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 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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Deferred Prosecution Agreement Loitering and Prowling
Client became disoriented due to a medical condition and entered a car that did not belong to him, but looked just like his car. Attorney Thompson provided mitigation to the State concerning the Defendant’s medical issues and ensured the client would be offered a Deferred Prosecution Agreement by the State wherein all charges would be dismissed upon completion.
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All Charges Dismissed Robbery
Attorney Thompson met with the Client soon after his arrest. It was clear that the person who was in the vehicle with the Client was the person guilty of committing the robbery and that the Client was more of a bystander. Attorney Thompson provided information to the State Attorney’s Office to separate the Client from the co-defendant. The information provided to the State resulted in all charges against the Defendant being dismissed.
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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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No Charges Filed and Prevented Arrest Grand Theft
Client was caring for her special needs sister. While caring for her she received advice from bank personnel to place her sister’s Disability Checks into a bank account in the Client’s name to avoid other family members from stealing money. Once the family members discovered this they called the police to investigate the Client. Attorney Thompson put together documentation showing how the money was being spent and met with police to further explain the situation. The police determined that there was no
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Charges Reduced Domestic Battery
Attorney Thompson provided a letter outlining defenses in case. State reviewed letter and spoke to the witnesses and offered to reduce the charges to a non-violent disorderly conduct with no jail and no probation.