What Happens After a Domestic Violence Arrest in CA?
An arrest changes the moment but it doesn’t have to change your future. If you or someone you care about has been arrested for domestic violence in Los Angeles, know this: you still have rights, you still have options and there is a clear legal path forward.
At Sitkoff Law Group we have guided hundreds of individuals and families through this process, many of whom never imagined they would be here and what we have seen time and again is that, with the right defense, the outcome can look very different from what you fear in the beginning.
This guide is here to show you what happens next, and more importantly, how to move forward with confidence.
How Does Domestic Violence Affect Child Custody in CA?
We also understand how devastating it is to be separated from your child based on an accusation that may not reflect the full story. You deserve the chance to be heard and your child deserves the chance to have both parents in their life whenever it is safe and possible.
What to Expect at a DV Court Hearing in California
The first court hearing after a domestic violence arrest isn’t just a formality, and for many people it’s one of the most anxiety-inducing days of their life. You walk into that courtroom not knowing if you’ll be sent home or sent to jail, not knowing if you’ll be allowed to see your children, not knowing what’s going to happen to your job or your future or your name.
EPO vs TRO vs DVRO: California Domestic Violence Orders
If you are arrested for domestic violence in California. One of the first things that may happen is being told to leave your home. You may be ordered not to contact your partner, not to go near your children and not to return to the place where you were living. These restrictions can feel immediate and overwhelming, especially if you have not been convicted or even formally charged yet. In many cases, the limitations come from something called a protective order. But not all protective orders are the same. The type of order issued can affect how long it lasts, what rights you lose and what steps you must take next.
What to Expect at Your First DUI Court Appearance in Los Angeles
Your first DUI court date in Los Angeles, called the arraignment, is where the judge reads the charges, you enter a plea, and your attorney begins challenging the stop, the test, and the evidence. Knowing what happens in that first appearance can reduce fear and give you a clear plan for protecting your license and your future.
In California, DUI and DWI do not mean the same thing as they do in some other states. California law does not actually use the term DWI in any official way. Instead, the legal system here uses DUI to describe most offenses involving alcohol or drug impairment behind the wheel and that distinction matters especially when you are reading your charges, talking to a lawyer or facing a judge who expects you to understand the seriousness of what you are accused of.
DUI Penalties for Minors in California: VC 23140 Explained
This article explains what Vehicle Code 23140 means and how DUI laws apply to drivers under 21 in California. It also explains how a first-time offense can affect your future and what you need to do immediately to protect your record, your license and your freedom.
Will I Lose My License After a DUI in Los Angeles?
You will not automatically lose your license if you act within the ten day window and request a DMV hearing with the Los Angeles Driver Safety Office. When we file that hearing right away and challenge the stop and the test you can usually keep driving while we fight both DMV and court.
Will I Go to Jail for a First-Time DUI Charge in California?
A first-time DUI in Los Angeles can carry up to six months in county jail, but most people avoid custody with quick DMV action, a strong defense, and the right negotiation strategy. Learn how the law works and what steps can protect your freedom.
How to Get a Domestic Violence Case Dismissed in California
Facing domestic violence charges in California? Learn how cases can be dismissed, the key legal strategies, and why early defense action can change everything.
