Van Nuys Domestic Violence Attorneys

Aggressive Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers in the San Fernando Valley

If you are dealing with the fallout of a domestic violence accusation, it can seem like you are isolated or that you can’t trust anyone. If that’s the case, know that no matter what led you to this point, our Van Nuys domestic violence lawyers can help you.

When we help a person facing domestic violence charges, we want them to know that we are on a team, working together on every point of the case. Whether they’re appealing a restraining order or being tried in criminal court, our clients at Williams And Seemen know we’re on their side and willing to do what it takes to improve their situation.

If you are facing charges for domestic violence, reach out to us at (818) 536-7776 or online to learn more about how we can help you.

What Are the Domestic Violence Charges in California?

Under California law, domestic violence occurs against an intimate partner.

This means someone who bears one of these relationships to the alleged offender:

• Spouse or former spouse
• Cohabitant or former cohabitant
• The other parent of their child
• Current or former dating partner
• Current or former fiancée

Alleged violence against another family member might be considered an assault or similar offense.

Preventing Social & Legal Consequences

Depending on the offense, a person convicted of a domestic violence charge may spend time in jail, be prevented from seeing loved ones, or receive other consequences enforced by law; but these aren’t the only repercussions of having an offense on your record.

Being convicted of domestic violence offense can result in problems in your work and personal life, as well.

What Are the Consequences of Domestic Violence Charges?

A person convicted of a domestic violence offense could face one or several of the following:

• Social stigma
• Permanent restraining order
• Need to relocate
• Mandatory enrollment in a domestic violence treatment program
• Housing discrimination
• Job discrimination
• Loss of child custody
• Requirement to give up/inability to purchase firearms
• Loss of immigrant privileges
• Time in prison

Preventing these consequences, or at least the most serious ones, depends on your legal team’s ability to argue down to lesser charges or have them dismissed completely.

What Happens When You Get a Domestic Violence Charge?

Depending on the underlying crime, you can face serious charges for domestic violence in California. For example, domestic battery involves the unlawful and willful use of violence or force against a former or current intimate partner. A domestic battery charge is punishable by up to a $2,000 fine and up to 364 days in jail.

Under certain circumstances, you may also be required to pay fines to fund battered women’s shelters and reimburse the victim for counseling. If you are a repeat offender, you could also be required to spend 48 hours in jail at the least.

Is Verbal Abuse Domestic Violence in California?

Yes. In California, verbal abuse is considered domestic violence. Domestic violence is defined as abuse or threats of abuse if the abuser and the person being abused are currently in or were previously in a romantic relationship, living together or previously living together, or are closely related. Since abuse does not have to be physical, as abuse can be psychological or emotional, verbal abuse can be classified as domestic violence.

First Time Domestic Violence Charge in California

The first time someone is charged with domestic violence in California, it is generally charged as a misdemeanor unless there are aggravating factors. Generally, a prosecutor won't file felony charges unless the defendant has a history of domestic violence or there are injuries to the victim.

If you or a family member has been charged with domestic violence, it is imperative that you speak with an expert domestic violence attorney as soon as possible.

Fearless Domestic Violence Lawyers for the Accused

In difficult situations like this, our Van Nuys domestic violence lawyers fight for solutions. It doesn’t matter how serious the charge or how challenging the relationship in question—we are dedicated to working as a team to find the best strategy for the case. We are not intimidated in court, and we are ready to take on whatever the prosecution tries to throw at us.

When you choose to work with us, we promise our goal is to help you defeat this charge and move on with your life. If you’ve been accused of domestic violence, you need to contact our Van Nuys domestic violence attorneys today.

Facing domestic violence charges? Call Williams And Seemen at (818) 536-7776 and get to know our team with a free consultation.