Panama City Domestic Violence Battery Lawyers – Dana Morris & Chelsea Stewart
Criminal Defense Attorneys for Domestic Violence & Battery Charges | Free Consultation
Are you facing domestic violence charges, either wrongfully accused or otherwise? You need help from an experienced domestic violence defense attorney in Panama City, Florida who understands how these cases are prosecuted locally.
The State of Florida takes acts of domestic violence very seriously, and punishes offenders accordingly. Due to the serious penalties that are associated with a Florida domestic violence charge, it is imperative that anyone accused of domestic violence related charges retain a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to obtain the best possible legal defense.
Attorneys Dana Morris and Chelsea Stewart defend clients accused of domestic violence throughout Panama City, Bay County, and surrounding areas of Northwest Florida. Call (850) 257-5680 now for a free case evaluation.
A domestic violence battery charge in Florida is a first-degree misdemeanor that can result in jail time, probation, mandatory counseling, and a permanent criminal record if not successfully defended.
Under Florida law, domestic violence battery generally involves an alleged battery against a family or household member. Under Section 741.28, Florida Statutes, the term ‘family or household member’ may include the following:
- Wives and husbands
- Ex-wives and ex-husbands
- Individuals related by blood or marriage
- Persons currently living together as a family
- Persons who have lived together as if a family in the past
- Persons who have a child in common (regardless of prior marriage)
The statute specifically requires that the family or household members must be currently residing, or have in the past resided together, in the same single dwelling unit. The only exception is for persons who have a child in common.
What Happens After a Domestic Violence Battery Arrest in Bay County, Florida?
After an arrest for domestic violence battery, an accused individual may face jail, probation, mandatory counseling, no-contact orders, and long-term criminal consequences. Domestic battery is a first-degree misdemeanor, carrying penalties that may include:
- Up to 12 months in jail
- Up to 12 months of probation
- A $1,000 fine
In addition, Florida law mandates further penalties under Chapter 741, Florida Statutes, which may include:
- Completion of a 26-week Batterer’s Intervention Program (BIP)
- Mandatory probation
- Minimum 5-day jail sentence if bodily injury is found and adjudication occurs (Section 741.283)
- Community service
- Loss of civil rights
- Issuance of an injunction or no-contact order
As a result, it is in the best interest of anyone accused of domestic violence battery to retain a Panama City domestic violence defense lawyer immediately. Our attorneys regularly appear in Bay County courts and understand how local prosecutors and judges handle domestic violence cases.
If you are searching for a domestic violence battery lawyer near you in Panama City, Florida, we offer free consultations.
Can I Expunge or Seal My Record After a Domestic Violence Battery Charge?
Generally, no. Florida law severely restricts the ability to seal or expunge domestic violence–related offenses (Section 741.28, Florida Statutes). Most domestic violence battery convictions in Florida, even those where adjudication is withheld, are not eligible for expungement or sealing.
Because of these strict limitations, decisions about pleas or case resolution should never be made without first consulting an experienced domestic violence defense attorney.
If you are facing a domestic violence battery charge in Panama City or Bay County, it is critical to speak with an experienced Florida domestic violence defense attorney before making any decisions. The attorneys at The Morris Law Firm can thoroughly review your case, explain your legal options, and work to protect your rights. Call us today at (850) 257-5680 for a free consultation.
What Are the Common Defenses to a Domestic Violence Battery Charge in Panama City, Florida?
Many domestic violence battery cases can be challenged based on credibility issues, lack of evidence, or lawful self-defense.
In Florida, there are a number of reasons that domestic violence battery can often be defended. This is the reason that the decision to plead should not be made without a criminal defense lawyer thoroughly reviewing your case and considering all of your legal options. Some of the most common defense strategies of domestic violence related charges are:
- False or exaggerated accusations, falsely accused
- Accidental contact or lack of intent
- Conflicting accounts of the incident
- Absence of injuries
- Consensual confrontation or mutual combat
- Battery allegations not corroborated by other evidence
- Biased or unreliable witness or victim
- Self-defense
- Defense of others
- Defense of property
- Florida Stand Your Ground Immunity (when supported by the evidence)
Contact a Panama City Criminal Defense Attorney at The Morris Law Firm Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation
Time is of the essence. Domestic battery charges are best addressed at the earliest stages of the case, before formal charges are filed. Should the victim wish to approach the client’s attorney, a criminal defense attorney, once retained, can have the victim prepare a statement indicating a declination to prosecute. The criminal defense attorney can also explain to the victim the process of completing drop charge affidavits at the State Attorney’s Office.
Call now for a free case evaluation (850) 257-5680. Same-day appointments available.
It is important to remember that the decision to prosecute rests exclusively with the Office of the State Attorney. A victim’s input is often considered, but is in no way definitive. People who are accused of domestic violence battery are often subject to significant legal penalties. Our attorneys regularly appear in Bay County courts in Panama City, Florida, and are familiar with local prosecutors, judges, and domestic violence procedures.
Florida lawyer Dana Morris has more than 25 years experience as an attorney and fights hard to protect his clients’ legal rights. Attorney Chelsea Stewart is an experienced criminal defense attorney who is dedicated and knowledgeable. These criminal defense attorneys work hard where cases often require thorough preparation, strategic thinking, and tireless advocacy on behalf of clients.
Former prosecutors, Dana Morris and Chelsea Stewart are experienced Bay County domestic violence defense attorneys. Together, they have defended hundreds of domestic violence cases throughout Northwest Florida, including Panama City and Panama City Beach.
To schedule a free consultation, please call The Morris Law Firm today at (850) 257-5680 or send us a message 24/7 through our online contact form.
We also have a Spanish translator available for those seeking a Spanish-speaking criminal defense attorney (abogado de defensa criminal / abogado criminalista) on your defense team.
We represent clients charged with domestic violence battery throughout Bay County and surrounding Northwest Florida communities, including:
- Panama City
- Panama City Beach
- Lynn Haven
- Callaway
- Springfield
- Parker
- Millville
- Youngstown
- Marianna
- Bonifay
- Chipley
