Hernando and Citrus County Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys

Serving Spring Hill, Brooksville, Crystal River, and Inverness

Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

Domestic violence crimes are quite common, but that does not mean they should be taken lightly. A domestic violence conviction on your criminal record could create serious problems for you in the future, not to mention the very real possibility of serving time behind bars. Our Hernando and Citrus County Domestic Violence Attorneys at Whittel & Melton have the expertise needed to help you understand and navigate through these criminal charges. Should you find yourself facing domestic violence charges, then we encourage you to seek legal help right away. We are here to help you if you’re facing a domestic violence accusation in Spring Hill, Brooksville, Crystal River, Inverness, and anywhere in between.

Florida’s Definition of Domestic Violence

The state of Florida defines domestic violence as any assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, 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.

“Family or household member” means 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 a family, and persons who are parents of a child in common regardless of whether they have been married. With the exception of persons who have a child in common, the family or household members must be currently residing or have in the past resided together in the same single dwelling unit.

To be clear, domestic violence is any form of violence or threats of violence that one person uses to establish power over another household member to control their actions and activities. Domestic violence is not just a disagreement between a father and daughter, a marital spat, or a mother or father with anger management problems. Domestic violence is abusive and harmful behaviors that one household member inflicts upon another person residing with them.

Domestic violence can be any of the following behaviors:

• Physical violence of any kind – slapping, hair pulling, strangling, hitting, kicking, grabbing, excessively squeezing or shaking, buring, or intentionally injuring another in any way
• Calling a household member names and inflicting emotional harm
• Harming a household member’s pets
• Acting with extreme jealousy and possessiveness
• Isolating a household member from their family and friends
• Threatening to commit suicide or to kill a household member
• Controlling a household member’s money
• Withholding medical help
• Stalking a household member
• Demanding sex or unwanted sex practices
• Withholding medical help
• Hiding necessary medical devices or medications
• Minimizing the destructive behavior
• Threatening to “out” a household member if they are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual or transgender
• Assault or aggravated assault
• Battery, aggravated battery, or aggravated battery with a deadly weapon
• Sexual assault
• Unlawful imprisonment
• Kidnapping
• Disorderly conduct
• Criminal damage
• Criminal trespass
• Negligent homicide
• Manslaughter
• Murder
• Endangerment
• Threatening or intimidating
• Unlawful distribution of images
• Custodial interference

If you have any other questions about what types of behaviors can be charged as domestic violence in Florida, our Hernando and Citrus County Domestic Violence Attorneys at Whittel & Melton are here to provide you with the answers you need.

Protecting Your Rights in Spring Hill and Brooksville

Domestic violence allegations often come about during divorce proceedings and arguments over parental rights. It is not uncommon for one partner or parent to falsely accuse or exaggerate violent behaviors to sway the court into believing they are the better suited guardian.

If domestic violence charges have been filed against you, the stakes are high, which is why you must act fast and fight back. Criminal charges could mean that you could be looking at criminal consequences. Our Hernando and Citrus County Domestic Violence Attorneys at Whittel & Melton understand the family and criminal law aspects that factor into domestic violence proceedings. As former prosecutors, we have seen and experienced how both sides of the law work. We will put that knowledge to work for you and fight to make sure that your rights are protected throughout the entire process.

Crystal River and Inverness Domestic Violence Attorneys

At Whittel & Melton, we know that there are two sides to every story. When domestic violence is alleged, we firmly believe that you have every right to make sure your story is heard and taken seriously. Too often we see the alleged victim’s version of events taken for the sole truth while the accused is automatically presumed to be guilty. Domestic violence accusations can be destructive to your reputation and relationships, which is why we want to help protect your rights and safeguard your future.

Contact Us Today

Have you been arrested or charged with stalking, harassment, assault, battery, strangulation, kidnap, murder or any other charge related to domestic violence? If so, we cannot stress how important it is to seek legal guidance immediately. Contact our Hernando and Citrus County Domestic Violence Attorneys at Whittel & Melton to discuss your case in a completely free and confidential consultation. You can call us 24/7 at 866-608-5529 or fill out a case evaluation form online.