If you have a juvenile record in Florida for a felony-level offense, you may be barred from owning a gun until you turn 24, even when the judge withheld adjudication and placed you on probation. The rule is Fla. Stat. Section 790.23(1)(b). It ends at 24 for a case that stayed in juvenile court, an
Can I Own a Gun in Florida With a Juvenile Record? Read More »
No. A domestic violence injunction and a criminal domestic violence charge are two separate court cases in Florida, and both can proceed from the same incident at the same time. Who Files Each One The alleged victim files the injunction directly with the circuit court, with no filing fee required. The criminal charge works differently:
Is a Domestic Violence Injunction the Same as a Criminal Charge in Florida? Read More »
As of today, October 1, 2026, violating a no-contact order while out on bond is a separate crime in Florida. The new Victim Safety in Pretrial Release Act applies to certain violent charges and took effect today. What a No-Contact Order Covers A no-contact order set as a condition of pretrial release bars any contact
What Happens If You Violate a No-Contact Order While on Bond in Florida? Read More »
This misconception causes real harm, on both sides of a domestic violence case. People believe that if the alleged victim wants the charges dropped, the case ends there. In Florida, that is not how the system works. Frequently Asked Questions Who controls the charges once a case is filed? Once a domestic violence case is
Can a Domestic Violence Victim Really Drop the Charges in Florida? Read More »
Florida’s domestic violence statutes changed in an important way on July 1, 2026. House Bill 277, the Domestic Violence and Protective Injunctions Act, passed the Legislature without a single no vote and was signed into law by Governor DeSantis in May. The changes affect penalties, injunctions, and how repeat allegations are treated, and they apply
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Domestic violence and immigration status intersect in more than one direction. The other side of that intersection, what happens to someone accused of a domestic violence offense, is a serious concern. But being the victim of domestic violence can open a path to legal status, not close one. Frequently Asked Questions What does VAWA provide
Does Being a Victim of Domestic Violence Help With Immigration Status? Read More »
People use “restraining order” constantly in everyday conversation, but Florida does not use that term as a formal legal category. What Florida law provides is called an injunction for protection, and understanding that terminology helps if you are trying to research the situation. Frequently Asked Questions Why does the term “restraining order” confuse people in
What’s the Difference Between an Injunction and a Restraining Order in Florida? Read More »
For non-citizens, a domestic violence charge carries consequences well beyond the criminal case itself. This is one of the most serious intersections in criminal law, and it deserves direct, careful attention rather than assumption. If an arrest has already happened, see our Bail and Bond Guide for how immigration status intersects with the bond process.
Will a Domestic Violence Charge Affect My Immigration Status? Read More »
A police officer at the door. An accusation you know is not true. In Florida, that sequence commonly ends in an arrest, even when the facts are weaker than they sound. False domestic violence accusations are more common than people realize. They surface most commonly in divorces, custody battles, breakups, and disputes between family members
What Should You Do If You’re Falsely Accused of Domestic Violence in Florida? Read More »
