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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Charges Reduced Sale and Possession of Heroin
Defendant entered a treatment facility while case was pending. Attorney Thompson provided progress reports of all of her progress during her stay to show improvement. State agreed to amend all charges to simple possession and the Defendant was sentenced into Drug Court.
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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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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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Penalties Reduced Grand Theft, Fleeing, Possession of a Fictitious Driver’s License
Attorney Matt Thompson, through depositions and litigation was able to show that officers did not act according to the warrant by picking up the client immediately upon sight. The charge of Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement, which carries a mandatory felony conviction, was dismissed by the State and the client was offered probation and no felony conviction.
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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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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.