Clearwater Domestic Violence Attorney
Trapped in a violent relationship? You have options.
When you’re a victim of domestic violence, it might feel like you’re completely on your own. Like there’s no one you can turn to for help. You can’t even feel safe in your own home.
Dean Tsourakis can help. As a domestic violence attorney in Clearwater, FL with extensive experience in Family and Criminal Law, he knows how to get abusers off the street and keep them off. He’s worked with many people to help them feel safe and get legal protection from spouses, partners, and other abusers.
You do not have to stay in a violent relationship. Domestic violence is against the law, and there are Florida Statutes that are on the books that were written and enacted to protect you — and serve to stop the violent relationship from getting even worse.
Florida domestic violence law
You are protected by Florida Statutes Sections 741.28-741.31 and Florida Statutes Section 784.046. Depending on the circumstances, the court can demand an abuser to serve time in the county jail and/or serve a period of imprisonment in state prison if convicted. These state laws can also give individuals probation or community service.
If the person committing the abuse is convicted of assault or assault and battery or similar charge, they could receive:
- Misdemeanors — range from a maximum of sixty days to one year
- Third-degree felony — can result in imprisonment lasting up to five years
- Second-degree felony — can lead to imprisonment for up to fifteen years
The penalties are broad and are dependent upon the particular situation, but if you hire an experienced domestic violence lawyer, this will help to hold offenders accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
What constitutes domestic violence?
The biggest thing to know is that you are not alone. In the United States, a woman is assaulted or beaten in a domestic violence situation every 9 seconds. It is not you, and it is never your fault.
The U.S. Department of Justice has intentionally created a broad definition of the term for your protection and to help take as many abusers off the street as possible.
“A pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound someone.”
If any of the above circumstances apply to your situation (or someone you know), it is important to contact a domestic violence defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help stop the cycle of violence and help you start living a life free from the abuse.
It affects the entire family
What happens in the home affects the entire family. Even if you feel like your spouse or partner wouldn’t harm your children, they are still greatly influenced by domestic violence in the household. It takes a real emotional toll on them too and can make an impact on them for their whole life.
Even if the offender hasn’t directly abused your child or children so far, that doesn’t mean that it won’t happen in the future. Consulting with a domestic violence lawyer can help parents and their child or children out of abuse and into safety.
What happens when I hire a domestic violence lawyer?
This process begins during the Bond Hearing on the criminal charge where we can coordinate the Hearing and bring in witnesses who will support your case with the goal of convincing the Judge to deny bond. This Bond Hearing is separate and apart from the Domestic Violence Injunction (also called a Restraining Order) Hearing where the Judge rules on whether or not to grant the Injunction.
Restraining Orders serve not only to provide you with legal protection from your abuser, but they can also give you a tactical advantage in any upcoming Divorce or Custody proceedings. The Restraining Order not only protects you and your children now but can also help protect the whole family in the future. The courts will consider all evidence when it comes to a divorce and child custody — and a Restraining Order is a legal, verified document of a violent history.
Take the first step and contact a criminal defense attorney
Any relationship marred by Domestic Violence is a dangerous situation. No one should ever have to deal with the emotional and physical harm of abuse. Don’t wait any longer and take the first step.
If you are experiencing abuse in the home, don’t wonder whether it fits the domestic violence description. Seek assistance from a Clearwater Criminal Defense Attorney. Contact Dean G. Tsourakis today at 727-785-2700. You can also fill out the quick contact form on this page to set up an appointment. The consultation is free and confidential.
With 26 years of experience as a prosecutor for the State Attorney’s Office, Dean understands the intricacies of domestic violence cases. He can help you free yourself from a violent and abusive environment. Our law office is located in Clearwater, Florida (just off US 19), and is an easy commute from Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties.
on 05.28.2014