How Will a Domestic Violence Conviction Affect Me?

If you are accused of domestic violence, then you may be facing some serious charges. At the very minimum, you can usually expect to receive some jail time. Your reputation is also usually tarnished among your family and peers. It may even be difficult to land a job.

Domestic abusers are notorious for assaulting their victims, which is why if you were accused of physically attacking someone in your household, you may face a charge of domestic violence. An individual may also face charges if they are caught stalking the accuser, making threats, or breaching a restraining order. These charges can be issued by anyone who lives in the same household as you, like a significant other, parent or child, or even a roommate.

The Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction

If you’ve been convicted of domestic violence, you may be sentenced to a minimum of five (5) days in jail. If the abuse was severe, the prosecution would likely seek a longer jail sentence. Other penalties for a conviction for domestic violence in Orlando may include:

• Mandatory group counseling
• Probation
• Community service hours
• Restrictions on gun ownership
• Imprisonment anywhere from two to 10 years
• Fines up to $10,000

Keep in mind that a charge of domestic violence is permanent and stays on your record. Such severe allegations cannot be expunged or sealed in the state of Florida. If the individual is armed at the time of the assault, the courtroom may upgrade the charges to a third-degree penalty, which has a minimum of two years imprisonment if convicted.

Loss of Employment

This criminal act could make it extremely difficult to find employment if you are ever released from your work or are without work already. Since domestic abuse can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, it will show up on your background checks. Employers may be less likely to hire you as a result. A conviction can lead you to lose your professional license, so teachers, doctors, lawyers, and all others who require this documentation will instantly suffer.

The punishment for domestic abuse can affect you long after you’ve served your time, even after your probation period is over. It may also affect any child custody cases you undergo, and prevent you from renting an apartment or obtaining a loan.

Hire The Right Orlando Defense Lawyer

Because of the weighty consequences that can come with a conviction, it is prudent that you receive a competent and experienced criminal defense team. The attorneys with The Fighter Law Firm defend your rights and help you navigate the confusing charges against you. You only have one chance to clear your name of these charges, so make sure you have a legal team that’s ready and willing to fight for you.

Contact one of our Central Florida domestic violence attorneys today at (407) 574-7576, or send us an email so we can arrange for your free case evaluation. Don’t let a domestic violence charge ruin your reputation, threaten your career, or impact custody of your children.

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