If you’ve been arrested for domestic violence in West Palm Beach or surrounding areas, the consequences can be devastating jail time, fines, protective orders, and a permanent criminal record. At Russo Law & Advocacy, Dominique Russo provides aggressive defense as a dedicated domestic violence attorney serving clients across Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties. We challenge false allegations, protect your rights, and fight to keep your record clean.
Why You Need a Dedicated Domestic Violence Attorney in Florida
Domestic violence cases move swiftly through Florida’s courts, and the immediate consequences are severe. Attempting to navigate this system without an experienced Florida domestic violence attorney puts your future at risk. You could face:
- Immediate no-contact orders that separate you from your home and family.
- Automatic arrest policies that can lead to mandatory jail time.
- Loss of your firearm rights, which can occur even without a conviction.
- Irreparable damage to your reputation, career, and personal relationships.
Attorney Dominique Russo intervenes immediately to protect your rights from the very moment of your arrest, working to mitigate these devastating consequences from the start.
Florida Domestic Violence Laws & Immediate Consequences
Under Florida Statute § 741.28, domestic violence includes assault, battery, stalking, or any criminal offense causing physical harm. Florida’s mandatory arrest policies mean officers must arrest if they find probable cause, often without thorough investigation. A skilled Florida domestic violence lawyer knows how to challenge these rushed determinations early.
The Palm Beach County Domestic Violence Court Process
Facing domestic violence charges means navigating a complex legal system. Attorney Dominique Russo will be your personal guide and aggressive advocate through each critical step of your defense, including:
- First Appearance Hearing (Within 24 hours of arrest – we protect your rights from the start)
- Arraignment (Where we strategically enter your plea on your behalf)
- Discovery Phase (Where Attorney Russo obtains and meticulously scrutinizes all evidence against you)
- Pretrial Motions (Filing legal challenges to weaken or dismiss the prosecution’s case)
- Trial or Resolution (Fighting tirelessly for a dismissal or the most favorable outcome possible)
Domestic Violence Defense Strategies We Use
Challenging False Allegations in Palm Beach County
Many domestic violence cases in Florida involve fabricated claims during:
- Divorce or custody battles
- Financial disputes
- Emotional retaliation
We subpoena text messages, emails, and witness testimony to expose the truth.
Self-Defense Under Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law
Under Florida Statute § 776.012, you have no duty to retreat if you reasonably fear imminent harm. We gather evidence showing:
- Previous violent behavior by the accuser
- Injuries you sustained
- Witnesses who observed aggressive behavior
How to Drop Charges for Domestic Violence in Florida
While victims cannot unilaterally drop charges, our domestic violence defense lawyers persuade prosecutors to dismiss cases by:
- Showing inconsistencies in the accuser’s story
- Proving lack of physical evidence
- Demonstrating improper police procedures
We answer the common question ‘how often do domestic violence charges get dropped?’ with action, not just statistics.
Penalties for Domestic Violence Convictions in Florida
A conviction brings severe consequences:
| Offense | Classification | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Domestic Battery | 1st-degree misdemeanor | 1 year jail, $1,000 fine |
| Aggravated Domestic Battery | 2nd/3rd-degree felony | 15 years prison |
| Violation of Protection Order | 1st-degree misdemeanor | 1 year jail |
Additional consequences include:
- Mandatory 26-week batterers’ intervention program
- Loss of firearm rights permanently
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
- Child custody and visitation restrictions
Why Choose Our Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers
Unlike general criminal attorneys, our domestic assault lawyer team specializes in:
- Former private investigator’s insight into evidence collection and case scrutiny
- 24/7 availability for arrests and emergencies
- Local relationships with Palm Beach County judges and prosecutors
- Bilingual representation (English/Spanish)
- Proven track record of dismissals and reductions
Domestic Violence Defense FAQs
Can I see my family while my case is pending?
Often no, Florida courts issue automatic no-contact orders. We file motions for supervised visitation or communication exceptions when appropriate.
What if the victim wants to drop the charges?
Prosecutors often proceed regardless. Our attorney for domestic violence case presents evidence showing why dismissal serves justice.
How long do domestic violence cases take?
Typically 3-12 months, but we seek early dismissal whenever possible to minimize disruption to your life.
Contact Our West Palm Beach Domestic Violence Attorney
Don’t let a domestic violence allegation destroy your life, call Russo Law & Advocacy 24/7 at (305) 209-5301 for a free consultation. Serving all South Florida including:
📍 Palm Beach County: West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Jupiter, Delray Beach
📍 Broward County: Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines
📍 Miami-Dade County: Miami, Coral Gables, Hialeah
“Your first call after arrest should be to your defense. We answer 24/7.”
