Whether they made a mistake or just want to get it behind them, many people charged with a crime related to domestic violence may hope that a quick guilty plea will make the problem go away.
After a domestic violence report, police and prosecutors may charge someone with assault or with battery.
Crimes of domestic violence usually are misdemeanors in Florida. A person can go to jail for up to 1 year and may also face probation, required classes and fines. In some cases, there may be a mandatory jail term. The person convicted may also have to stay away from the victim, even if that means moving out of their own home for a while.
If someone gets hurt seriously, or in other circumstances, authorities may file felony charges.
On the other hand, in many cases, especially if it is a person’s first time being in trouble, prosecutors might be willing to offer a good deal that keeps a person out of jail.
Depending on their situations, residents of West Palm Beach may want to think twice about taking such a deal.
Convictions related to domestic violence can have far-reaching consequences
For one, the conviction for a violent crime will be on the person’s permanent legal record. In fact, there are times when even a person’s arrest record for a domestic incident will be used against them.
Many jobs and professions are simply not open to those with any history of domestic violence. If a person works with children or vulnerable adults, for example, they may have to find a new career. Other opportunities, like adoption or foster parenting, may be closed off as well.
For those who have children, a domestic violence conviction can make it harder for the accused parent to get custody or even the parenting time they want. This is true even if the domestic violence did not involve either the child or the other parent.
Even one domestic violence conviction can mean a non-citizen will face deportation proceedings. Convictions also will mean a person, whether a citizen or not, may not be allowed to legally own a firearm.
Charges related to domestic violence almost always mean serious penalties. These are not the sorts of charges a person should just try to get over with unless they understand all of their options.
