Domestic Violence Charges in Clearwater: What Happens After an Arrest and How to Protect Yourself

If you get charged or even accused of domestic assault and battery in Clearwater, the impact on your life can be significant. Your freedom, your home, your relationships, and your future employment may all be on the line. Our experienced Clearwater domestic battery attorney explains what to expect after your arrest and steps you can take to protect your rights.

Consequences of a Domestic Violence Arrest in Pinellas County

Under Section 741.29 of the Florida Statutes, law enforcement officers who respond to a domestic assault or battery call have the authority to arrest you without a warrant. An arrest does not require the alleged victim’s consent, and they can’t simply ask that charges be dropped to stop the process.

Once in custody, you remain in jail until your first court appearance. Before setting any bail, the state attorney’s office reviews your criminal history and the court considers victim safety. Consequences that can take effect immediately after a Pinellas County domestic violence arrest include:

• Removal from your home, even if you own or lease the property.
• Surrender of any firearms you legally possess, as required under Florida law.
• A temporary injunction prevents you from seeing your child.
• A no-contact order that remains in place throughout the case, regardless of whether the alleged victim wants contact to resume.

Violating any condition of pretrial release in a domestic violence case is a first-degree misdemeanor under Florida law and will result in immediate return to custody.

How to Protect Yourself After a Clearwater Domestic Violence Arrest

The Florida Department of Children and Families reports that more than 100,000 domestic violence crimes are reported to Florida law enforcement annually, resulting in tens of thousands of arrests statewide each year. The actions you take in the days after can directly impact the outcome of your criminal case.

To protect yourself after a domestic violence arrest in Pinellas County:

• Exercise your right to remain silent and do not discuss what happened with the police, the alleged victim, or anyone else until you get legal help.
• Comply with all no-contact and pretrial release conditions, even if the other party initiates contact with you.
• Document everything you can from the time of the arrest, including any communications, witnesses, or circumstances that support your account of events.
• Avoid posting anything about the incident or your case on social media, as it can be used against you in court.

Contact an experienced Clearwater criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The earlier you have legal representation, the better positioned you are to challenge the evidence and build a strong defense.

Consult Our Experienced Clearwater Domestic Battery Attorney

A domestic violence charge in Clearwater is a serious matter that requires experienced, highly skilled legal representation from the start. At The Reep Law Firm, our Clearwater domestic battery attorney provides the strong legal defense you need to protect yourself in court. Call or contact our office online today to request a consultation.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0741/Sections/0741.29.html

myflfamilies.com/services/abuse/domestic-violence/resources/domestic-violence-statistics/

flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2018/741.28