Defense for Domestic Violence Charges in Clearwater & St. Petersburg
We Have the Skills to Navigate the Most Difficult Cases
Accusations of domestic violence can come out of nowhere, particularly in a divorce when one spouse is looking to gain leverage over the other. When facing this tough issue, it’s important to work with a skilled Clearwater domestic violence defense attorney. At Bauer Crider Kenny & Parry, our lawyers have more than 100 years of combined experience with these types of issues, and our firm has served the St. Petersburg area since 1989. We regularly represent clients in local, state and federal courts, helping them navigate the most complex criminal charges levied against them.
What You Need to Know about Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is defined as any pattern of abusive behavior used by one partner to obtain or maintain power over the other partner. It can take many forms — sexual, physical, emotional, economic or psychological. Domestic violence can also encompass other types of behavior, such as intimidation, humiliation, isolation, and threats.
Domestic violence encompasses many different types of violent crimes, including:
- Assault
- Aggravated assault
- Battery
- Aggravated battery
- Sexual assault
- Sexual battery
- Stalking or aggravated stalking
- Kidnapping
In Florida, domestic violence laws carry an absolute minimum punishment of five days in county jail. In addition, a state prosecutor may pursue additional charges of other criminal offenses, such as assault and battery. Depending on the severity of the crime, domestic violence charges can result in punishments of up to 15 years in prison.
To combat domestic violence and other violent crimes against women, the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence (FCADV) was formed in the 1980s. The organization is the professional association for Florida’s domestic violence centers, representing battered women and their children in public policy.
Restraining Orders Related to Domestic Violence
A restraining order is a temporary court order used to prevent an individual from approaching or contacting someone else. If your partner or family member is considering taking out a restraining order against you, know that there are specific qualifications that must be met.
Above all, alleged victims must first be able to show that they are or have been a victim of domestic violence, which includes having a viable reason to fear that they may be harmed. The Clearwater domestic violence lawyers at Bauer Crider Kenny & Parry can answer your questions about this complex issue.
To file the petition, these steps must be followed:
- Visit the courthouse: This is where a petition for a restraining order can be obtained.
- Fill out the petition: The petition will include specific information about alleged occurrences of domestic violence. During this step, many choose to consult a qualified attorney for advice. The petition must be notarized to be valid.
- Bring the petition to a judge for review: The judge will decide whether the information included on the petition indicates a true threat. If so, the judge officially issues a temporary restraining order.
Consult with an Experienced Clearwater Domestic Violence Lawyer
For a free initial consultation with the knowledgeable Clearwater domestic violence attorneys at Bauer Crider Kenny & Parry, call us (727) 205-0968 or contact us online today. We have four convenient offices to better serve Clearwater, Tampa Bay, St. Pete, and the counties of Pinellas and Hillsborough.
