Cerritos Domestic Violence Lawyer

Experienced Domestic Violence Attorney in Cerritos

Domestic violence can have a major impact on families throughout California. Unfortunately, in some cases, allegations can arise out of malicious intent or even due to a simple misunderstanding. Whether you’ve been accused of domestic violence following an incident in Cerritos Park East or at your home along Harvest Avenue, it is essential to speak with a Cerritos domestic violence lawyer who can protect your rights and your future alike.

Gibbons & Gibbons: Here to Protect Your Rights

When serious criminal accusations arise, you can turn to the attorneys at Gibbons & Gibbons. We know that domestic violence charges can be terrifying, which is why we are here to help you face the uncertainty with clarity and confidence. We are familiar with handling cases in both the Downey Courthouse on East Imperial Highway in Downey and the Bellflower Courthouse on East Flower Street in Bellflower. You can count on us to protect your rights.

Our attorneys are here to review the facts of your case and offer an honest assessment of your legal options. We know how to resolve issues of domestic violence and have been doing so since our firm first opened its doors in 1999. Throughout our years of service, our attorneys have handled thousands of cases and have more than 60 years of combined experience. Allow us to stand by your side today.

Understanding Domestic Violence in Cerritos

In the United States, about 24 people experience some form of physical abuse by an intimate partner every minute, and in 2023 in California, state law enforcement agencies fielded more than 160,000 calls related to domestic violence. Despite these numbers, it is important to remember that up to one in every 10 individuals who are accused of domestic violence are actually the victims of false accusations.

In California, domestic violence can be defined as any abuse toward a current or former spouse, a current or former dating or romantic partner, or a current or former cohabitant. When examining the relationship between the alleged offender and the victim, the courts can look at the following factors:

• The sexual nature of the alleged relationship
• The length of the alleged relationship
• The financial nature of the relationship, including all mutual properties and assets
• How you label or did label one another, including references to boyfriend, girlfriend, wife, husband, fiancé(e), or domestic partner

Penalties for Domestic Violence

Some of the most important things to consider when facing domestic violence charges are the seriousness of the crime and the allegations being presented. Our attorneys are here to help you make sense of these allegations and the penalties that can arise should a conviction be successful, in order to better understand your defense options.

In addition to possible jail time and hefty fines, an individual convicted of domestic violence in Cerritos can also face:

• Possible restraining order
• Probation
• Community service
• Restitution payments to the victim
• Loss of gun rights and other civil rights
• Possible court-mandated counseling or educational programs
• Issues regarding custody of minor children, especially in cases where the alleged domestic violence included child abuse
• Loss of employment or professional licenses and certifications
• Damage done to your personal or professional reputation

Keep in mind that if you have any prior felony convictions on your criminal record, you could face fines totaling thousands of dollars and lengthy prison sentences.

How to Defend Against Domestic Violence Charges

When faced with domestic violence charges, you may feel completely hopeless and unsure of what actions to take. It is wise that you comply with the police and that you do not try to defend yourself or contact the person who has accused you. You should also avoid posting on social media regarding the case, even if it is to try to garner sympathy and prove that you did nothing wrong.

Instead, you need to reach out to an attorney who can review your case and determine the right course of action to take when it comes to your defense. At Gibbons & Gibbons, we have handled countless domestic violence defense cases and have experience implementing the following defense strategies on behalf of our clients:

• Self-defense. In certain cases, your attorney may be able to uncover evidence that you were simply acting in self-defense or in the defense of others when the alleged domestic violence took place. It is within your rights to use reasonable force to keep someone from attacking or hurting you when your safety is threatened.
• False allegations. In certain emotional situations, people might take things to extremes. If your spouse or partner lied or exaggerated the truth in order to accuse you of domestic violence, your attorney can help uncover the facts and defend your side of the story.
• Alibi. In certain cases, you may have an alibi for the time and location of the alleged crime and the necessary evidence to prove it. Your attorney can review this evidence and help you establish a credible alibi. For example, if you have cell phone records that place you across town at the time of the alleged violence, then this can be a key piece of evidence to help establish an alibi.
• Accidental contact. The reality is that accidents happen every day. For example, if you tried to intervene during a bar fight and someone was injured as a result, you may be wrongfully accused of intentional violence. Our attorneys can argue that you did not have any intent to harm the alleged victim and that the contact that occurred was accidental.

Hire a Domestic Violence Lawyer Today

If you have been accused of domestic violence or you know someone who has, the next step is to hire a domestic violence lawyer from Gibbons & Gibbons right away. Our lawyers understand just how desperate your situation currently is, and we are here to approach your case in a way that offers you peace of mind. Contact our offices today by phone or online and schedule your initial consultation with our criminal defense team. We are here to serve you no matter what.