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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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 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 Dismissed Sexual Battery & Domestic Battery
Mr. Thompson took depositions of the victim showing that the victim was not truthful with police when she provided her statement as to what happened. Confronted victim with social media posts, bank records, and telephone records to show that she was not in the places that she stated she was during the time the alleged crime took place. Case 1 was dismissed and the Defendant pled to Case 2 and received two (2) years of prison and credit for fifteen (15) months in prison.
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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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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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All Charges Dismissed Domestic Battery
Defendant was trapped inside car where her boyfriend was acting aggressive. Defendant had to take legal action against the victim to remove him from vehicle. Attorney Thompson sent letter to State early in the case to outline defenses and mitigation and all charges were dismissed prior to filing.