Los Angeles Domestic Violence Lawyer

Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys in Los Angeles, CA

Any arrest in Los Angeles has the potential to be a life-changing experience, and it’s natural for anyone in this situation to fear the worst possible outcomes. Regardless of whether you committed the offense in question or have been arrested for a crime you did not commit, it is very easy to feel as though the criminal justice system is completely against you and no one is on your side. While your situation may seem desperate, the right Los Angeles domestic violence defense attorney can have a tremendous positive impact on the situation.

Defense Representation for Los Angeles Domestic Violence Charges

Domestic violence affects the lives of thousands of state residents each year, sometimes resulting in devastating injuries and even death. While specific acts of domestic violence may mirror standard criminal offenses, the term “domestic violence” indicates a violent crime that has taken place within a family or household. Even though a specific incident may appear to meet the definition of a standard criminal offense, the relationship between the parties involved could mean the situation qualifies as domestic violence.

Our team at Gibbons & Gibbons has over 60 years of combined experience in criminal defense law. We believe that everyone deserves a fair chance at justice. This is why we fight diligently for each of our clients. No matter what your story may be, we can listen without judgment and build a case that fits your unique scenario.

Why You Need a Los Angeles Domestic Violence Defense Attorney

Unfortunately, even the accusation of domestic violence can jeopardize your career, social standing, reputation, and more. Many people lose their children after domestic violence cases, even if they were not accused of child abuse. It is important to fight back if you have been accused of domestic violence in Los Angeles.

Do not make the mistake of assuming you can defend yourself without an attorney in criminal court, even if you know for certain you did not commit the offense in question. Many domestic violence cases rest on one party’s word against another’s, and any missteps in the preliminary stages of any domestic violence case can carry severe repercussions.

The attorneys at Gibbons & Gibbons provide criminal defense counsel to individuals charged with domestic violence in the Los Angeles area and surrounding communities. If you committed some type of domestic violence, the penalties you face could be significant, and the right defense attorney can potentially help you mitigate the severity of your sentence. If you have been falsely accused, you will need an experienced Los Angeles domestic violence defense attorney to help you prove the truth of the situation.

Know Your Rights After Arrest

Every American citizen has two important constitutional rights that come into play when they are arrested for any criminal offense. The Fifth Amendment upholds the right to remain silent upon arrest, and the Sixth Amendment upholds the right to legal counsel. Once the police inform you that you are under arrest, say nothing until you can speak to an attorney. Even if you feel compelled to explain your side of a situation after you’ve been falsely accused of domestic violence, doing so is only likely to work against you. You are under no obligation to answer any questions from the police, and you should exercise your right to remain silent as you politely follow arresting officers’ directions.

Once you complete the arrest and booking process, you will be permitted to make your phone calls. At this point, the best thing for you to do is to contact an experienced Los Angeles domestic violence defense attorney you can trust to represent you. The court can provide a public defender free of charge if you’re unable or unwilling to hire a private defense attorney, but even the best public defenders can’t match the level of personalized representation you would receive from an experienced private Los Angeles domestic violence defense attorney.

Gibbons & Gibbons develops individualized legal strategies for each client we represent. We can meet with you immediately after your arrest and ensure the police follow all appropriate procedures during arrest and booking. If you have experienced any violation of your civil or constitutional rights, we will ensure this is brought to the court’s attention immediately. We’ll help you understand the charges against you, the potential penalties you face if convicted, and the best defenses available to you.

Domestic Violence Penalties in California

The term “domestic violence” applies broadly to any incident of violence within a family or household. Under California law, the parties involved in an incident do not necessarily need to live together, nor do they necessarily need to be relatives for domestic violence to occur between them. Many domestic violence cases in Los Angeles involve current and former spouses, domestic partners and romantic partners, extended family members, and current and former roommates and housemates.

Many offenses that qualify as domestic violence mirror standard criminal offenses. For example, threatening to harm someone and then physically attacking them would constitute assault and battery in most cases. However, if the relationship between the parties involved qualifies as domestic violence, the defendant’s penalties for conviction would be much harsher than the penalties usually assigned for standard assault and battery.

Punishments for domestic violence offenses are not only more serious than their standard counterparts but also potentially include a host of other legal implications as well as various personal and professional consequences. For example, a domestic violence charge against a parent could lead to involuntary termination of their custody and visitation rights. A conviction could also mean losing a professional license and/or memberships in certain professional organizations.

What to Expect From Your Los Angeles Domestic Violence Attorney

Ultimately, any domestic violence charge can potentially lead to economic penalties like fines, court fees, penalty assessments assigned at the discretion of the judge, and liability for victims’ civil damages. The judge could also sentence the defendant to incarceration, probation, mandatory counseling and/or substance abuse treatment, community service, and more, depending on the specific details of the case.

If you are charged with any type of domestic violence in Los Angeles, your defense attorney’s job is to prevent the prosecution from meeting the burden of proof necessary for a conviction. The prosecution must present compelling evidence and witness testimony to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and the defendant must be found guilty by a unanimous verdict from a jury of the defendant’s peers. It is your Los Angeles domestic violence defense attorney’s job to prevent this from happening.

You should feel comfortable speaking openly and honestly with your criminal defense attorney. When you feel at ease, we can better understand your perspective and build a more accurate defense case for you.

Domestic Violence Lawyer FAQs

Q: What Is the Average Sentence for Domestic Violence Charges in California?

A: The length of your incarceration will depend on your crime and your criminal history. Most misdemeanor domestic violence offenses will result in up to 1 year in county jail. If your offense is a felony, you face 2 to 6 years in state prison. If you have a criminal history, especially of other domestic violence offenses, you can face more time. This is in addition to the restraining orders, limitations, and other rules that you may need to follow.

Q: How Do I Get a Domestic Violence Case Dismissed in California?

A: Domestic violence cases are unique in that the person who files them cannot dismiss them. Because domestic violence is a crime, a state prosecutor steps in to fight the case. Therefore, the state prosecutor is the only party that can drop the charges. This will only happen if there is significant evidence suggesting that you are innocent of the crime at hand. It is important to hire a Los Angeles domestic violence attorney to represent you.

Q: How Are Domestic Violence Cases Handled in California?

A: Many domestic battery and abuse cases go through criminal court. However, some use the juvenile or family court systems, depending on the circumstances. If someone reports abusive behavior from a close partner, family member, or roommate, they can get a temporary restraining order against their abuser. Victims can then seek a permanent protective order, divorce, and further legal action with the help of a California domestic violence attorney. The accused abuser should find a domestic violence defense attorney right away.

Q: Is Domestic Violence in California a Felony?

A: Some incidents of domestic violence can result in felony charges. This usually happens if they result in a corporeal injury or if the accused has a significant criminal history. You may also face felony charges if the offense involves a deadly weapon. However, many domestic violence charges are considered misdemeanors. It is important to note that even the threat of domestic violence can result in charges. A person can still be charged even if their actions do not leave a visible bruise, mark, or scar.

Contact Gibbons & Gibbons

The team at Gibbons & Gibbons understands how desperate your situation probably feels, and our goal is to help you approach this difficult case with more confidence and peace of mind. If you or a loved one faces domestic violence charges of any kind, we can help.

Contact Gibbons & Gibbons today and schedule your consultation with a Los Angeles domestic violence defense attorney you can trust with your case.