In Florida, Domestic violence is a first degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail or twelve months of probation. If the alleged abuse concerns a person whom the alleged abuser knows to be pregnant, that crime is a third degree felony and the penalty can be up to five years in prison and a $5000 fine.
Furthermore, upon a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction that results in a sentence of less than six months in jail, the Court is required to sentence the accused to a twenty-six week batterers intervention program. Regardless of whether the court makes a finding of guilt, a domestic violence charge can be used to enhance a subsequent misdemeanor battery conviction to a third degree felony.
The potential punishment for a domestic violence conviction is serious. Those interested in owning guns should also be aware that federal law makes it illegal for anyone with a domestic violence conviction to own or purchase a firearm.