Gayle H. Boudreau, Attorney

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386-961-8001

Legal Representation
for Victims of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a behavioral pattern in a relationship used to maintain power and control over another person, committed by a family or household member. It includes current or former spouses and domestic partners, persons related by blood or marriage, persons cohabitating, or parents with a child. The abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological in nature and is used to humiliate, injure, frighten, or manipulate another. An allegation of domestic violence is a criminal offense, and a conviction carries harsh penalties.

The Florida Statutes define Domestic Violence 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.”

Experienced and Accomplished Family Law Attorneys

Domestic violence injunctions are also known as restraining orders. The attorneys at Boudreau Law Firm offer compassionate legal counsel for victims of domestic violence. We know that family dynamics are complicated in abuse cases and often intertwined with alcohol and drug addictions. Our law office can advocate for your safety and the safety of your children. Attorneys Gayle Boudreau and Robert A. Sandow, Attorney of Counsel, are experienced and knowledgeable about temporary and final domestic violence injunctions.

The Legal Process

To initiate a domestic violence injunction, a victim files a petition with the court, with detailed information about the abuse and the reasons for seeking protection. After reviewing the petition, a judge will determine if there is evidence of imminent danger and issue a temporary injunction until an evidentiary hearing is scheduled. A temporary injunction is designed to offer a victim immediate protection from the abuser. A copy of the petition, a notice of hearing, and the temporary injunction are served to the alleged abuser.
At the hearing, both parties testify, bringing witnesses and evidence for a judge to review. Evidence can include pictures, phone records, text messages, or any other incriminating information. The judge orders a final injunction if he believes that a victim is in danger. The injunction may or may not have an expiration date. It can be modified or terminated at a future court appearance.

How can a Domestic Violence Injunction help? It can order the abuser to:

  • Leave the residence and cease contact with the victim
  • Discontinue visits or have limited or supervised visitation of their children
  • Provide temporary child support or spousal support
  • Attend counseling or a batterer’s intervention program
  • Pay attorney’s fees for both parties
  • Surrender guns or ammunition to law enforcement
False accusations of domestic violence are not uncommon during divorce and child custody matters. If you are accused of domestic violence and the allegations are unfounded, it is essential to have reliable legal counsel at this critical time in your life. Penalties for a domestic violence conviction can include jail time, fines, loss of child custody and will have significant impacts on your career and personal life.

We are committed to Excellence in Family Law Services

Family violence affects all socio-economic classes, racial and ethnic groups. Boudreau Law Firm is a dedicated advocate in domestic violence injunction proceedings. If the perpetrator is your spouse, Attorneys Gayle Boudreau and Robert A. Sandow, Attorney of Counsel, will assist with filing for divorce. Pertinent issues include custody, child support, alimony, the distribution of marital property, and parenting plans, as appropriate.

Our office is located in Lake City. We represent clients throughout the Third Judicial Circuit Court, comprised of seven counties in Florida. Call us at 386-961-8001 to schedule an appointment during our regular office hours of Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. through 5 p.m., to meet with an experienced family law attorney.

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