Jacksonville Domestic Violence Attorney

Call Now for Defense Against Domestic Violence Accusations

Being accused of domestic violence should be seen as a “legal emergency.” Long before a case reaches a courtroom, an allegation alone can trigger arrest, removal from your home, no-contact orders, firearm prohibitions, and damage to your reputation, career, and family relationships. Even if charges are never formally filed, the consequences can begin the moment law enforcement becomes involved, which is why you have to move fast to defend yourself.

At Owenby Law, P.A., we understand that domestic violence cases are among the most high-stakes matters in the criminal justice system. These cases move fast, emotions run high, and the legal consequences extend far beyond criminal court. With more than 20 years of legal experience, thousands of cases handled, and a team-based defense model, we can act immediately and confidently to protect your rights, your record, and your future.

Speak with our Jacksonville domestic violence defense lawyers by calling (904) 770-3141 or submitting an online contact form now.

Why Owenby Law, P.A. Is Different for Domestic Violence Defense

Domestic violence cases require more than basic criminal defense representation. They require strategic coordination across multiple courts and legal systems to protect multiple parts of your life from potential consequences. Our approach anticipates the many angles and complications of these cases, such as escalation, and responds decisively.

Clients choose Owenby Law, P.A. because we offer:

• A true team defense model
• Former prosecutor's insight into charging decisions and negotiation tactics
• Full-service law firm capable of handling related family court and injunction matters
• Familiarity with Jacksonville and Duval County courts, judges, and prosecutors
• Trial-ready defense when allegations cannot be resolved early

How the Law Defines Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is defined as any “assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any criminal offense resulting in the physical injury or death of one family or household member by another family or household member.”

Family or household members may include:

• Spouses and former spouses
• People related by marriage or blood
• People who reside together like a family
• People who are parents of a child in common

Dual-Front Defense Strategy: Criminal Court & Family Court

Domestic violence cases rarely exist in a single courtroom. One allegation can generate multiple legal proceedings that can span both criminal courtrooms and family law courtrooms. At Owenby Law, P.A., we have the experience and knowledge needed to take care of cases in both. 

• Criminal case for domestic violence: In criminal court, the State may pursue misdemeanor or felony domestic violence charges. Convictions can result in jail or prison time, probation, mandatory counseling, and permanent criminal records.
• Injunctions and family court proceedings for domestic violence: Separately, the alleged victim may seek a domestic violence injunction (restraining order) through the family court. Injunction hearings often occur within days of the arrest and can impose long-term restrictions even without a criminal conviction.

Because our firm handles both criminal defense and family law matters, we can coordinate strategy across both systems. Statements, evidence, and outcomes in one case can directly affect the other. A fragmented defense creates unnecessary risk of oversight, so let us take care of everything for you.

What Happens After a Domestic Violence Arrest in Jacksonville

If you are accused of domestic violence in Jacksonville, the following are likely to occur:

• Mandatory arrests: In most domestic violence calls, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office officers make an arrest if they believe probable cause exists. Probable cause is not difficult to establish, so an arrest is very likely.
• Immediate bond conditions: Judges often impose no-contact orders at first appearance, even when both parties object to them. This decision is meant to be a way to be cautious, but it can mostly feel overly harsh.
• Rapid injunction hearings: Temporary injunctions may be issued quickly, with final hearings scheduled soon after.

The early stages of a domestic violence case can shape the entire case. Early legal intervention may allow us to challenge conditions, preserve evidence, and prepare for injunction hearings before damaging rulings become permanent.

Penalties for Domestic Violence in Florida

Many domestic violence charges start as misdemeanors, but it is possible to escalate to a felony or bring related felony charges. If you have a previous criminal history or are a police officer or member of the military, then a conviction of domestic violence could end your career.

Even at its lowest levels, penalties for domestic violence misdemeanor charges can include:

• 12-month probation period
• 5 days in jail (if you are found guilty and bodily injury is involved)
• A no-contact order may be imposed
• Additional community service or community control hours
• Mandatory 26-week Batterer’s Intervention Program

Serious Collateral Consequences of Domestic Violence Allegations

Domestic violence cases carry consequences that extend far beyond sentencing. If you want to defend yourself as much as you can, you should work with a legal team that knows about these additional consequences and what can be done to stand against them. With our various backgrounds and collective legal knowledge, our team is ready to shield you however we can from any consequences of a domestic violence accusation, including those that aren’t directly from the criminal justice system.

Penalties and consequences of domestic violence allegations in Florida can include:

• Firearm prohibitions: Federal and state laws can prohibit firearm possession following domestic violence convictions and, in some cases, while injunctions are in place.
• No expungement or sealing: Domestic violence convictions are generally not eligible for expungement or record sealing in Florida, creating permanent public records.
• Military and law enforcement career damage: Domestic violence allegations and convictions can end careers in the military, law enforcement, and security-related professions due to firearm restrictions and moral character standards.
• Professional licensing: Healthcare providers, educators, contractors, and licensed professionals may face disciplinary action or license suspension.
• Immigration consequences: Non-citizens may face deportation risks or immigration status complications following domestic violence convictions.
• Child Custody and family court fallout: Domestic violence findings can significantly affect custody, timesharing, and parental rights in family court proceedings.

False Accusations in Domestic Violence Cases

False or exaggerated accusations of domestic violence occur for many reasons, including relationship conflict, custody disputes, or attempts to gain leverage in family court. Do you think that you were accused for untruthful reasons? Let us know, and we can see how to integrate any information or evidence into your defense. We approach every domestic violence case with a litigation mindset, preparing from the outset as if the case will proceed to trial.

Potential evidence of false statements made against you could include:

• Text messages, emails, and call logs
• Surveillance or body camera footage
• Medical records and injury analysis
• Witness testimony
• Prior inconsistent statements

Strategic Defense Tools We Can Use

Every domestic violence case is different, which means the defense strategy for your case needs to be unique. By examining the details of the accusation and available evidence, we can begin to prepare a defense that protects you at every step along the way.

Defense strategies that might work for your case include:

• Motions to suppress unlawfully obtained statements or evidence
• Credibility challenges based on inconsistencies or motive
• Arrest legality challenges when probable cause is lacking
• Aggressive trial preparation when allegations cannot be resolved

Speak With a Jacksonville Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer Immediately

Domestic violence allegations move fast, and delays can cause serious harm to your case and potential defense options. Talk to a member of Owenby Law, P.A. right now. We are always ready to hear from new and returning clients who need our help.

Contact us online or call (904) 770-3141 without delay.