Providing Committed Representation to Clients Going Through the Legal Process of Domestic Violence Cases in Los Angeles County

In Southern California, where the legal framework is continuously evolving, the skilled domestic violence lawyers of Wegman & Levin are highly experienced in defending the rights of individuals involved in domestic violence allegations.

As renowned domestic violence lawyers in Los Angeles, we’ve been involved in numerous cases and understand the challenges our clients face. With a surge in awareness and advocacy for victims, Los Angeles and its surrounding regions have adopted stringent measures to protect those affected by domestic violence. Penalties and restrictions are harsher, and the implications of criminal charges can be wide-reaching.

Our domestic violence defense attorneys at Wegman & Levin understand the intricacies of these criminal cases. Given the severe societal and legal repercussions associated with domestic violence allegations, the knowledge and dedication of a seasoned domestic violence attorney can be the determining factor in a case’s outcome. 

In a city where countless cases vie for attention, choosing the right domestic abuse lawyer in Los Angeles ensures that your voice is distinctly heard, your legal rights are fiercely protected, and your side of the story is presented with utmost clarity and precision.

What is Considered Domestic Abuse Under California Law?

The state of California, as well as Los Angeles County, takes allegations of physical abuse and domestic violence very seriously. Not only will prosecutors aggressively seek harsh penalties, but in criminal courts, law enforcement personnel are likely to treat the defendants with extra suspicion and, sometimes, a closed-minded approach to the accusations. Even those accused of domestic violence as first-time offenders can face harsh consequences, including jail time, loss of child custody rights, and more.

Domestic battery is defined as the willful and unlawful harm of an intimate partner by violence or force. The alleged victim doesn’t need to suffer actual bodily harm or traumatic injuries. Under California law, intimate partners include a current or former spouse, current or former cohabitants, current or former fiancées, the other parent of the defendant’s child, and anyone who is in a romantic relationship with the defendant, as well as ex-partners.

There are specific legal provisions in Los Angeles County relating to domestic violence charges. To learn more about these specific provisions, consult with a legal team that is well-versed in the applicable laws. Schedule your free case review with our law firm to discuss these and other matters today.

What Are Common Types of Domestic Violence Charges in California?

Domestic violence consists of many different types of criminal cases, including the following:

• Assault that causes physical injury to the victim
• Rape charges, including attempted rape
• Stalking, including cyber stalking
• Kidnapping and holding the victim against their will
• Criminal threats 
• Dissuading a witness from testifying to physical or emotional harm
• Domestic battery
• Corporal injury to a spouse, household cohabitant, or intimate partner
• Child abuse, endangerment, and neglect
• Elder abuse
• Revenge porn
• Posting harmful and private material online
• Aggravated trespassing
• And more

What Are Some of the Potential Far-Reaching Consequences of Domestic Violence Charges?

When it comes to domestic violence charges in California, there can be a lot on the line. Sometimes, just being charged with domestic violence is enough for a court to issue an order preventing you from living at your home or seeing your family. If you have children, a conviction can cause you to lose your custody and visitation rights. In addition to the fines and prison time that can result, being convicted of domestic violence can have a dramatic impact on your housing and career opportunities for years to come. 

Should you face charges, having a top domestic violence defense attorney on your side will be imperative to ensure you have quality legal representation and your voice is heard, as well as to fully understand your options and rights in Southern California.

If you are accused, it is essential to contact your lawyer promptly and ensure that you are protected as soon as possible. Avoid discussing details that could be considered incriminating without intending to do so.

Will Your Domestic Violence Crime Be Charged as a Felony or a Misdemeanor?

Domestic violence charges are broadly defined in California, and LA prosecutors may aggressively seek harm penalties for the defendant even in cases without significant injuries. Depending on the facts of your case, your domestic violence charges could either be misdemeanors, felonies, or wobbler offenses.

Most cases of domestic battery are misdemeanor charges. These cases relate to the use of force or violence to harm or intimidate an intimate partner, even in instances without causing physical injuries. Penalties for misdemeanor domestic battery include fines of up to $2,000, up to a year in county jail, and mandatory batterer’s intervention program attendance.

Corporal injury to a cohabitant or spouse is a wobbler offense, meaning that prosecutors can file charges as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances. This type of criminal charge requires visible injuries, such as bruises, bleeding, swelling, and deep cuts or lacerations. If convicted of a felony domestic violence charge, the defendant faces the potential of years in state prison, fines of up to $6,000, and possible enhancement penalties in cases involving traumatic or great bodily injury.

