Domestic Violence

Florida Spousal Abuse and Domestic Battery Defense

Contact an experienced domestic violence attorney at Makofka & Makofka in Jacksonville for reliable advice and skilled representation on any legal problem relating to spousal abuse or domestic violence. We represent persons facing misdemeanor or felony charges of family abuse or domestic battery of a spouse or roommate, persons engaged in family court disputes with domestic violence dimensions, and persons accused of violating a domestic violence injunction.

In the criminal courts, most domestic battery or spousal abuse charges are filed as misdemeanors, except when such aggravating factors as the victim's pregnancy, repeat offenses, or great bodily harm are involved. For most first offenders, we can often manage to obtain an order withholding adjudication, which means that the charges will eventually be dismissed if you complete counseling and maintain a clean record for a year following the charge.

We also represent persons restrained or charged with violating the terms of a domestic violence injunction, which not only covers acts of assault or battery, but also stalking, harassment, intimidation, or any other unwanted contact. Domestic violence injunctions are usually granted without notice to the person charged, but after 14 days, a hearing upon proper notice must be held before the injunction can be extended. In a divorce or other family law case, we can represent either side to a charge of spousal abuse or domestic battery. For the person charged with such conduct, it is essential to present your side of the story at the hearing to extend the injunction. Otherwise, your ability to get parenting time on acceptable terms will be threatened.

Whether you are facing domestic battery charges in criminal court or you have concerns about the effect of an old domestic violence injunction on your visitation rights in a divorce case, we can help you. Contact an attorney at Makofka & Makofka for dependable advice about your situation.