Experienced Los Angeles Domestic Violence Attorney
A Los Angeles domestic violence attorney will work relentlessly to defend you in your case if you are accused of domestic violence or spousal abuse.
What Is Domestic Violence?
According to California law, domestic violence includes beating, threatening, sex crimes, and other damaging acts perpetrated against a member of your family or household.
A verbal altercation can lead to someone shoving or slapping another. This can result in more severe types of psychological or physical abuse.
Here are the most common domestic violence charges:
- Aggravated trespass
- Child abuse, endangerment, or neglect
- Corporal injury
- Criminal threats
- Domestic battery or violence
- Elder abuse
- Restraining order violation
Assault and battery charges require a criminal defense plan that includes additional elements. If you have more than one felony domestic violence charge, your punishment may become even steeper.
Defending Against Domestic Violence Charges
A district attorney will try to build a strong case against the accused based on the allegations and witness statements. But, they still have to prove that the accused threatened or committed violence against someone with whom they share a domestic or intimate relationship.
Several possible legal defenses can be used to help those charged with domestic violence. Acting in self-defense or defending another person or claiming that the whole thing was an accident are just some of the examples. It can also be claimed that the accusations are false. In that case, it can be claimed that the alleged victim suffered injuries in some other way and that they were not inflicted by the defendant.
False accusations are sometimes made because of jealousy or anger, as well as because someone wants to obtain the upper hand in the child custody or divorce proceedings.
Domestic violence charges should be treated seriously, and the one who is accused of committing this crime should hire a skilled Los Angeles criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Bear in mind that even being charged can affect child custody in California, not to mention having a domestic violence conviction on your record.
At the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we strive to keep you out of jail and regain custody of your children if they are taken away. We will fight for justice in the courtroom and give our best to get the charges reduced or dismissed.
Can a Domestic Violence Case Be Dismissed in California?
Yes, there is a possibility that a domestic violence case will be dismissed or not filed in Los Angeles County. However, if the alleged victim doesn’t want to press charges, that doesn’t mean the case can’t continue. Prosecutors don’t care whether the victim wants to accuse the abuser or not – they want to know whether the crime was committed.
There’s a list of reasons why domestic violence cases are not filled. Some of them include not having enough evidence or if the whole occurrence was mutual combat. Sometimes, knowledgeable LA attorneys can persuade the prosecution they will lose the case because of the false allegations.
Potential Domestic Violence Penalties
Criminal charges concerning domestic abuse and violence cases typically include domestic battery and inflicting “corporal injury” to a spouse or an intimate partner. Under California Penal Code section 273.5, any person who “willfully inflicts corporal injury resulting in a traumatic condition upon a victim,” such as a family or a household member, will be facing a felony charge. If convicted, the penalty would include imprisonment from one to four years, a fine of up to six thousand dollars ($6,000), or both.
However, some of the domestic abuse and violence charges are wobbler offenses, which means they can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. That can depend on the criminal record of the accused, the seriousness of the offense, and the suffered injuries by the alleged victim.
Law Offices of Christopher Chaney specializes in criminal defense cases and will try to build a solid domestic abuse case to protect your rights. We understand the damage these types of allegations and criminal charges can do to your life. Our extensive knowledge of the law and the legal system helps us fight for justice with skill and compassion.
Can a domestic violence charge be expunged from your record in Los Angeles?
In Los Angeles, the expungement of a domestic violence charge is a complex legal process that requires specialized legal knowledge. Domestic violence attorneys often handle such cases, given their proven track record in navigating the intricacies of domestic violence crime laws. Expungement is generally more feasible for misdemeanor charges than for felonies, but even then, certain conditions must be met.
Firstly, the individual seeking expungement must have successfully completed probation, paid all fines, and fulfilled any court-ordered programs or counseling. Law enforcement officers and the court take into account the nature of the domestic violence, which can range from physical injury and threatened violence to financial abuse and serious harassment. In cases involving spousal abuse or abusive circumstances with domestic partners, the court may be more stringent in its requirements.
Legal representation is crucial in these situations, especially when the domestic violence charge has implications for child custody cases or domestic violence restraining orders. An attorney can argue that the individual has been rehabilitated, is no longer a threat to family members, and that the expungement serves the interests of justice. They can also present evidence to establish reasonable doubt about the abusive relationship, whether it involved verbal abuse, controlling behavior, or forced sexual acts that led to mental suffering.
It’s worth noting that even if a charge is expunged, it may still affect certain personal relationships and legal rights. For example, an expunged charge may still be considered in future criminal cases or by potential employers who conduct thorough background checks.
When to Call a Los Angeles Domestic Violence Lawyer
You may require the counsel of an experienced domestic violence attorney if you have been charged with any abuse or violence toward a spouse, domestic partner, or another family member.
If you are the victim of violence, a California counselor can offer solutions, and the National Domestic Violence Hotline advocates are available 24 hours a day at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Still, if you are in immediate danger, you call 911.
Accusations of abuse are complicated, but a California domestic abuse lawyer with criminal law experience can provide a comprehensive criminal defense to prevent a conviction.
A top attorney and a criminal defense law firm in Los Angeles, CA, like the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, maybe your best chance to retain your freedom and avoid expensive fines and other life-changing consequences.
Working with a Domestic Violence Lawyer in Los Angeles, California
You must hire the best criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles if you are wrongfully accused or facing domestic violence allegations.
The Southern California court system takes domestic violence cases seriously, and in some instances, a person can be falsely accused, or the situation is misunderstood.
This situation requires the attention of an aggressive criminal defense attorney to develop a robust legal defense that can straighten out facts from fiction.
Without a Los Angeles domestic violence attorney who understands domestic violence laws, you might face long-lasting effects that can destroy your family, career, and life.
Our Domestic Violence Lawyers Can Help
A top domestic violence attorney will try to see the incident from your perspective to comprehend the situation and develop a criminal defense strategy to obtain the best resolution for you. A Los Angeles domestic violence attorney is prepared to:
- Evaluate your charges
- Explain your rights and legal options
- Collect exonerating evidence
- Plan your legal defense strategy
The California domestic violence lawyers at the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney can also offer advice and possibly represent you if you have violated probation or a restraining order you received due to previous charges.
Hire a Los Angeles Domestic Violence Lawyer
Hire a Los Angeles Domestic Violence Lawyer if you have been charged with a violent crime against a loved one or member of your household.
In addition to penalties imposed by the California criminal justice system, there are other consequences of a domestic violence criminal conviction. Aside from mandatory jail time, participation in domestic violence classes, and payment of fines and potential victim restitution, those who are accused also face a potential loss of child custody rights and gun rights. The accused may also have a restraining order filed against him or her, as well as obtain a permanent criminal record.
An expert California domestic violence lawyer might be able to effectively defend an individual charged with domestic battery if they acted in self-defense. Los Angeles, CA, legal representatives who practice criminal law will suggest options and, ideally, help you get acquitted.
Los Angeles Domestic Violence Lawyers
Deciding which of the Los Angeles Domestic Violence Lawyers to choose is likely something you thought you would never have to do.
If you or a loved one are facing domestic violence charges in southern California, you should do something about it as quickly as possible to secure your rights. Do not discuss any legal issues until you consult an experienced domestic violence lawyer in California.
If you need to get a domestic violence restraining order for your protection, consult with experience lawyers to help you.
With the right Los Angeles domestic violence council, you are not alone in your fight, regardless of your circumstance. If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges, time is of the essence.
Contact us at the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney today for a free consultation, and we will assist with finding a solution to whatever problem you may face.