Domestic Violence Accusations Can Have a Serious Effect on Your Life

Domestic violence is an extremely serious criminal offense in Florida. However, the consequences of domestic violence accusations or charges may reach far beyond the criminal courts. Such allegations may additionally affect any pending family law matters, as well as your personal and professional reputations. You may risk losing custody of your children or even your job. If you have been the victim of domestic violence, the safety of you and your children is at risk. For these reasons, all parties in a domestic violence case should always have an experienced family attorney handling their case.

Domestic Violence in the Sports Spotlight

In recent weeks, star running back Ray Rice of the Baltimore Ravens NFL team has made headlines due to allegations that he was physically abusive to his then-fiancée, now-wife Janay Rice. The NFL had originally suspended Rice for two games due to the allegations. This short suspension angered some advocates, however the NFL claimed they had no proof based on which to suspend him for a longer period of time.

However, gossip site TMZ recently released video footage showing Rice knocking out Janay in an elevator and dragging her body into the hallway. Even worse, proof has been offered that the NFL secretly had access to these videos and lied about it to support a shorter suspension. Since the release of the videos, the Ravens team has released Rice and he has been placed on “indefinite suspension” by the league.

Though the Rice case has video footage serving as proof of domestic violence, not all cases have such substantive proof. In fact, some cases may be fabricated to get the upper hand in a divorce case or to inflict pain on a domestic partner. One possible example of this is the recent case involving Boca Raton UFC fighter, Thiago Silva, who has faced accusations of attacking and pointing a gun at his then estranged wife. UFC officials originally swore that Silva would never be allowed to fight for the league again.

After reporting the incident to the police, however, Silva’s now ex-wife began acting erratically. She stopped responding to prosecutors and investigators and eventually moved back to Brazil without informing the authorities she was leaving. Without her testimony or other assistance, prosecutors decided to dismiss all charges against Silva. Silva claims that she falsely accused him because she wanted more money in their divorce agreement. Silva has been re-signed with the UFC for Boca Raton. This is one example of how false accusations may have ruined a person’s reputation and professional opportunities.

Contact an Experienced Boca Raton Family Lawyer for Help with your Domestic Violence Case

Whether you have been the victim of domestic violence charges or whether someone has falsely accused you of domestic violence, you should always have an experienced family law attorney representing you for any ancillary family court matters. Alan R. Burton is a highly experienced Boca Raton family lawyer who can assist you with a wide variety of matters in family court. Please do not hesitate to contact our office for help today.