Domestic Violence Battery in Florida
In the state of Florida domestic violence battery is defined as hitting, punching, striking, or simply touching a spouse, domestic partner, or family member without their permission.
Unfortunately, domestic violence is a very common occurrence in the U.S. and in Florida, and domestic violence battery is the most common of all the different types of domestic violence, however, there are other crimes that are common including “domestic violence battery by strangulation”, “aggravated assault”, aggravated battery” and of course, “murder”.
Common Types of Domestic Violence
Domestic Strangulation
Domestic strangulation is one of the most dangerous forms of abuse, often used as a tool for power and control. It involves choking or restricting a partner’s breathing and may leave few visible marks, making it dangerously easy to overlook. However, its effects can be severe—both physically and psychologically.
Victims may display bruising, hoarseness, red spots in the eyes, or breathing difficulties. Yet, even in the absence of these, strangulation can cause internal injuries, brain damage, and emotional trauma such as PTSD and anxiety. Recognizing these symptoms is vital for early intervention and safety.
Domestic strangulation is also a red flag for escalating violence and is a strong predictor of future lethal outcomes. Understanding relationship warning signs—such as extreme jealousy, isolation, and rapid commitment—can help prevent abuse before it escalates.
Immediate medical attention is critical. Even if injuries seem minor, documentation can be essential in court. Law enforcement and healthcare providers must be trained to identify and respond appropriately to signs of strangulation.
Criminal defense lawyers play a key role in both representing the accused and helping victims navigate restraining orders and legal proceedings. Victims are also encouraged to seek help from hotlines, shelters, legal aid, and support groups.
Raising public awareness is crucial. Education empowers communities to recognize abuse and support victims. By identifying the warning signs and promoting early intervention, we can prevent serious harm and potentially save lives.
Most state attorneys have special units or assigned prosecutors that specialize in domestic violence cases, since the legislature aims to treat domestic violence cases as criminal acts rather than private matters; this is why it is extremely important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to help you craft a defense strategy suited to your specific situation. In addition, it is necessarily for the defendant to be extremely honest with the criminal defense attorney, since the State Attorney’s office will look at the accused’s criminal history, including prior arrests for domestic violence and non-domestic violence charges, prior injections for protection against domestic and so forth. It is also important to note that when the accused is arrested for domestic violence, they will be in custody until brought before the court for admittance to bail. When determining bail, the court will take into consideration the safety of the alleged victim and the victim’s children, and anyone else who the court deems to be in danger, this is why you need to arm yourself with a competent and experienced criminal defense attorney such as the attorneys at Smith & Eulo Law Firm.
Contact us today for a free consultation, our criminal defense attorneys have over 20 years of combined experience successfully litigating domestic violence cases. We also offer payment plans.
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