If you are convicted of a crime of domestic violence in Los Angeles, the personal and professional consequences can be devastating. A conviction of this nature can seriously impact your ability to find (or keep) a job as well as your relationships with others. In addition, you could be sentenced to jail time, monetary fines and incur other significant penalties.
If you are currently facing a criminal domestic violence charge in the State of California, it is important that you seek out experienced legal counsel in your case a soon as possible. A knowledgeable Los Angeles criminal defense attorney will be able to review the circumstances of your charge with you and can determine whether you might be eligible to assert a defense to your charge. This action could help you avoid conviction consequences altogether.
In the event you have already been found guilty or convicted on a domestic violence charge, a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer could work with you to help minimize the impact of the conviction.
The experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers at The Law Offices of David S. Chesley are ready to work for you to help you attain the best possible outcome in your criminal domestic violence case. Please give us a call today to learn more about how we could assist you with defending against your pending domestic violence charge.
What is Considered ‘Domestic Violence’ in the State of California?
Domestic violence in the State of California refers to some type of abuse that is committed by one person and directed against an intimate partner. Specifically, in order for the act to constitute domestic violence, the perpetrator must recklessly or intentionally threaten to use – or actually use – some type of physical force against the partner. Domestic violence crimes often involve abuse, threats of abuse, battery (which involves unwanted physical touching), and certain types of neglect. These criminal offenses are classified as felonies or misdemeanors depending upon the seriousness of the offense.
Potential victims of domestic violence crimes in California include a former or current spouse, fiancé, registered domestic partner, or cohabitant. A domestic violence victim can also include a person with whom the accused individual had a prior dating relationship or a person with whom the accused individual has a child in common.
If you are accused of committing an act of domestic violence against one of these individuals, a knowledgeable Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer could help you explore your legal defense options and decide on the best option for your case.
What Types of Long-Term Consequences Could Result if You’re Convicted on a Criminal Domestic Violence Charge?
Domestic violence convictions in Los Angeles can have serious ramifications and long-term consequences. Some of the most common penalties and long-term consequences that are associated with a domestic violence conviction include the following:
- Lengthy periods of jail time
- Hefty monetary fines and possible restitution to the alleged victim
- Protective orders which prohibit you from having direct or indirect contact with the alleged victim and oftentimes the victim’s children
- Permanent loss of rights to custody of minor children
- Required participation in various domestic violence classes
- Loss of the ability to own or carry a gun within the State of California
- Deportation for individuals who are not United States citizens
- Loss of a job or the inability to find a job
- Inability to lease an apartment or find a place to live
In order for you to receive a criminal penalty, you must first be found guilty and/or convicted on the domestic violence charge. This typically happens when the state prosecutor proves the criminal charge against you ‘beyond a reasonable doubt.’ It is then left up to a sentencing judge to issue the penalty in your case.
A knowledgeable Los Angeles criminal defense attorney can work to help you avoid a conviction or guilty finding in the first place. A Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer could also help you mitigate or avoid some of these consequences in the event that you are ultimately convicted on the domestic violence charge.
Speak with an Experienced Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney about Your Legal Matter Today
The knowledgeable legal team at The Law Offices of David S. Chesley will do everything possible to minimize the consequences of a domestic violence conviction. For a free legal consultation and case evaluation with a knowledgeable Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer.