To learn more about felonies and misdemeanors, including how they relate to charges of child abuse, criminal threats, and violations of restraining orders, please get in touch with our law firm for legal guidance.

What Should You Do if You’re Accused of Domestic Violence?

Being accused of domestic violence can be confusing, frightening, and upsetting, regardless of the circumstances. In the moment, however, it is vital that you remain calm and do not say anything that could be held against you or misconstrued. 

Do not try to argue with, confront, or otherwise contact your accuser. Politely provide all required identifying information to law enforcement, but do not try to plead your case or talk more than is necessary to answer essential facts about who you are. 

It is vital to contact a reputable and experienced domestic violence lawyer as soon as possible. We can ensure that you are fully informed and that you are not asked anything or pressured in an undue manner. It is also essential not to make any public statements about your case until you have spoken with your domestic violence attorney about what can be talked about without repercussion or risk.

Are There Any Immediate Consequences for a Domestic Violence Arrest?

Those arrested for domestic violence in North Hollywood may face immediate consequences. California has a mandatory arrest policy for domestic violence cases, which entails the necessity of law enforcement personnel to make an arrest if there is probable cause for suspicion of domestic violence. The mandatory arrest policy is meant to protect domestic violence victims and safeguard them against additional physical harm.

Following the initial arrest, the courts may issue an emergency protective order or a no-contact order, restricting the defendant’s access to the victim. Additionally, the initial consequences of a domestic violence arrest can significantly impact the life of the accused in other ways, such as time in jail, bail conditions, and harm to immigration status or professional licenses.

What if the Alleged Victim Wishes to Drop the Charges?

Instances where alleged domestic violence victims elect to retract their allegations are common. Among the reasons a victim may wish to drop the charges is that the legal process can be emotionally charged and quickly get out of hand, potentially damaging relations beyond repair.

In California, however, the defendant can be arrested and prosecuted for domestic violence even in cases where the victim no longer wishes to cooperate with the police or wishes to drop their charges against the alleged abuser. Law enforcement is usually extremely reluctant to drop domestic violence charges, partially based on the belief that victims could be motivated by fear and emotional trauma as to why they may wish to drop their charges.

What Are Domestic Violence Restraining Orders in Los Angeles, CA?

Most domestic violence cases result in protective orders being issued by judges to defend alleged victims from further acts of abuse. As a result of a protective order, the accused abuser will likely be required to vacate the shared residence and make no further contact with the intimate partner of any kind. Additionally, the defendant may lose their custody rights or see those rights otherwise restricted.

If you are dealing with a restraining order, speak to our domestic violence attorneys right away. We can help explain your legal options and defend your interests by building a strong defense.

What Defense Strategies Could Be Utilized by Your Domestic Violence Attorneys?

Depending on the facts of your case, including whether you were wrongfully accused or not, your criminal defense lawyers may explore several different options to assist you in building a winning defense strategy.

Some of the common legal options for defense strategies include the following:

• Claims that the accused acted in self-defense or in the defense of others
• In cases where both parties engaged in violence, prosecutors may drop the charges, as they usually only charge one side in a domestic violence case
• Raised suspicions of false allegations in a domestic violence case, which are sadly common, particularly in contentious family law matters
• The alleged victim recants or changes their story, harming their credibility
• Your lawyers may highlight the absence of physical injuries, or claim that the injuries were caused by accident, which can potentially defeat certain criminal charges
• And more

Our North Hollywood domestic violence lawyers will perform thorough investigations, gather all available evidence and other relevant information, and work to build a strong defense capable of helping you avoid the most dire consequences in your case. To learn more, schedule your free initial consultation today.

Contact Our Law Office to Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Dedicated Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys Today

If you have been charged with domestic violence, do not lose hope. You have rights, and the skilled domestic violence attorneys at Wegman & Levin will tell your side of the story. 

We have represented numerous domestic violence cases and bring a wealth of experience, resources, and understanding of the law to ensure we provide the best defense possible. We are committed to serving all of our clients with individualized attention and understanding. We ensure that we understand the unique details of your case and background, allowing us to develop the most effective strategy for each situation. When you work with us, you gain access to over 65 years of combined experience fighting for your future.

If you have been accused of domestic violence in North Hollywood, Los Angeles County, Burbank, or Southern California, call Wegman & Levin today at 818-495-8330 to schedule a free consultation with one of our dedicated domestic violence attorneys.