Will a domestic violence charge cause me to lose custody of my children?

Domestic Violence Convictions and Child Custody

A conviction for domestic violence will cause the court to presume that it would be detrimental to the child to allow the convicted parent to share custody. It is important to note that the court will not take into account whether or not the child witnessed the violence. The presence of violence in the child’s home is enough to deny custody to the person who committed that violence.

In Florida, an array of behaviors are included under the definition of domestic violence. These behaviors include:

Assault

Battery

Stalking

Kidnapping (note that removing a child from a situation in which domestic violence is likely is not considered kidnapping)

Sexual abuse

Any offense by one household/family member that causes injury to or death of another

If Custody Is in Jeopardy, You Need a Defense Attorney

Here is something important to keep in mind: the state will always take an aggressive attitude toward pursuing a conviction in a domestic violence case. Working in the best interest of those who have suffered abuse—either directly or by proximity—is, after all, the state’s responsibility.

As a result, if you have been arrested for domestic violence—even if you truly believe the whole situation is a misunderstanding—you need to have a skilled criminal defense attorney on your side.

With issues of custody hanging in the balance, you want to be sure to have representation you can count on to build the strongest possible defense.

Related Links:

Will a domestic violence charge cause me to lose custody of my children?

Domestic Violence Convictions and Child Custody

Are You Facing A Domestic Violence Charge? We Should Talk.

If Custody Is in Jeopardy, You Need a Defense Attorney

Have You Been Arrested for Domestic Violence in Florida?