Criminal Defense
Since 1993
Since 1993
What to Expect After a Domestic Violence Arrest in Orlando: A Guide
By: John Guidry II
Domestic violA charge for Domestic Violence Battery is far more serious than a typical misdemeanor in Florida. It comes with mandatory penalties, including jail time and a lengthy, six-month counseling program that many of my clients have found to be pure torture.
The good news is that we can often get these cases dismissed. The bad news is that too many people fall prey to dangerous myths and try to handle the situation themselves, making things much worse.
Arrested for Domestic Violence in Orlando? You are facing immediate and long-term consequences. Call my office now to protect your rights, your reputation, and your ability to contact your family. Call John Guidry: (407) 423-1117
The Myth: “The Victim Can Just Drop the Charges”
This is the most common and damaging myth. Many people believe that if their girlfriend, wife, or boyfriend calls the State Attorney’s Office and asks for the case to be dropped, it will all go away. This is not true.
The State of Florida, not the alleged victim, is the party pressing charges. Prosecutors are trained to proceed with a case without the victim’s cooperation. They will use 911 calls, officer body camera footage, and witness statements to try and convict you, even if the alleged victim wants nothing to do with it.
The Immediate Problem: The “No Contact” Order
When you are released from jail, the judge will have imposed a “No Contact” order. This means you cannot have any contact—no calls, no texts, no emails—with the alleged victim, and you often cannot return to your shared home. This is a massive financial and emotional burden, especially when you need to discuss finances, children, and the case itself.
A skilled attorney can immediately file a motion to have this “No Contact” order modified or removed, allowing you to live together and communicate while the case is pending.
The Hidden Penalty: A Dismissal Can Still Ruin Your Life
Here is what most people don’t realize: even if your domestic violence charge is dismissed, the record of the arrest itself is incredibly damaging. On a background check, it’s a huge red flag. I have seen clients with dismissed DV charges be denied:
- Employment opportunities
- Apartment leases and rental applications
- Approval from homeowners’ associations
- Even favorable credit or insurance rates
The Complete Solution: A Dismissal PLUS an Expungement
We can fix all of this. The goal isn’t just to get your case dismissed; it’s to get it erased through a process called an expungement. Here is my most important piece of practical advice:
Talk to your attorney about what your best option is, a seal or an expunge. For most people, the new automatic sealing law in Florida is all that you’ll need. It requires the clerk of court to seal and erase this charge if it is dropped or dismissed. For a rare few clients, you’ll want everything shredded and destroyed — and we call that an expungement.
I wish you luck. If you are facing a domestic violence charge in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Brevard, or Volusia County, call my office. I have been helping clients navigate these exact challenges, from the initial arrest to the final expungement, since 1993.
If you’re done reading for now, but you want to learn more about battery domestic violence charges, you should check out these videos: “Facing Domestic Violence Charges? Key Steps to Take Immediately,” and “How Serious is a Battery Domestic Violence Charge?“
About the Author, John Guidry II
John Guidry II is a seasoned criminal defense attorney and founder of the Law Firm of John P. Guidry II, P.A., located in downtown Orlando next to the Orange County Courthouse, where he has practiced for over 30 years. With more than three decades of experience defending clients throughout Central Florida since 1993, Guidry has successfully defended thousands of cases in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake, and Volusia counties. He has built a reputation for his strategic approach to criminal defense, focusing on pretrial motions and case dismissals rather than jury trials.
Guidry earned both his Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration from St. Louis University in 1993. He is a member of the Florida Bar and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. His practice encompasses the full spectrum of Florida state criminal charges, with a particular emphasis on achieving favorable outcomes through thorough pretrial preparation and motion practice.
Beyond the courtroom, Guidry is a prolific legal educator who has authored over 400 articles on criminal defense topics. He shares his legal expertise through his popular YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok accounts, where he has built a substantial following of people eager to learn about the law. His educational content breaks down complex legal concepts into accessible information for the general public.
When not practicing law, Guidry enjoys tennis and pickleball, and loves to travel. Drawing from his background as a former recording studio owner and music video producer in the Orlando area, he brings a creative perspective to his legal practice and continues to apply his passion for video production to his educational content.