Orlando Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers

Combating Accusations of Assault, Battery & Other Domestic Violence Offenses

Domestic violence defense is a core part of what we do at Fighter Law. Our domestic violence defense lawyers in Orlando represent clients in cases involving injunctions and criminal charges, and they are ready to step in the moment you're facing an accusation. Domestic violence can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, but either way, it's not something you want on your record. If your case is dropped or dismissed, it's worth moving quickly to have it sealed or expunged, so it doesn't linger online or in your background.

Even an accusation alone can be interpreted as a mark against your character, and both injunctions and criminal cases can stay on your record long-term. A conviction can affect your ability to later seal or expunge other records, complicate your career, and weigh against you in a custody dispute. In a digital age where reputations spread fast, it's simply not something you want attached to your name. 

Led by Board Certified attorney Jessica Travis, our team handles these cases with professionalism and discretion, understanding how sensitive this topic is, and we work hard to protect your identity and your reputation throughout. We can also help with cease-and-desist letters if someone is threatening to level a domestic violence accusation against you to damage your character. False allegations are unfortunately common in these cases, and defending against them matters. 

Contact Fighter Law today at (407) 574-7576 for a free consultation regarding your domestic violence matter. We represent clients across the Greater Orlando Area, as well as Brevard and Volusia counties. Hablamos español.

What Counts as Domestic Violence Under Florida Law?

Under Florida Statute 741.28, domestic violence covers assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, and any other criminal offense that results in the physical injury or death of a family or household member. The “family or household member” definition is broad; it includes spouses, former spouses, people related by blood or marriage, people currently or previously living together as a family, and parents who share a child, even if they were never married.

Two of the most common charges we see are:

• Battery, usually charged as a first-degree misdemeanor, which can stem from something as minor as grabbing someone's arm during an argument
• Strangulation, a felony charge involving an accusation of choking or attempting to choke someone

Because the definitions are broad and the qualifying relationships are wide-ranging, it's easy for an argument that got physical, or even one that didn't, to result in allegations of domestic violence. 

The Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction

The penalties for domestic violence are far-reaching. A conviction can mean jail time, significant fines, probation, court costs, and mandatory completion of a 26-week Batterers' Intervention Program. You may also lose the right to possess firearms or ammunition, which can end a career in law enforcement, security, or the military.

The consequences that follow after you’ve completed your sentence are often the most damaging. A conviction becomes part of your permanent record, which can make it difficult to secure future employment, housing, and professional licensing. It can weigh heavily in custody and timesharing decisions if you're also dealing with a divorce or other family law matter. For non-citizens, a domestic violence conviction can carry immigration consequences, including deportation.

What to Expect During the Legal Process

Most domestic violence cases begin with an arrest, frequently followed by a no-contact order or injunction. If you remain in custody, your first court appearance (the arraignment) usually happens within 24 hours, where a plea is entered, and bond conditions may be set.

From there, the case moves into discovery. When we represent clients accused of domestic violence, we obtain every piece of evidence against them, including police reports, witness statements, and any photos or recordings, while conducting our own investigation and interviewing witnesses. 

Where appropriate, we’ll file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence, seek dismissal, or narrow what the prosecution can present at trial. Throughout, we're negotiating with prosecutors toward reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or dismissal. And if a fair resolution isn't on the table, we're prepared to take cases in front of a jury.