Domestic violence is a dangerous issue that can impact anyone’s life – married or unmarried, male or female. Although domestic violence usually occurs within marriages or other intimate relationships, it also happens against children, parents, grandparents and other members of a family. Other types of injunction cases can also include a neighbor, friend, boyfriend/girlfriend or acquaintance.

At Syprett Meshad, we provide experienced legal representation for either the victim or the accused. If you have suffered an act of domestic violence or have received a domestic violence injunction, contact our domestic violence attorneys today online or at 941-365-7171 to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve Sarasota, Bradenton and neighboring communities in Florida.

What Is Domestic Violence?

Generally, domestic violence is a broad term that encompasses a variety of violent and threatening behavior directed at a partner or family member within the same household. Examples of domestic violence include:

• Assault
• Battery
• Sexual assault
• Stalking
• Kidnapping
• False imprisonment
• Emotional abuse
• Any act resulting in injury or death

What Is an Injunction for Protection?

Also called a restraining order, an injunction for protection is a court order that directs a person to not have any contact with you. Injunctions are intended to protect you from threats or acts of violence by another person. There are four types of civil petitions that can be filed:

• Domestic violence: This In order to file a petition for an injunction against domestic violence, the person you are filing against must be a current or previous family member who lived with you. “Family” can include:
  • Spouse
  • Ex-spouse
  • Intimate partners who never married
  • Parent
  • Grandparent
  • Uncle
  • Aunt
  • Adopted children
  • Step-children
  • Step-parent
  • Parent of your child regardless of whether you have ever been married or lived together
• Sexual violence: A petition for protection against sexual violence may be filed if you are a victim of sexual violence, have reported the crime and are cooperating with law enforcement. Sexual violence petitions may also be filed if the person who perpetrated the sexual violence was sentenced and the term of imprisonment is complete or due to end within 90 days.
• Dating violence: This injunction requires that within the past six months, the parties were involved in a continuing dating relationship that held the expectation of sexual activity or affection. You must have either been the victim of violence or have reasonable cause to believe that violence is imminent.
• Repeat violence: Filing a petition for protection against repeat violence requires that a person has committed two incidents of violence against you or an immediate family member; one of the violent acts must have been committed within the past six months.

Protect Yourself Today

Domestic violence is a very serious issue. Individuals are threatened, injured and even killed by those close to them. Some charges of domestic violence, however, can be false or exaggerated and intended to be used as weapons in contentious divorce proceedings. When this occurs, we will mount an assertive defense on behalf of the accused. In cases where our client has suffered abuse, we will work tirelessly to ensure the victim’s safety.

If you have been abused by a member of your family or someone close to you, or have been accused of domestic violence or face another type of injunction, it is crucial to work with a lawyer who understands Florida criminal and family law, and can provide you with sound legal counsel and realistic options. The domestic violence attorney at Syprett Meshad has the experience, knowledge and compassion to provide you with effective representation.

To schedule a consultation today at our Sarasota office, please complete the form on this page or call 941-365-7171 today. We welcome clients from Bradenton and throughout Florida.