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Domestic Violence

Public awareness of the dangers involved in domestic violence has dramatically increased in recent years. When law enforcement responds to any call involving domestic violence, at least one person is typically placed under arrest—even if the alleged victim states a desire not to press charges.

After an alleged offender has been arrested, the decision to proceed with criminal charges rests not with the alleged victim but with the state attorney. Prosecutors take these types of cases very seriously and aggressively pursue harsh penalties.

Lawyer for Domestic Violence in Pensacola, FL

If you were recently arrested for alleged domestic violence in Florida, it is critical for you to immediately seek legal counsel. Terrezza Law defends clients all over the greater Pensacola area, including Pensacola Beach, Gulf Breeze, and Milton.

Pensacola criminal defense attorney John Terrezza understands that false accusations and exaggerated claims are common in these types of cases, and he works tirelessly to get criminal charges against the wrongfully accused reduced or dismissed. You can receive a complete evaluation of your case when you call (850) 764-5291 to set up a free initial consultation.

Escambia County Domestic Violence Information Center

• What kinds of crimes are considered acts of domestic violence?
• Who are considered family or household members in Florida?
• Where can I find help if I am a victim of domestic violence?

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Domestic Violence Offenses in Florida

Florida Statute § 741.28(2) defines domestic violence as meaning any of the following crimes committed by one family or household member on another family or household member:

• Assault;
• Aggravated assault;
• Battery;
• Aggravated battery;
• Sexual assault;
• Sexual battery;
• Stalking or cyberstalking;
• Aggravated stalking;
• Kidnapping;
• False imprisonment; or
• Any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death of one family or household member by another family or household member.

Some of these offenses have enhanced penalties for certain types of victims or actions, such as Battery on a pregnant person or domestic battery by strangulation. Repeat offenders for domestic violence also face aggravated charges for subsequent crimes, such as violations of injunctions for protection against domestic violence.

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Victims of Domestic Violence in Pensacola

Alleged offenders and alleged victims do not have to be married in order for one party to be charged with a crime of domestic violence. Under Florida Statute § 741.28(3), the phrase “family or household member” can include:

• Spouses;
• Former spouses;
• Persons related by blood or marriage;
• Persons who are presently residing together as if a family or who have resided together in the past as if a family; and
• Persons who are parents of a child in common regardless of whether they have been married.

Except for persons who have a child in common, family or household members must currently reside, or have previously resided together in the same single dwelling unit. The definition of an alleged victim is fairly broad and allows criminal charges to be filed against most alleged offenders for any act or threat of violence.

It is an unfortunate truth that many allegations of domestic violence are fabricated or exaggerated claims made by spouses in the midst of heated divorce or child custody proceedings. Alleged offenders in such cases  must have attorneys who are dedicated to conducting thorough investigations to uncover the truth and prove their client's innocence.

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Florida Domestic Violence Resources

FavorHouse of Northwest Florida, Inc. — FavorHouse is the certified domestic violence center for Escambia County and Santa Rosa County. On this website, you can learn more about the programs and services it provides. You can also find victim safety tips and answers to frequently asked questions.

Florida Department of Children and Families — The Department of Children and Families is the state agency responsible for providing social services to domestic violence victims. You can find the domestic violence center nearest to you through the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence (FCADV) link on this website as well as more information about the department’s domestic violence program. The website also features safety planning information and helps victims assess their danger options.

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Find a Lawyer for Domestic Violence in Pensacola, Florida

Were you charged with any kind of violent crime against a family or household member in Florida? You should contact Terrezza Law as soon as possible for help achieving the most favorable outcome to your case.

John Terrezza is a criminal defense attorney in Pensacola who represents clients in communities all over Santa Rosa County and Escambia County. Call (850) 764-5291 or complete an online contact form right now to receive a complete review of your case during a free, confidential consultation.

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