According to the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence (FCADV), there were 104,914 cases of domestic violence reported to law enforcement in Florida in 2018. Of this number, 64,573 resulted in arrests. Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects countless families in the Sunshine State, but not every case being reported is substantive. You can’t afford to let yourself be convicted of a crime you didn’t commit. If you have been accused of domestic violence, consult a domestic violence defense attorney in Tampa from The Rickman Law Firm.
Domestic violence relief services have been pushed to their limits by the high volume of cases in Florida. During the 2017-2018 fiscal year, certified domestic violence centers in Florida facilitated 669,785 nights of emergency shelter for domestic violence survivors and their children. They helped provide vital shelter and recovery services for 15,937 survivors, which breaks down to an average of 237 victims per county.
These services are intended to not only provide short-term solutions but long-term solutions, too. This is why advocates from these shelters developed 167,867 customized safety plans for victims. They also contributed a total of 336,737 hours of their time counseling victims and manned a domestic violence hotline to ensure that all 85,588 victims seeking emergency services received the information and safety planning assistance they needed.
Unfortunately, for every victim that reports abuse, another victim suffers in silence. Domestic violence is actually underreported, and it’s not hard to see why. Instances of abuse aren’t always handled correctly due to the complex family dynamics underlying each of these cases. Men and women alike fear that their families will be split up if internal conflict is publicized. On the other hand, some “victims” falsify claims to gain an upper hand on their partner. If this happens to you, it’s vital that you consult a domestic violence defense attorney in Tampa.
Domestic violence cases are complicated in Florida. You will typically receive a “No Bond” status until you see a judge, who will likely tell you to cease all contact with the plaintiff. To make matters worse, domestic violence arrests cannot be sealed or expunged until you have secured an acquittal or your charges have been dismissed. This is one of the main reasons why the accused should consult a domestic violence defense lawyer in Tampa. A lawyer can help you navigate this process throughout every stage of your case. Your lawyer will not only stay in contact with the prosecutor but also negotiate a solution to help you maintain your innocence or reduce the severity of your conviction. With an intelligent orator on your side to fortify your case, you can overcome this troubling time.
For a free consultation with a domestic violence defense lawyer in Tampa, please contact The Rickman Law Firm today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.