Domestic violence is a serious crime that is aggressively prosecuted by the Florida criminal justice system. Depending on the nature of the crime and the alleged offender's prior convictions, domestic violence may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Penalties for this crime vary but may include jail or prison time, probation, community service hours, loss of civil liberties including ownership and concealed carry of a weapon, completion of a Batterer's Intervention Program, and a lifetime criminal record. Cases involving minor children may also impact parental rights and custody.

Ms. Dione Protects the Rights of the Accused

Ms. Dione, at Dione Talkington Fletcher, P.A., has nearly three decades of proven results in protecting the rights of the accused. She formulates strategies tailored to the specifics of each case, scrutinizing the evidence to identify inconsistencies, errors, or weaknesses in the prosecution's case.

Domestic violence under Florida Statute 741.28 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 physical injury or death of one family or household member by another family or household member."

A family or household member may be a spouse, a former spouse, persons related by blood or marriage, those residing together, or who have a child in common. 

Common Defenses in a Domestic Violence Case

• Self-defense or the defense of others: The basis of this defense is that the actions were necessary to protect oneself or another from harm.

• Lack of evidence: Demonstrating that the prosecutor does not have sufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

• Alibi: Providing evidence that the accused was elsewhere during the alleged incident.

• Technical errors: Mistakes made by law enforcement during an arrest, such as failure to read Miranda rights.

• False allegations: There may be underlying motives resulting in unfounded accusations by the alleged victim. 

How Attorney Dione Talkington-Fletcher Can Help

If you are being accused of domestic violence, it is important that you preserve evidence such as emails and voice mail messages from the accuser. Ms. Dione examines this evidence along with other relevant elements to formulate an effective defense strategy.  Often, allegations are exaggerated or fabricated when spouses are in a divorce or custody battle. 

Ms. Dione works tirelessly to minimize the impact of allegations on your professional, family, and social life. By weakening the case against you, she aims to have the charges dismissed, reduced, or expunged from your record.

Call to Schedule a Free Initial Consultation

Contact Ms. Dione for experienced legal services from a domestic violence attorney who cares. The office is in Orlando, Florida, with a satellite location in Deland. Ms. Dione is available for consultation by phone, in person, or virtually via Zoom. Call her office at (407) 401-0007. She proudly serves clients throughout Orange, Osceola,Seminole, and Volusia Counties, Florida. Don't try to handle this on your own. Contact Dione Talkington Fletcher,Attorney at Law, P.A., today. Ms. Dione is a dedicated advocate and protector.