Domestic Violence Attorney in Manatee County

Supportive Guidance When You Need It Most

When you face a domestic violence charge in Manatee County, you deserve legal guidance and support you can trust. At Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, PA, our domestic violence attorneys in Manatee County approach each case with respect and attention to detail. 

We move quickly to understand your situation, review the evidence, and guide you through every step. Our experienced team helps you navigate the legal system so you know your options and your rights. We focus on protecting your reputation, your future, and your freedom.

Our firm offers free consultations and 24/7 availability to provide immediate legal intervention. When you need a skilled Manatee County domestic violence lawyer, choose the insight of a former prosecutor. Contact us online or call (941) 541-5335 right now.

Understanding Domestic Violence Laws in Florida

Florida law does not define "domestic violence" as a single specific crime but rather as a special classification applied to a wide range of underlying criminal offenses. According to Florida Statute § 741.28(2), any criminal offense that results in physical injury or death of one family or household member by another qualifies as a domestic violence offense. This classification significantly enhances the penalties and mandatory sentencing requirements.

The Two Core Elements the Prosecution Must Prove

To successfully prosecute a domestic violence case in Manatee County, FL, the State must prove both a prohibited action and a qualifying relationship:

• Prohibited Action (The Underlying Crime): The act must fall under a legally defined criminal offense. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Assault (Intentional threat of violence).
  • Battery (Actual and intentional touching or striking against the will of the other person).
  • Aggravated Assault or Aggravated Battery (Adding a deadly weapon or serious bodily injury).
  • Stalking, Kidnapping, or False Imprisonment.
• Qualifying Relationship (Family or Household Member): The offense must be committed against a person who is or was a:
  • Spouse or former spouse.
  • Person related by blood or marriage.
  • Person who is/was residing together as a family in the same dwelling unit (with the exception of co-parents).
  • Parents of a child in common, regardless of whether they have ever been married or resided together.

A successful defense often starts by challenging whether the relationship meets the strict statutory definition of domestic violence cases, or by challenging the criminal intent of the underlying action.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction in Florida

The penalties for a domestic violence conviction are uniquely severe and go far beyond standard sentencing for the underlying offense.

Direct Statutory Penalties

The severity of the penalty depends on the underlying charge (misdemeanor battery vs. felony battery), but all domestic violence convictions carry mandatory minimums:

• Mandatory Minimum Jail Time: Florida Statute § 741.283 mandates a minimum of 10 days in the county jail for a first-time conviction, which increases for repeat offenses or if the crime occurred in the presence of a child under 16.
• Mandatory Probation and Counseling: A conviction requires a mandatory period of probation and the completion of a 26-week Batterer's Intervention Program (BIP), which is costly, lengthy, and intensive.
• Maximum Penalties: Even a first-degree misdemeanor domestic battery charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Felony-level charges (e.g., Aggravated Battery) carry up to 5, 15, or even 30 years in state prison.

Permanent Collateral Consequences

The long-term impact of a Manatee County domestic violence lawyer conviction is often more devastating than the jail time:

• Permanent Loss of Firearm Rights: Federal law (the Lautenberg Amendment) permanently prohibits anyone convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence from possessing or purchasing firearms or ammunition for life. This consequence is irreversible and can end careers in law enforcement, military, or security.
• Ineligibility for Sealing or Expungement: Unlike many other offenses, Florida law prohibits the sealing or expungement of a domestic violence record, even if adjudication is withheld. The charge remains on your record forever.
• Child Custody and Time-Sharing Impact: A conviction creates a rebuttable presumption in family court that it is detrimental to the child for the convicted parent to have shared parental responsibility or unsupervised time-sharing, placing your relationship with your children at risk.
• Immigration Consequences: For non-U.S. citizens, a domestic violence conviction can trigger deportation proceedings, as it is considered a crime involving moral turpitude.

The Florida Criminal Defense Process for Domestic Violence Charges

From the moment of arrest in Manatee County, FL, the process moves quickly, and every phase requires the tactical insight of a former prosecutor.

1. Arrest and Initial Appearance: An arrest for domestic violence in Manatee County, FL typically results in a mandatory no-bond hold until your First Appearance hearing (usually within 24 hours). At this hearing, the judge sets bail and issues a No-Contact Order. We attend this hearing immediately to argue for reasonable bond terms and begin the process of challenging the No-Contact Order.
2. Filing Motions to Modify and Suppress: We file motions to modify the No-Contact Order, especially where the alleged victim expresses a wish to drop charges. Concurrently, we begin filing motions to suppress any illegally obtained evidence, such as statements made without a Miranda warning or physical evidence obtained through an illegal search.
3. Pre-Trial Negotiations and Diversion: Our firm leverages the weaknesses we identify in the State's case to negotiate favorable outcomes. This may include seeking entry into a Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) or Diversion Program, which, upon successful completion, results in the charges being dismissed, avoiding the mandatory penalties of a conviction.
4. Trial Readiness: If the State refuses a favorable resolution, we are prepared for trial. We meticulously prepare to cross-examine law enforcement and the alleged victim, focusing on inconsistencies, bias, or the lack of criminal intent. A domestic violence attorney in Manatee County must be ready to defend your rights vigorously in the courtroom.

Your Local Criminal Defense Team Serving Manatee County

Clients choose us for honest communication and personalized service. Our background as former prosecutors gives our domestic violence lawyers valuable insight into both sides of the law, helping us defend your case from every angle. 

We know the local Manatee County legal system well and use that knowledge to prepare your defense in a timely, thorough manner. We stay current with Florida law, maintain active roles in state bar associations, and remain committed to supporting you in negotiations and in the courtroom.

We approach each case with respect for your privacy. We understand that your job, family, and relationships may all feel the impact of a criminal case, so we communicate openly about what to expect throughout the process. Our extensive experience handling cases in Manatee County—from initial arrest through court proceedings—means we can offer practical advice at every stage and help you feel in control of your legal journey.

How Our Domestic Violence Lawyers in Manatee County Can Help

If you or someone you care about faces a domestic violence charge, the stress and uncertainty can feel overwhelming. Our domestic violence attorneys in Manatee County work to reduce your anxiety by providing steady guidance and support throughout your case. We help you understand the legal process and what you can expect from each phase.

• Carefully reviewing the facts: We dig into every detail, spotting procedural errors, improper law enforcement conduct, and any weaknesses in the case.
• Personalizing your defense: Every situation is different. We develop a plan that fits your circumstances, not a standard template.
• Explaining your rights and choices: We answer your questions and outline steps you can take to protect yourself, both now and in the future.
• Handling prosecutor negotiations: We know the local prosecutors in Manatee County and draw from our litigation experience to seek fair outcomes through negotiation, when available.
• Standing by you in court: If your case proceeds, we prepare you for what to expect and stand beside you at each court appearance.

We also recognize how the stress of these cases can impact families and relationships, so we keep you informed throughout the process. Open lines of communication are essential, especially when laws or court orders may limit contact with those involved in the case. We tailor our updates and advice to each phase, from pre-trial meetings to any final hearing or resolution, so you always know your next steps and have someone to turn to for reliable guidance.

Contact Our Manatee County Domestic Violence Attorneys

When you face a domestic violence charge, you do not have to go through it alone. Reach out to Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, PA today for a confidential consultation with a knowledgeable domestic violence attorney in Manatee County. You will receive clear answers, direct feedback, and practical strategies for your needs. Our team dedicates itself to supporting you and protecting your future throughout the legal process.

Call us now at (941) 541-5335 or reach out online to get started.