Walnut Creek Domestic Violence Attorney

California Domestic Violence Laws

Domestic violence is a severe offense in California. Therefore, an arrest for domestic violence can result in significant charges for the accused of the crime.

A person accused of domestic violence can face:

• substantial fines
• penalties
• jail time
• a criminal conviction

If you have been accused of domestic violence, it is imperative that you seek an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Walnut Creek. Call our firm directly at (925) 900-5330 or complete our online contact form today.

California Domestic Violence Penalties

In California, under Penal Code Section 273.5, a person can be accused of domestic violence if they injure a spouse, cohabitant, parent, or romantic partner. For example, suppose the alleged victim displays corporal injury resulting in a traumatic condition. In that case, the person who inflicted the injury could be charged with domestic violence. However, it is essential to note that domestic violence charges vary by offense level. For instance, battery charges are misdemeanors, while more serious charges can result in felonies.

Most of the time, minor domestic violence charges are considered misdemeanors. For instance, pushing or shoving your spouse, parent, cohabitant, or a romantic partner is a form of battery. The alleged victim does not have to show signs of injury for it to be a battery offense. Even though a battery offense is minor, it can still carry heavy penalties, fines, time in jail, and a misdemeanor criminal conviction. A prosecutor will try to convict a person to the full extent of the law.

Felony Domestic Violence Charges in CA

Moreover, even if you have been charged with a misdemeanor, your offense can escalate to a felony charge. The consequences of a felony charge in domestic violence cases result in increased and magnified penalties, fines, and jail time, not to mention a felony criminal conviction on the defendant’s criminal record.

If any following is present in a domestic violence case, the offense can be considered a felony:

• there is evidence of bodily harm
• there is serious bodily injury on the victim
• the defendant has prior convictions of domestic violence
• a deadly weapon was involved

Aggressively Defending Domestic Violence Charges in CA

In California, even if the alleged victim did not report the occurrence, domestic violence charges can still be brought against you. Charges for domestic violence are difficult to drop. Still, the skilled Walnut Creek criminal defense attorneys at The Law Offices of Johnson & Johnson can work your criminal case and find the best solutions and options to get your charges reduced.

If you have been accused of domestic violence, contact our Walnut Creek domestic violence attorneys at (925) 900-5330 ASAP!