Los Angeles Domestic Violence Attorney | Criminal Defense Since 1987
Just because you were arrested for Domestic Violence (DV) does not mean you will be convicted. Although Domestic Violence related offenses usually result in automatic arrests if police are called, the prosecution still has the burden of proving their case against you beyond a reasonable doubt. Meeting this standard of proof poses significant challenges to prosecutors when the case against you is not supported by any physical evidence nor independent witness testimony. Therefore, if you have been arrested or targeted for investigation in connection with a Domestic Violence crime, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced Los Angeles Domestic Violence attorney immediately. Although Los Angeles prosecutors have the ability to pursue Domestic Violence charges against defendants at their own discretion and often without the consent or cooperation of the alleged victim, prosecutors must still rely on evidence to secure convictions. Involving a skilled Domestic Violence attorney during the early stages of your case will increase your odds of either avoiding jail time, a Domestic Violence conviction, or a criminal record altogether.
Since 1987, the Los Angeles Domestic Violence attorneys at Takakjian & Sitkoff, LLP have specialized in criminal defense law, particularly in the area of Domestic Violence defense in Los Angeles. With their combined 70 plus years of criminal defense experience, LA Domestic Violence attorneys, Paul Takakjian and Stephen Sitkoff, leverage their relationships with local judges and prosecutors, along with their unparalleled legal insight and experience to obtain the only best possible outcomes for their clients. Contact our office now at (888) 579-4844 for a free consultation if you have been recently arrested or believe yourself to be a suspect in a Los Angeles Domestic Violence investigation.
When Does A Crime Become Domestic Violence Related?
If you are accused of committing a crime against another, whether the offense is violent or not, the act will be considered Domestic Violence related if the alleged victim is considered at least one of the following:
- Your spouse or former spouse
- Your cohabitant or former cohabitant
- Your fiancé or fiancée
- Someone you had an engagement with or previous dating relationship
Common Domestic Violence Related Charges
The following offenses are considered to be the most common Domestic Violence offenses and carry with them harsh sentencing and mandatory penalties:
- Penal Code 273.5(a): Corporal Injury to a Spouse or Spousal Abuse
- Penal Code Section 243(e)1: Domestic Battery
- Penal Code Section 273(a): Child Endangerment
- Penal Code Section 422: Criminal Threats
- Penal Code Section 649.6: Stalking
Bail After A Los Angeles Domestic Violence Arrest
The bail amount for a Domestic Violence charge can vary between $10,000 and $50,000. However, factors such as one’s prior criminal record and/or the victim suffering great bodily injury (GBI) can result in the bail being increased as high as $100,00 and up. Bail can be posted in one of two ways:
- Cash Bail, or
- Bail Bond
The cash bail option requires the bail to be posted in cash, with the bail to be held pending the conclusion of your case, after which the cash will be returned to you. Alternatively, and considered the most common method of posting bail, the bail bond option involves retaining the services of a bail bondsman to post bail for a percentage of the bail or “premium”. The percentage serves as the bail bondsman fee for his/her service and can range from 10% of the bail or sometimes less, depending on the bail agency you hire.
Restraining Orders
After a domestic violence arrest, an emergency protective order (EPO) can be issued on behalf of an alleged victim by the police. EPOs are temporary restraining orders that usually expire after seven days. However, a domestic violence victim can petition for a temporary restraining order or “TRO” in civil court. If you have been served with either one of these orders, you are legally required to refrain from having any in-person, telephonic or electronic communication with the victim or petitioner. Violating a restraining order is a misdemeanor crime and can further complicate the defense of your Domestic Violence case.
Speak To A Los Angeles Domestic Violence Attorney Today
Due to the fact that the overwhelming majority of DV related crimes go largely unreported, the response from LA prosecutors and police is swift and punitive — even if you have been wrongfully accused and there is minimal evidence pointing towards your guilt. Los Angeles criminal attorneys, Paul Takakjian and Stephen Sitkoff, have each practiced criminal law for over 35 years as former supervising deputy DAs who previously prosecuted Domestic Violence in Los Angeles. Since 1987, Mr. Takakjian and Mr. Sitkoff have successfully defended hundreds of clients charged with both misdemeanor and felony Domestic Violence charges in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California. Call our West Los Angeles office now at (888) 579-4844 for a free case review to learn how we can help you. For our clients’ convenience, we maintain satellite office locations in the following Southern California cities:
Torrance, Encino, Van Nuys, Glendale, Long Beach, Pasadena, Woodland Hills, West Covina, Burbank, Cerritos, Whittier, Norwalk, Santa Clarita, Oxnard, Westlake Village, Orange, Newport Beach, and Huntington Beach
Related Domestic Violence Links
https://formerdistrictattorneys.com//locations/downtown-la-criminal-defense/
https://formerdistrictattorneys.com//los-angeles-domestic-violence-defense-lawyers/domestic-violence-prefile-investigations/
https://formerdistrictattorneys.com//orange-county/dv-costa-mesa/
