Some people may think that a domestic violence charge is taken less seriously than a charge for other violent crimes and that it cannot significantly impact their future. In general, the State of Florida takes domestic violence matters seriously; at times, defendants in domestic violence cases may face a more hostile justice system than defendants who committed similar acts against strangers.
A charge of domestic violence can be a severe blow to you and your family’s future and overall well-being. If your family relies upon you to provide for them, the charge alone can significantly diminish your ability to do so. You may lose all the privileges you enjoyed before the charge against you once word gets around that you have been arrested for a domestic violence crime. You may lose out on many opportunities with a charge of domestic violence on your criminal record; from employment to housing opportunities, it can tear your family apart.
Changed Family Dynamics
If you have not had a temporary restraining order (TRO) issued against you prior to your charge, there is a good chance that the state will impose one. Approximately nine times out of ten, the prosecution will insist on a TRO regardless of whether or not the victim requests one or does not want one imposed. This means that you will be removed from your shared family home. If you are convicted of the offense, you may be forced out of your home and required to continue making payments on it while the victim stays put. The attitudes of your extended family and friends may also change as they may not be sure what to believe about your true character.
Limited Housing Opportunities
Almost every application you fill out for a place to live requires a criminal background check to be completed to determine if you will be eligible to rent the property. Even if you are looking for housing in areas that do not appear to be close to public schools and would not generally be considered “residential,” you will have limited housing opportunities even without a conviction. Violent crime charges appear on most background checks before they become convictions. Most landlords will not rent or lease to those who have a criminal record.
Missed Career Opportunities
As with housing, a charge of domestic violence will likely show up on your background check for future job opportunities. You will be limited in the types of positions you can apply for, and you will likely lose any opportunity to work in the public sector. Teaching, nursing, social service jobs and even holding public office or working with law enforcement and the fire department are generally off limits to those with violent crime charges against them. In addition, you may lose your current job if your employer decides to run a random background check.
No More Guns Upon a Conviction
A person who is convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense may also lose his or her right to own a firearm in Florida. It’s not difficult to see why a misdemeanor charge of domestic violence is such a serious charge. The sooner you work with a criminal defense lawyer, the sooner he may be able to help you avoid the worst consequences of a charge or conviction.
Contact a West Palm Beach Defense Lawyer
There are many obstacles and missed opportunities you may face if you are charged with a domestic violence offense. At The Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel, attorney Brian Gabriel works hard to have your charges dropped or reduced. For over 30 years, Mr. Gabriel has served as a West Palm Beach domestic violence attorney. Call 561-622-5575 or contact us for a free consultation.