Domestic violence is taken very seriously and heavily prosecuted in California. Even the most simple, seemingly harmless conduct can result in a criminal conviction having lasting consequences. Offenses in the "domestic violence" category include spousal abuse, assault, battery, threatening phone calls, criminal threats, damaging a phone line, and witness or victim intimidation. Once you are arrested, you should not try to reason with or confront a victim or witness because this may lead to more charges.

If you have been charged with domestic violence or spousal abuse, you need an experienced defense attorney on your side to vigorously represent your rights! Contact Us Online or Call Today! 1-800-221-7084

The California penal code defines abuse as “intentionally or recklessly causing or attempting to cause bodily injury, or placing another person in reasonable apprehension of imminent, serious bodily injury to himself, herself or another”. Domestic violence can refer to violence between spouses, partners, former partners or spouses, children, individuals involved in a dating relationship, or elder abuse.

Categories of crimes, which may be heard in a specialized California Domestic Violence Court, include, but are not limited to:

• Section 273.5 of the California Penal Code: willful infliction of corporal injury on a spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, former cohabitant etc.
• Section 242 of the California Penal Code: Battery - any willful or unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another.
• Section 243 (e) of the California Penal Code: battery against a spouse, cohabitant, parent of the defendant's children etc.
• Section 240 of the California Penal Code: Assault - an unlawful attempt, coupled with a present ability to commit a violent injury etc.
• Section 136.1 of the California Penal Code: intimidation of victims and witnesses.

Domestic violence can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony. This depends on the nature of the abuse and they seriousness of the injuries. If you have been accused and charged with domestic violence, you may be potentially facing probation, incarceration, parole, court enforced counseling (e.g. batterer's treatment counseling program), and / or other sentences and / or fines.

Spousal Abuse and domestic violence charges are aggressively prosecuted, and even if the victim tells the court and prosecutor they do not wish to "press charges" the case WILL NOT be dismissed. Jail time is routinely sought even in first offense or non-injury cases.

A conviction for assault or domestic violence can affect on your rights to see your children, affect your property rights, and seriously affect your immigration status or result in deportation. To secure the best possible outcome for your specific situation, you need professional legal representation. Contact our California attorneys today to begin your defense! Contact Us Online or Call Today! 1-800-221-7084

Related Criminal Law Topics
- Restraining Orders
- Assault & Battery