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Dating Violence in Orlando, FL
Dating Violence
Orlando Dating Violence Charges Lawyer
Many people associate domestic violence only with spouses or parents of a shared child. Under Florida law, however, dating violence is treated as a serious criminal offense and can lead to arrest, prosecution, and restrictive court orders. Dating violence allegations often overlap with sex crime accusations and can carry severe consequences if not handled properly.
Dating violence charges may involve allegations of assault, battery, sexual assault, stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or aggravated versions of these offenses. In addition to criminal prosecution, an alleged victim may seek a court-issued injunction that can dramatically affect your freedom, reputation, and future.
If you have been accused of dating violence or are facing a dating violence injunction in Orlando or elsewhere in Central Florida, an experienced Orlando sex crimes defense lawyer at Hanlon Law can help protect your rights and fight back against these allegations.
What Is Dating Violence Under Florida Law?
Dating violence is defined under Florida Statute § 784.046. According to the statute, dating violence involves violence or abuse between individuals who:
- Are currently in, or were recently in, a significant and continuing romantic or intimate relationship, and
- Have interacted frequently and consistently in a manner beyond casual social contact
When determining whether a dating relationship exists, courts consider factors such as:
- Whether the relationship existed within the last six months
- Whether there was an expectation of affection or sexual involvement
- The frequency and type of interaction between the parties
Casual acquaintances or people who only socialize in group or business settings generally do not meet the statutory definition of a dating relationship. However, even if the conduct does not qualify as dating violence, you may still face serious criminal charges such as battery or sexual assault.
Injunctions for Protection Against Dating Violence
Alleged victims of dating violence may seek an injunction for protection against dating violence, which is a civil court order separate from any criminal case. These injunctions are issued under Florida Statute § 784.046 and can be granted quickly, sometimes without your presence at the initial hearing.
A dating violence injunction can:
- Prohibit any contact with the alleged victim
- Force you to leave a shared residence
- Restrict where you can go (home, work, school)
- Require you to surrender firearms and ammunition
- Appear on background checks and public court records
Violating an injunction—intentionally or unintentionally—can result in new criminal charges.
Petition for a Dating Violence Injunction
To obtain an injunction, the petitioner must show either:
- They are a victim of dating violence and have reasonable cause to believe future violence is imminent, or
- They are in immediate danger of becoming a victim of dating violence
A parent or legal guardian may also file a petition on behalf of a minor who lives at home.
If you are named as the respondent in an injunction case, strict compliance is mandatory. Common violations include:
- Refusing to vacate a shared residence
- Coming within prohibited distances of the petitioner’s home, job, or school
- Contacting the petitioner directly or indirectly
- Possessing firearms or ammunition
- Damaging the petitioner’s property
- Engaging in further acts of violence or threats
Penalties for Violating a Dating Violence Injunction
Under Florida Statute § 784.047, violating a dating violence injunction is a criminal offense.
- A single violation is typically charged as a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine
- Three or more violations can result in a third-degree felony, carrying the risk of prison time and long-term consequences
Because injunction violations are often aggressively prosecuted, early legal representation is critical.
Orlando Sex Crimes & Dating Violence Defense Attorney
Dating violence allegations can escalate quickly and often involve emotionally charged accusations, minimal evidence, and life-altering consequences. Whether you are facing criminal charges, an injunction hearing, or both, you need a defense attorney who understands Florida’s dating violence laws and how these cases intersect with sex crime allegations.
An experienced Orlando sex crimes lawyer at Hanlon Law can:
- Challenge the existence of a qualifying dating relationship
- Contest false or exaggerated allegations
- Represent you at injunction hearings
- Defend against criminal charges and alleged injunction violations
- Protect your constitutional rights and future
If you have been accused of dating violence in Orlando or Central Florida, do not face the system alone.
Contact Will Hanlon as soon as possible to discuss your case and defense options.
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