In the state of Florida, domestic violence accusations are taken very seriously. Domestic violence is a form of abusive behavior in a relationship where one partner seeks control over the other through various harmful actions. Unfortunately, individuals may be wrongfully accused of domestic violence, which can negatively impact their life. Fortunately for those wrongfully accused, there are serious legal consequences for making a false accusation of domestic violence. If you have been wrongfully accused of domestic violence, contact a trusted Pensacola Domestic Violence Lawyer who can help you clear your name. Please continue reading to learn about the potential penalties for false domestic abuse accusations.
What is the penalty for a false accusation of domestic abuse in Florida?
In Florida, it is a criminal offense for an individual to knowingly and intentionally provide law enforcement with false information in a police report regarding the commission of a crime while knowing that no such crime has occurred. That said, if you make a false accusation regarding domestic violence, you will likely be charged with a misdemeanor offense that carries harsh penalties, including hefty fines and up to 1 year of incarceration.
What should I do if I have been falsely accused?
Although being wrongfully accused of a crime, especially as heinous as domestic violence, is scary, it is imperative to remain calm. Do not resist arrest. It is critical to invoke your constitutional rights. You have the right to remain silent and speak to an attorney. As mentioned above, domestic violence accusations are taken very seriously. That said, even though you are innocent does not mean that you have nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, more often than not, during police interrogations, you may want to say things to clear up misunderstandings. However, if you do not have a good relationship with your partner, it can make you seem guilty. To protect yourself from saying anything that could be used against you, refrain from speaking to the police until you’ve talked to an attorney.
If you are released on bail, staying far away from the individual who has made the accusation is crucial. If you try and work things out, your accuser can use this as evidence to make you look guiltier. Leave any communications between you and your accuser to your lawyer to avoid misgivings. If the court issues a restraining order, you must abide by it, or it will lead to severe consequences.
To clear your name, it is in your best interest to retain the legal services of an experienced lawyer who can help you collect hard evidence proving that you are not guilty. This can be a difficult task. However, proving to the court that you didn’t do something is even more difficult. Therefore, if you have any witnesses that can testify that they were with you at the time of the alleged crime or you were at a public place with security footage that corroborates your side, it can help you prove that you are not guilty.
To maximize your chances of clearing your name, it is in your immediate interest to contact a skilled lawyer from The Law Office of James M. Burns. Our firm is prepared to represent your interests today.
