The State of California law defines domestic violence as being an emotional or physical act of violence toward the following:

  • Family members,
  • Current or previous partners or spouses,
  • Cohabitants, or
  • Blood-related relatives

Under California Penal Code ยง243(e)(1), it is also unlawful to make a person fear of being physically injured, being stalked, or facing harassment.
If you are facing domestic violence charges in California, you should know that the consequences can affect you for the rest of your life. When facing domestic violence charges, know your rights; consider seeking the legal advice of a skilled defense attorney today.

Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction in California

In California, criminal law is a very complicated area of law; domestic violence is no exception. Facing domestic violence charges often results in serious consequences that can affect you for the rest of your life, where the severity of a conviction will greatly depend on whether you are convicted of a misdemeanor or felony.

Aside from facing jail time, other consequences that could follow a domestic violence conviction in California include:

  • The loss of gun ownership privileges,
  • Protective orders filed against you,
  • Restitution for the victim,
  • Mandatory fines,
  • Mandatory classes, and
  • Loss of child custody rights

As previously mentioned, the consequences can vary depending on the type of case but they can also vary depending on whether or not you have a prior criminal record. With the support of an established defense attorney, however, it may be possible to reduce the consequences upon conviction.

Potential Defense Strategies for Domestic Violence

Depending on the specifics of the case, it is possible to build a strong defense when facing domestic violence charges.

False Allegations - It is not uncommon to have a person make false accusations against another. A false domestic violence accusation is typically seen when the parties involved are going through a difficult divorce or separation. When facing false accusations, it is beneficial to establish a credible alibi for the supposed time of incident.

Additionally, it may also be possible to demonstrate the alleged victim has lied when making the claim. This could sometimes be accomplished when there are inconsistencies in his or her story.

Self-Defense - One of the strongest defenses for domestic abuse charges is that of self-defense. If you were defending yourself against physical harm from the other party, it may be possible to have the charges dropped.

Consult an Experienced Domestic Violence Defense Attorney

When domestic violence charges are brought up against you, your future and reputation are at stake. Consider seeking well-versed legal counsel that will defend your rights and help you formulate a strong defense.

The domestic violence defense attorneys at Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP are highly skilled in the field of domestic abuse cases in California. The firm has an established track record of bringing a strong and vigorous defense in a trial. If you are facing domestic violence charges, the consequences can affect you for the rest of your life. Consider contacting the firm today for more information on how you can lessen the charges made against you or even possibly have them dismissed.