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Last Modified on Jul 05, 2025
Facing domestic violence charges can be enough to completely shatter your reputation and your social status. Such a charge can instantly change the way people perceive you. It can impact your job performance, your employment opportunities, and even your personal relationships beyond the one with your intimate partner. You may want to contact a domestic violence lawyer who can help you understand the California domestic violence laws and build a strong defense.
California Domestic Violence Laws
Understanding the domestic violence laws in California can be significant to your case. You may be engaged in behavior that you didn’t even realize was considered domestic violence. Recognizing signs of potential criminal behavior can help you build a stronger defense strategy.
In California, domestic violence occurs when you physically harm an intimate partner. According to the California Penal Code, any of the following is considered an intimate partner:
- Your spouse or registered domestic partner
- Your girlfriend or boyfriend
- A co-parent
If the domestic violence incident results in a physical injury, no matter how slight, it’s possible that the district attorney could charge you with inflicting corporal punishment on an intimate partner. This kind of charge is known as a wobbler, which means it could be either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the situation.
As a misdemeanor, such a conviction could land you a year in jail and a fine of $6,000. As a felony, that same conviction could land you up to four years in prison and a fine of $6,000, as well as additional prison time if the victim is seriously injured.
In domestic violence situations where there is no visible injury, you could end up being charged with misdemeanor domestic battery. This conviction would likely land you in jail for a year, as well as a fine of $2,000. Many different factors are going to influence your sentencing, including the evidence against you, the injuries to the alleged victim, and whether or not the court seeks to make an example out of your case.
Why Should You Hire a Domestic Violence Lawyer?
Facing domestic violence charges can be overwhelming and difficult to handle on your own. Throughout your legal battle, you will want the right people by your side to help you overcome what you’re going through. The legal team at Tully & Weiss understands what you need and how high the stakes are for you. Our combined 25 years of legal experience are at your disposal, and Certified Criminal Law Specialist Joseph Tully leads that team with determination. We can help you build a sound legal strategy.
According to statistical data collected by the Public Policy Institute of California, there were over 160,000 domestic violence calls fielded by various California law enforcement agencies throughout 2023 alone. Over 101,000 of those calls involved some sort of deadly weapon, according to similar data collected by the California Department of Justice. These incidents are not uncommon, and it’s vital that you take the proper steps to protect yourself.
Dealing with accusations and charges of domestic violence can be a lot to deal with. It may even start to take a toll on your own mental and emotional health. Your first priority should always be taking care of yourself. You may want to consider reaching out to a local mental health support group like NAMI Connection or CalHOPE. Talking to the right people can be greatly beneficial to your situation, especially if those people have been through something similar.
FAQs
Q: What Happens to First-Time Domestic Violence Offenders in California?
A: The penalties that a first-time domestic violence offender might face in California will be entirely dependent on the details of their case. Generally, penalties will include probation, mandatory counseling, and a fine. Jail time may be unlikely if there was no visible injury, though the offender may end up with community service. If the details of the case are severe, they may serve jail or prison time.
Q: What Qualifies for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in California?
A: In order to qualify for a domestic violence restraining order in California, you have to be able to prove specific acts of harassment, threats, or violence. Generally, these acts must be proven over a period of time to show a pattern of escalating behavior. You may want to reach out to witnesses who can provide testimony of the offender’s behavior. If you are the alleged offender, you should contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you can.
Q: How Can I Beat a Domestic Violence Case in California?
A: There are many different ways you can work to beat a domestic violence case in California. The first thing you should do is contact an experienced domestic violence defense lawyer and start building a defense strategy based on factual evidence. Your defense may be built on multiple possibilities, such as insufficient evidence against you, inconsistency of statements, an absence of visible injuries, and unreliable witnesses.
Q: Should I Hire a Defense Lawyer for a Domestic Violence Case?
A: Yes, you should hire a defense lawyer for a domestic violence case. Being charged with domestic violence can seriously hurt your reputation. A good lawyer can help you get ahead of the charges and work to prove your innocence. Having the right domestic violence defense attorney by your side can change everything.
Reach Out Today – Exceptional Domestic Violence Defense Law Firm
Navigating domestic violence laws can be difficult work, especially if you are trying to do so on your own. California domestic violence cases are rarely straightforward. It’s important that you tell your side of the story and avoid becoming demonized in the court of public opinion. The most effective way to do that is to hire a domestic violence lawyer right away.
The legal team at Tully & Weiss can provide you with everything you need to build a strong defense against domestic violence charges. Reach out to a valued team member to discuss the details of your case, and together we can begin to safeguard your future.
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