If you’ve been arrested for domestic battery or served with a domestic violence injunction in Sarasota, it’s essential to act quickly. Even if no physical injury occurred, the consequences can be immediate and lasting, affecting your reputation, housing, family, employment, and future rights.
Anthony G. Ryan, P.A., is a Florida Bar Board-Certified Criminal Trial Law Attorney with over 20 years of experience defending people charged with domestic violence in Sarasota and Manatee County. He understands the stakes and builds tailored defense strategies for each client, whether it’s negotiating a dismissal or fighting the case at trial.
What Is Considered Domestic Violence in Florida?
Under Florida law (Sec. 741.28, Fla. Stat.), domestic violence includes more than just battery. It can involve a range of criminal charges when the alleged victim is a family or household member.
Acts that may qualify as domestic violence include:
- Assault or aggravated assault
- Battery or aggravated battery
- Stalking
- Kidnapping or false imprisonment
- Any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death
“Family or household members” include:
- Spouses and former spouses
- Relatives by blood or marriage
- People who live together or previously lived together
- Parents of a child in common
How Domestic Battery Is Treated Differently
There is no separate crime called “domestic battery,” but Florida law imposes harsher penalties when the offense involves someone classified as a family or household member.
Key legal consequences include:
- A mandatory one-year probation sentence
- Required completion of a state-certified Batterers’ Intervention Program
- Program lasts at least 29 weeks
- Includes 24 weekly sessions
- Must be paid for by the defendant
These penalties apply even if adjudication is withheld.
What Happens After a Domestic Violence Arrest?
You don’t need a conviction for your life to be affected. An arrest alone triggers serious court-imposed restrictions and public exposure.
Potential Consequences
- A public arrest record and booking photo
- No-contact orders—even if the alleged victim didn’t want an arrest
- Orders barring you from your home, even if you own or lease it
- Immediate restrictions on seeing your children
- Risk to your employment or professional licenses
Can Domestic Violence Charges Be Dropped?
Yes, but it’s up to the State Attorney’s Office, not the alleged victim. Even if the person involved wants to withdraw the allegation, prosecutors can still proceed.
Anthony G. Ryan may be able to:
- Speak directly with the alleged victim (when appropriate)
- File motions to modify or lift no-contact orders
- Pursue pre-trial diversion that can lead to dismissal
- Take your case to trial and pursue a not guilty verdict when warranted
Domestic Violence Injunctions in Florida
A domestic violence injunction (also called a restraining order) is a separate legal process from a criminal charge. Still, it can impact your case and your rights.
Unlike criminal cases, injunctions are civil in nature, but a permanent injunction can:
- Prevent you from returning to your residence
- Limit or eliminate contact with your children
- Require child support payments
- Order you to complete anger management or intervention programs
- Permanently strip your right to possess firearms
Should You Fight a Domestic Violence Injunction?
Yes, and time is limited. Injunction hearings are scheduled quickly, and what you say can be used against you in your criminal case. Do not go into this hearing alone.
Anthony G. Ryan may help you:
- Develop a legal defense tailored to your situation
- Negotiate a temporary injunction with automatic expiration
- Limit damaging testimony or protect your Fifth Amendment rights
- Challenge credibility issues in the alleged victim’s story
- Protect your civil liberties, including your right to own firearms
Protect Your Rights with a Board-Certified Sarasota Defense Lawyer
A domestic battery charge or injunction can derail your life even if the case is later dropped. You only get one chance to defend yourself in court—don’t leave it to chance.
Anthony G. Ryan, P.A., is Board-Certified in Criminal Trial Law by the Florida Bar, a distinction earned by fewer than 1% of Florida attorneys. He brings deep courtroom experience and a strategic approach to every case. Contact our office today.
Anthony G. Ryan, P.A., serves clients throughout Sarasota, Sarasota County, and Manatee County.