Difficult Situations That Require an Attorney From the Start
Family conflicts can be extremely painful, especially when they involve accusations of domestic violence or abuse. The effects of a domestic abuse or assault conviction can stay with you for a long time. If you are convicted on domestic violence charges, you may face fines or incarceration, and you risk losing your livelihood or custody of your kids. The time to contact an experienced lawyer is right now. The Law Offices of David L. Smith offers aggressive defense and practical, honest legal advice. For a free consultation, call 714-280-8522 or toll free at 888-738-9117, or contact us online.
Domestic violence is physical violence or threatened violence that occurs within certain types of relationships, including:
- Married or formerly married couples (spousal abuse)
- Couples engaged to be married
- Couples living together
- People who have a child together, whether residing together or not
- People in current or former dating relationships
Domestic violence includes spousal abuse and child endangerment. Any act of violence or threatened act, whether actual or perceived, qualifies as domestic violence and could be prosecuted under California domestic violence laws (specifically, refer to Penal Code, §243(e)(1), a misdemeanor and Penal Code, §273.5, a felony).
The law in this area can be complicated and involves many other statutory requirements depending on the specific facts of your case. It is best to have counsel with you from the earliest possible time if you will be or are charged with this or any similar offenses.
Penalties for Domestic Violence in California
The possible penalties for domestic violence charges in the state of California include:
- Two to four years in state prison (for felonies)
- Up to one year in the county jail to just a few days in jail (for misdemeanors)
- Mandatory participation in a 52-week batterer's treatment program
- Fines and penalties
- Victim restitution payments to a battered women's shelter and possible counseling costs
- Restraining orders forcing you to stay away from the victim and to move out of your home
- Loss of child custody and other collateral consequences
Attorney David Smith has many years of experience defending clients against domestic violence charges, including those that occur in the context of divorce. We can fight for your legal rights and work to have charges dropped, when appropriate, or reduced, depending on the situation. Contact us to speak to a knowledgeable Santa Ana domestic violence attorney.
Get Help if You Have Been Charged With Spousal Abuse
We are prepared to vigorously defend you against domestic violence charges, to go to trial when necessary and to help you reach the best possible outcome in your case.
If you are guilty of an assault or other instance of violence in the state of California, you may be able to receive treatment in place of another sentence. In some cases, our lawyers can help position your case for a domestic violence treatment program that would take the place of a more severe penalty.
Call for a Free Consultation
Orange County Domestic Abuse Attorney
David Smith is an experienced criminal defense lawyer who will analyze the details of your charge and identify all possible options for your defense, including participation in domestic violence classes. To arrange a free consultation, call 714-280-8522 or toll free at 888-738-9117, or contact us online. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
