DOMESTIC VIOLENCE BATTERY (F.S. § 784.03) and DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ASSAULT (F.S. § 784.011)

While the client was in immigration custody, the defense used a seldom-invoked procedural tool—seeking leave of court for the defendant to waive personal appearance in a misdemeanor case under Fla. R. Crim. P. 3.180—to keep the case moving toward trial without the client being physically present. Despite the alleged victim pursuing a U visa, the State ultimately dismissed all charges, helping protect the client’s immigration options going forward. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes; each case depends on its facts and circumstances.