Domestic Violence Attorneys In Los Angeles
Domestic violence charges are very serious criminal issues that can have a long-term impact on the lives of all individuals involved. A conviction can result in harsh punishment for the defendant, and the activities associated with any domestic violence case can impact a family for decades. The whole family could potentially be victimized along with the primary party who is affected.
Anyone who is charged after an altercation will need an experienced domestic violence defense lawyer for legal representation to avoid being convicted on what could be circumstantial evidence.
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The details of how an arrest occurred are central to the charge. An experienced domestic violence defense attorney can then evaluate all evidence and pinpoint issues of reasonable doubt concerning the case.
Cases where no physical injury is involved are common, and often all evidence is basically testimony from witnesses or photographs. But, cases where significant personal injury is involved can be elevated to felony domestic violence charges that makes it more necessary to retain the expertise of an experienced domestic violence lawyer to ensure the defendant’s legal rights are observed by the court system.
Domestic violence cases can invoke aggressive reactions from court officials, but guidelines for bail and possible release under the domestic violence laws must still be followed. Our expert criminal defense attorneys have successfully defended domestic violence related cases throughout Southern California and will ensure that your legal rights are respected and preserved, and that you will be strongly advocated for throughout this process.
There are various domestic violence related charges differing punishment guidelines and most are “wobbler” offenses, meaning they can either be prosecuted as felonies or misdemeanors. Charges falling into the felony domestic violence category are deemed more serious and can result in significant fines and jail or prison time depending on the material facts of the case and defendant’s prior criminal record. Many times a domestic violence attorney can negotiate a case agreement when conditions are acceptable and the material facts are not particularly egregious.
Defendants should never take a domestic violence charge lightly, even when the case is relatively weak. If you’ve been arrested or accused of a domestic violence offense, contact us immediately for a free consultation with one of our Los Angeles domestic violence defense experts at (888) 579-4844.
Whether you’ve been charged with spousal abuse, domestic battery, child abuse, elder abuse, criminal threats, or even vandalism, decades of criminal law experience as former state and federal prosecutors assures our clients of aggressive legal advocacy.
Also commonly referred to as Spousal Abuse or Cohabitant Abuse, this DV related offense is described as willfully inflicting a traumatic condition upon a victim who your current or former spouse, cohabitant, or a person you currently have or previously had an engagement or dating relationship with.
This DV offense considered a lesser charge, but similar to PC 273.5. Domestic Battery is described as an unlawful and willful use of force or violence upon an intimate partner such as a current or former spouse, fiancé/fiancée, cohabitant, a person you currently or previously dated, or parent of your child.
Per this California Penal Code statute, it is crime to inflict cruel or inhuman corporal punishment or injury resulting in a traumatic condition to a child. Allegations of Child Abuse often triggers a separate investigation from the criminal action by the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) of Child Protective Services (CPS).
This criminal offense is similar to Child Abuse, however, it differs in that it does not require a child to have suffered an injury nor a traumatic condition. Child Endangerment is described as willfully causing or permitting a child to suffer, or inflicting unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering upon a child, or permitting a child to be placed in a situation where his/her health is endangered. This DV related crime is often filed as an additional charge to Domestic Battery or Spousal Abuse when the physical altercation occurs in the immediate presence of a child.
Victims who are older than 65 years of age are afforded the same special consideration and protections as provided to minor children. Therefore, any unlawful and willful act of violence against this protected class would be charged with Elder Abuse. PC 368 can also be charged in nonviolent situations if you are accused of committing theft against an elder or neglecting an elder whom you have been entrusted to care for.
Also known as “Terrorist Threats“, this domestic violence-related crime is described as willfully threatening to commit a crime which will result in death or injury to a current or former spouse, cohabitant, or a person you currently have or previously had an engagement or dating relationship with by way of verbal, written, or electronic communication. As a “wobbler” offense, PC 422 can be prosecuted as either a felony or misdemeanor, depending on aggravating factors. Furthermore, a felony Criminal Threats conviction is categorized as a serious felony, making it strikeable under California’s 3 Strikes Law.
Contact Sitkoff & Hanrahan, LLP For A Free Consultation
Whether you are facing a first-time domestic violence charge or you are a multi-offender, you can rest assured that as a client of our firm you will receive a first class legal defense and genuine commitment to the successful resolution of your case. Clients of our Los Angeles domestic violence defense firm will be represented by a top rated former LA prosecutor, either Eugene Hanrahan or Stephen Sitkoff. Call us now at (888) 579-4844 for a free consultation to discuss your case and options at our main office in West Los Angeles, or our satellite office locations in Torrance, Pasadena, Glendale, Long Beach, Encino, Woodland Hills, West Covina, Oxnard, Westlake Village, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach.
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