Los Angeles Domestic Battery Defense Lawyers
The state of California defines domestic battery as a criminal action that inflicts force or physical violence on an intimate partner. This law does not require a visible injury to be present.
While domestic battery applies to physical abuse, it also extends to:
- Sexual violence
- Cyberstalking
- Verbal abuse
- Harassment
- Threats
- Financial abuse
Domestic battery is a serious issue for individuals and families in the state of California. This type of charge can result in a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances of the case and the severity of the abuse.
If you have recently been arrested for Domestic Battery in Los Angeles, you should immediately contact an experienced LA criminal defense attorney for a consultation. Domestic Violence related offenses routinely involve automatic arrests even when very little evidence exists proving your guilt. Furthermore, unlike PC 273.5(a) Spousal Abuse, PC 243(e)1 Domestic Battery does not require evidence of visible injury to result in an arrest or worse, conviction. More often than not after your arrest, your case will be assigned to a police detective who will likely contact the alleged victim and in some cases, you directly to capture supplemental statements. Therefore, it is imperative that you seek defense counsel before speaking with detectives, as your unintentional incriminating statements can compromise your Domestic Battery defense down the road. In many cases, alleged victims in Domestic Battery cases are not supportive of arrest and prosecution. However, alleged victims of Domestic Violence crimes cannot simply drop charges. This discretion resides with prosecutors who can proceed with charging you with or without the consent or cooperation of the alleged victim.
Call us today at (888) 579-4844 for a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your case and options. Our Los Angeles Domestic Battery lawyers have decades of Domestic Violence defense experience and a track record of successful case results. Contact our West Los Angeles office now to learn how we can preserve your reputation, rights, and liberties.
PC 243(e)1 – Domestic Battery & Punishment
Battery or “simple battery” is defined by California Penal Code Section 242 as any willful and unlawful use of force or violence on another person. However, if the battery is committed upon a person considered to be a member of a protected class under California Domestic Violence statutes, such as your spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, former cohabitant, or the mother or father of your child , the offense becomes Domestic Battery under PC Section 243(e)(1).
The penalties for Domestic Battery in Los Angeles can vary depending on several circumstances. Elements such as your prior criminal history, the alleged victim’s representation of prior unreported abuse, the presence of children, or use of a weapon can factor into harsher punishment. In addition to the maximum 1 year jail sentence you face, a Domestic Battery conviction in Los Angeles or anywhere in California carries unavoidable punishments and consequences, such as loss of firearm possession and ownership rights, and mandatory completion of a 52-week batterer’s program.
Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
Following your Domestic Battery arrest, the police will typically issue an emergency protective order (EPO) or restraining order which will prohibit you from any in-person, telephonic or electronic communication with the alleged victim. Furthermore, violating a restraining order is a misdemeanor crime, which can make an already complicated situation worse. An EPO can be issued even if the alleged victim is not desirous of the restraining order. Additionally, after the EPO expires, the criminal court will issue another restraining order at your arraignment hearing which will restore the no-contact provisions between you and the alleged victim. The criminal court issued restraining order can be modified with the guidance of your Domestic Battery defense attorney. However, the alleged victim must be supportive of the modification and present in court to represent this is what he or she wants.
Consequences Of A Domestic Battery Conviction
Domestic Battery is considered a misdemeanor crime unless serious bodily injury or other aggravating circumstances warrant a felony Domestic Violence charge. But even a misdemeanor Domestic Violence conviction can negatively affect many areas of your life, including:
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With so much on the line, it is paramount that you seek quality legal representation for your Domestic Battery case. Experience is a critical factor towards ensuring future collateral consequences are mitigated so that you are able to move forward with your life once your case is resolved.
Legal Defense for Domestic Battery
There are several defenses that may be applicable for a defendant charged with domestic battery as defined by California Penal Code 243(e)1. In many cases, police are entitled to make an arrest based solely on the victim’s word, so it’s crucial to work with a dedicated team of experts to prepare a solid defense strategy.
Our experienced domestic battery defense lawyers can help those charged with domestic battery understand defense options, such as demonstrating false accusation, touching was not willful, and self-defense.
Call Our Domestic Battery Defense Lawyers For A Free Consult
We have successfully defended Los Angeles Domestic Battery charges in Southern California for over 3 decades. Whether you are factually innocent or exercised poor judgment, we have the experience and commitment to secure the best case results for you. Call us now to schedule a free case review. For convenience in addition to our main West LA office, we maintain satellite office locations in the following Southern California cities:
Torrance, Van Nuys, Encino, 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 Battery Links
https://formerdistrictattorneys.com//los-angeles-domestic-violence-defense-lawyers/domestic-violence-not-guilty/