Domestic violence in Florida is defined as any assault, battery or other unlawful touching committed by and against persons classified as family or household members. This charge is aggressively prosecuted by law enforcement and prosecutors, with penalties and long-term consequences far exceeding those of conventional assault charges.
Unfortunately, the charge has also become used by alleged victims as a weapon against the accused. Domestic assault defendants are often also involved in contested family law disputes — and the motive of the alleged victim is often questionable. Contact a Palm Beach Gardens criminal defense lawyer.
A Former Domestic Assault Prosecutor — Now On Your Side
At my law firm, The Law Offices of Elaine E. Lukic, I understand the plight of the domestic assault defendant — especially those who are innocent or wrongly accused. As a former prosecutor, I know that the police report and victim’s statement only tell one side of the story — and as your defense attorney, it is my job to present the full story, the truth, to the prosecutor and the judge.
With over 25 years of experience as a domestic violence attorney, I have successfully defended hundreds of domestic violence cases. I know the law inside and out, and can help you understand why you’ve been charged, what you can do about it and why it’s so important to have expert legal assistance on your side.
Defending Your Rights — Mitigating The Consequences
Professional counsel and representation from an experienced lawyer is necessary to ensure your rights are protected. Especially since the consequences of a domestic assault charge and conviction can be severe and include penalties such as:
- Excessive fines and surcharges of $1,000 or more
- A minimum punishment of five days served in county jail
- Imprisonment for up to 15 years
- Completion of a 26-week Batterer’s Intervention Program (BIP)
- Deportation for non-U.S. citizens
- Permanent deprivation of the right to own firearms
I analyze every case in-depth, developing a strong defense dependent on the circumstances of your situation. Some of the defenses that may be available include spiteful or vindictive family members, child custody disputes, an absence of injuries, self-defense (including stand your ground) or false allegations stemming from underlying alcohol, drug, or substance abuse issues.
Contact The Law Offices of Elaine E. Lukic today for a free initial consultation. You can reach my Palm Beach Gardens office by calling (561) 656-2024, or send me an email. I can help.