Domestic Violence Lawyers Near You in Orlando, FL

Expert Domestic Violence Defense Legal Representation in Florida

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If you are facing domestic violence charges in Florida, you need experienced legal representation immediately. A domestic violence arrest can result in jail time, a permanent injunction, loss of your right to own firearms, and devastating effects on your family, career, and reputation. At Smith & Eulo, our domestic violence defense attorneys have successfully defended thousands of clients across Florida.

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Domestic Violence Battery

Defense against battery and assault charges involving household members

Injunction Defense

Fighting restraining orders and injunctions for protection

Violation of Injunction

Defense against charges of violating a restraining order

Aggravated Domestic Violence

Defense against felony domestic violence charges involving weapons or serious injury

What Happens After a Domestic Violence Arrest

1. Arrest

Police respond and make an arrest even if the alleged victim doesn’t want to press charges

2. No-Contact Order

Issued automatically at first appearance, even before any conviction

3. First Appearance

Bond hearing within 24 hours where conditions of release are set

4. Arraignment

First court appearance where you enter a plea

5. Negotiation

Your attorney works to get charges reduced or dropped entirely

6. Trial or Dismissal

Case may be dismissed, resolved through plea, or go to trial

How We Defend Domestic Violence Cases

False Allegations

Many charges stem from false or exaggerated accusations. We investigate thoroughly and expose inconsistencies.

Self-Defense

Florida law protects your right to defend yourself. We build strong self-defense arguments when applicable.

Lack of Evidence

Without physical evidence or credible witnesses, the state’s case is weak. We challenge every piece of evidence.

Victim Recantation

When the alleged victim wants to drop charges, we work with the prosecution to resolve the case favorably.

Suppression Motions

Statements made without Miranda warnings or illegally obtained evidence can be suppressed.

Domestic Violence Penalties in Florida

First Offense (Misdemeanor)

Up to 1 year jail | Fines up to $1,000 | Mandatory batterers intervention | No-contact order

Second Offense

Mandatory minimum 10 days jail | Higher fines | Extended probation

Aggravated (Felony)

Up to 5 years prison | Felony record | Loss of firearm rights | Immigration consequences

Additional Consequences

Cannot be expunged | Permanent loss of gun rights | Child custody impact | Background checks

Florida Domestic Violence Laws

Florida Statute 741.28

Defines domestic violence as any assault, battery, stalking, or other criminal offense between family or household members.

Mandatory Arrest Policy

Florida police must arrest if they have probable cause. The alleged victim cannot drop the charges.

No-Contact Orders

Issued automatically at first appearance. Violating one is a separate criminal offense.

Gun Rights

Federal law permanently prohibits anyone convicted of domestic violence from owning or possessing a firearm.

Counties We Serve

Orange County

Orlando, Winter Park, and surrounding areas.

Hillsborough County

Tampa and Tampa Bay area courts.

Seminole County

Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Lake Mary.

Osceola County

Kissimmee and Osceola County courts.

Polk County

Lakeland, Winter Haven, and surrounding areas.

Brevard County

Melbourne, Cocoa, and Space Coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Florida, the alleged victim cannot drop domestic violence charges. The State Attorney’s Office makes that decision. However, if the victim is uncooperative, we use that as leverage to fight for dismissal.
A domestic violence conviction in Florida cannot be expunged or sealed. This is why fighting the charge aggressively from the start is critical. A reduction to a non-DV offense may be eligible for expungement.
A domestic violence conviction results in the permanent loss of your right to own or possess a firearm under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9)). This applies even to misdemeanor convictions.
Yes. Domestic violence convictions can have serious immigration consequences including deportation, denial of citizenship, and inadmissibility. Non-citizens should consult both a criminal defense and immigration attorney immediately.

Meet Your Defense Team

What Our Clients Say

Why Choose Smith & Eulo?

20+ Attorneys – Full team of experienced criminal defense lawyers

15+ Florida Offices – Serving defendants throughout the state

Thousands of Cases Handled – Decades of combined experience

Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer – Recognized expertise

Available 24/7 – We answer when you need us most

Case Results

Charges Dismissed – Alleged victim recanted, case dropped by State Attorney

No-Contact Order Lifted – Client returned home after successful motion

Felony Reduced – Aggravated battery reduced to misdemeanor

500+ Cases – Successfully resolved throughout Florida

Consequences Beyond Court

Employment: Affects jobs in education, healthcare, and government.

Child Custody: Can severely impact custody arrangements and visitation rights.

Gun Rights: Permanent federal ban on firearm possession.

Immigration: Non-citizens face deportation and bars to citizenship.

Housing: Many landlords refuse to rent to those with DV convictions.

Related Charges

Stalking & Cyberstalking – Harassment tied to domestic situations

Child Abuse – Charges that arise when children are present

False Imprisonment – Unlawful restraint of a household member

Kidnapping – Serious felony charges in extreme domestic situations

Violation of Injunction – Criminal charge for breaching a restraining order

Ultimate Domestic Violence FAQ

No. The State Attorney decides whether to prosecute, not the victim. However, when a victim is uncooperative or recants, it significantly weakens the state’s case and we use that to fight for dismissal.
A domestic violence conviction in Florida cannot be expunged or sealed. This is a permanent record. A reduction to a non-domestic violence offense may be eligible for expungement.
Under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9)), anyone convicted of a misdemeanor or felony domestic violence offense is permanently prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. This applies nationwide.
Yes. Domestic violence convictions are considered crimes of moral turpitude and can result in deportation, denial of green cards, and inadmissibility for non-citizens.
Florida courts can issue injunctions for protection against domestic violence, repeat violence, sexual violence, dating violence, and stalking. Violating an injunction is a separate criminal offense.
Florida courts presume it is detrimental to a child to be in the custody of a parent convicted of domestic violence. Fighting the charge is critical to protecting your parental rights.
Florida has a mandatory arrest policy. If police have probable cause to believe domestic violence occurred, they must make an arrest, even if the alleged victim does not want to press charges.

Facing Domestic Violence Charges? Act Now.

Don’t face these charges alone. Call Smith & Eulo immediately. Available 24/7, free consultation, and payment plans available.

What To Do Right Now

Don’t violate the no-contact order. Even if the alleged victim contacts you first, responding can result in additional charges.

Stay silent. Do not speak to police or prosecutors without your attorney.

Document everything. Save text messages, emails, and any evidence that supports your defense.

Call us immediately. Early intervention is critical in domestic violence cases.

Related Resources

Florida Domestic Violence Laws Explained – Understanding Chapter 741

Injunctions for Protection in Florida – How restraining orders work

Domestic Violence and Child Custody – Protecting your parental rights

Domestic Violence & Immigration – Critical info for non-citizens

Gun Rights After Domestic Violence – Federal law and your rights

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