A domestic violence attorney in Tampa does more than file paperwork — they help survivors access the legal protections that can immediately change their safety situation. Florida’s domestic violence laws provide powerful tools: injunctions for protection, emergency custody relief, and court orders that create real legal boundaries. Attorney Mindi Lasley serves as a domestic violence attorney for clients throughout Tampa and Hillsborough County, helping survivors pursue legal protection and guiding respondents through the process when allegations are disputed.
Types of Injunctions for Protection in Florida
Florida law provides several types of injunctions — commonly called restraining orders — for different circumstances. Each has specific eligibility requirements:
| Type of Injunction | Who It Covers |
|—|—|
| Domestic Violence Injunction | Current or former spouses, people who live together or have lived together, people who share a child |
| Repeat Violence Injunction | Any person who has been the victim of two incidents of violence or stalking |
| Dating Violence Injunction | People in a current or recent romantic relationship |
| Sexual Violence Injunction | Victims of sexual violence, regardless of relationship to the offender |
| Stalking Injunction | Victims of stalking or cyberstalking |
The Domestic Violence Injunction Process in Hillsborough County
Filing for a domestic violence injunction in Hillsborough County begins at the courthouse without a filing fee. The process works as follows:
- Petition filing — You file a sworn petition describing the domestic violence you have experienced or fear
- Ex parte temporary injunction — A judge reviews your petition the same day. If there is reasonable cause to believe you are in immediate danger, a temporary injunction is issued immediately — without the other party present
- Service on the respondent — Law enforcement serves the temporary injunction on the respondent, who must immediately comply
- Full hearing — Within 15 days, both parties appear before a judge. You present evidence and testimony; the respondent can respond
- Final injunction — The judge determines whether to issue a final injunction, which can remain in effect for a specified period or permanently
A final domestic violence injunction in Hillsborough County can include: no contact provisions, removal from the shared home, temporary child custody, child support orders, and restrictions on firearm possession.
Domestic Violence and Divorce in Tampa
Domestic violence frequently intersects with divorce proceedings in Tampa and throughout Hillsborough County. When both are occurring simultaneously, the legal dynamics become complex — and the stakes around child custody become especially high. Key intersections include:
- Active injunctions can establish temporary parenting arrangements that carry significant weight in divorce proceedings
- A history of domestic violence is one of the factors Florida courts consider in every child custody determination
- Evidence of domestic violence can affect property division and alimony outcomes
- Coordinating domestic violence proceedings with divorce filings requires careful timing and legal strategy
Mindi Lasley, P.A. handles cases where domestic violence and divorce proceedings overlap, ensuring that protective orders and family court proceedings work together rather than against each other.
When Domestic Violence Allegations Are Disputed
Not every injunction petition accurately reflects what happened. False allegations of domestic violence are a recognized tactic in contentious custody and divorce cases. When you have been wrongly served with a temporary injunction, the 15-day hearing is your opportunity to present evidence, witnesses, and your account of events. The consequences of a final injunction — including impact on professional licenses, firearm rights, and custody — make a vigorous defense essential.
Mindi Lasley, P.A. represents respondents in contested injunction hearings throughout Hillsborough County, presenting organized evidence and clear legal arguments before the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court.
Emergency Custody Relief in Domestic Violence Cases
When children are in danger, Florida law allows emergency temporary custody orders to be issued on an expedited basis. A domestic violence attorney can file an emergency motion that gets before a judge quickly — sometimes the same day — when there is documented danger to a child. Mindi Lasley, P.A. moves fast when a child’s safety is at stake.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|—|—|
| Can I get a domestic violence injunction without a police report? | Yes. A police report is helpful but not required. The judge reviews your sworn testimony and any supporting evidence. |
| Does a domestic violence injunction affect custody? | Yes. An injunction can establish temporary custody arrangements, and domestic violence history is a factor in every Florida custody determination. |
| What happens if the respondent violates the injunction? | Violation of a domestic violence injunction is a criminal offense in Florida — typically a first-degree misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances. |
| How long does a final domestic violence injunction last? | A judge sets the duration. It can be for a specific period (1–2 years) or permanent, depending on the severity of the situation. |
| Can an injunction be modified or dissolved? | Yes. Either party can petition to modify or dissolve the injunction. The court reviews the current circumstances and any change in risk. |
| Does a domestic violence record affect my divorce case? | Yes. A documented history of domestic violence affects child custody determinations and may influence property and support outcomes. |
Local Resources for Domestic Violence in Hillsborough County
| Resource | Description |
|—|—|
| Hillsborough County Clerk — Domestic Violence | File for a domestic violence injunction in Hillsborough County |
| Bay Area Legal Services | Free and low-cost legal assistance for domestic violence survivors in Tampa |
| Florida DCF — Domestic Violence Resources | State resources and certified shelter programs for Florida survivors |
| Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court | Hillsborough County family court — injunction proceedings and local rules |
Legal Protection Starts With the Right Attorney
Whether you are seeking protection or responding to an injunction, domestic violence cases require a skilled domestic violence attorney who handles these matters with the urgency they deserve. Mindi Lasley, P.A. is ready to move quickly when your safety — or your rights — are on the line. Call us at 813-873-9047 or reach us through our contact page for immediate assistance.
About Mindi Lasley, P.A.: Mindi Lasley, P.A. is a Tampa-based family law firm serving clients throughout Hillsborough County in all aspects of domestic violence law, injunction proceedings, and family law matters involving domestic violence. The firm provides focused, compassionate, and aggressive legal representation to survivors seeking protection and to respondents defending against disputed allegations.