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 Domestic Violence
Client was texting a friend when her significant other tried to grab for her phone. When the client tried to pull away, the victim claimed that he was battered and the client was arrested and brought before DCF due a child being in the house. Attorney Matt Thompson wrote a letter to the State explaining the discrepancy in evidence and claimed that the client was in fact moving away from the victim and did not intentionally try to hit the victim. All charges against the client were dismissed.
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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.
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All Charges Reduced Aggravated Battery
Attorney Thompson conducted depositions on the alleged victim and third-party witness. Attorney Thompson was able to show that the victim was harassing the Defendant and was not being truthful to the police. Attorney Thompson filed Order to Show Cause against the third-party witness for avoiding subpoena for depositions.
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All Charges Dismissed Racing on the Highway
Client was arrested after leaving a car show in a fast vehicle. Officers suspected the client of racing another vehicle and police officers pulled him over, drug him out of his vehicle, and arrested him for both racing on the highway and resisting an officer without violence. Upon review of the body camera video, Attorney Matt Thompson raised an excessive use of force complaint against the arresting officer. All charges against the client were dismissed.
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Charges Reduced Aggravated Battery on Law Enforcement Officer
Attorney Thompson provided the State with an extensive mitigation packet outlining the Defendant’s military service record and disability based on PTSD. Defendant was offered a minor jail sanction (60) days followed by probation in lieu of a 5-year minimum prison sentence as was originally offered by the State.
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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