation for his dedication to justice and his commitment to defending the rights of his clients. In December 2024, his work was honored with the Barry Cohen Award for Excellence in Criminal Defense by the Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Contact the Amarosa Law Firm, P.A., today to schedule your no-cost case review.