Batterers Intervention Program in Florida
What You Need to Know
If you are found guilty of or enter a plea to domestic violence (even if you’re not convicted), the Court must mandate that you participate in a Batterers Intervention Program. This is used a deterrent for repeat offenders ending back in the program.
Domestic violence cases are each unique and all have different facts. Some domestic violence cases are more egregious than others. Remember that the definition of a “battery” is “an unlawful touching with the intent to cause harm.” People can commit domestic battery for even the slightest physical contact such as:
- pushing someone out of the way;
- pointing a finger in someone’s chest; or
- knocking an object out of someone’s hands.
Each of those actions described above can be charged as domestic battery.
The batterers intervention course can be very costly. In Volusia County, cases that are handled in Daytona Beach and DeLand require a class that is 26-weeks long. If you are doing the math, that means that someone who enters a plea to Domestic Battery will be required to attend a class weekly for six-and-a-half months. This is a major undertaking when you consider your job, family, and personal activities. This class if also very costly and will cost more than $600 to attend.
Taking the batterers intervention class can be helpful to some and if you feel that this can help you in the future, then we recommend you take the class. There are, however, alternative classes that are available that can provide you with the same tools to be successful in the future that are far less costly and time consuming. Some of these classes can even be taken online when you are free to give the class your full attention.
If you find that you are in a situation where you, or someone you know, has been arrested for Domestic Battery or Domestic Violence, then we welcome your telephone call. Attorney Matt Thompson has the experience, patience, and time to discuss your case with you, discuss possible defenses and alternative ways of resolving your case that set you up for success.
Please contact our attorney directly at (386) 280-4977.
Client-Focused. RESULT-DRIVEN.
Working Closely with You To Build a Strong Case
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All Charges Dismissed Battery
The Client was working as a part time substitute teacher to help generate income to help his sick child granddaughter. While working there were children acting up and he instructed the child to stay in his seat while the others went to recess. The child claimed that the client hit him and told administration. Attorney Thompson did a public records request to obtain reports from the Department of Children and Families and noticed serious discrepancies in the child’s story. Attorney Thompson was able to p
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All Charges Reduced Aggravated Assault with a Firearm
Client was accused of shooting a shotgun over the head of two minors. Attorney Thompson did a public records request to discover that officers reported to the scene of the crime the night of the incident and spoke to the victims on the evening the alleged crime occurred and believed the victims to be intoxicated and unreliable. Attorney Thompson conducted depositions of the officers and ultimately all charges were reduced to a misdemeanor and no incarceration.
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Charge Reduced Felony Child Abuse
Attorney Thompson took over for the Defendant’s prior attorney who was unable to obtain an offer of anything other than a felony conviction. Attorney Thompson prepared a sworn Motion to Dismiss and was offered a misdemeanor with no probation or jail.
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Charges Reduced to Simple Assault Aggravated Assault with a Firearm
At the time these charges were filed, the State of Florida had a 3-year minimum mandatory for Aggravated Assault with a Firearm. Neighbors of the Client claimed that he pointed a shot gun at them and fired over their heads when they came onto his property. Police came out the following day and arrested the Client. Attorney Thompson found a CAD report where the police had investigated the crime the night of the incident and determined that there was insufficient evidence of the arrest. Attorney Thompson
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All Charges Dismissed Child Abuse Battery
The Client was entangled in a contentious divorce where her ex-husband used the criminal legal system to try to gain leverage against the Client in the family law courts. Attorney Thompson was able to provide documentation, witness statements, and a certificate of completion of a parenting class to get all charges dismissed against the client.
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No Criminal Charges Filed Public Assistance Fraud
Attorney Thompson and Client reviewed case and met with Department of Revenue investigators to explain the discrepancy. In doing so, the State determined that they would not seek criminal charges, but offered a repayment plan through non-judicial means.