Consequences Of A Domestic Violence Charge

A domestic violence charge in California is often serious and could mean devastating, life-long ramifications to your freedom, personal reputation, quality of life, and professional and future opportunities. With your personal relationships and every aspect of your life on the line, it is normal to be terrified and overwhelmed. A skilled California criminal defense attorney can enlighten you about the consequences of a domestic violence charge and help build your defense strategy.

At Darryl A. Stallworth Law Office, I’m committed to offering comprehensive legal guidance and reliable representation to clients facing domestic violence charges. As your legal counsel, I can investigate the allegations against you and strategize an effective defense in pursuit of the most favorable outcome for your unique situation. My firm is proud to serve clients across Oakland, San Francisco, Alameda County, Northern California, and the Bay Area, California.

Domestic Violence In California

According to California law, “domestic violence” can be described as an “abuse” perpetrated against any of the following individuals:

• A current or former spouse
• A current or former cohabitant
• A person with whom the defendant is having or has had a dating or engagement relationship
• A child of the offender
• A person with whom the defendant has had a child
• Any other person related to the defendant

For the purpose of this act, a person commits “abuse” when he or she:

• Recklessly or intentionally causes or attempts to cause bodily injury
• Commits sexual assault
• Places someone in reasonable apprehension of possible serious bodily injury
• Uses or threatens to use physical force

Unfortunately, domestic violence charges in California carry severe and potentially life-altering consequences. Therefore, it is important that you reach out to a skilled attorney immediately for prompt legal intervention to avoid the devastating ramifications of a criminal conviction.

Possible Consequences

A domestic violence conviction in California could result in any of the following penalties and consequences:

Jail – A domestic violence charge may result in imprisonment, ranging from months, years, or decades, depending on the severity and seriousness of the specific violent conduct.

Huge Fines – Depending on the surrounding circumstances, you may be required to pay several thousands of dollars in fines.

Treatment – The alleged defendant may be asked to attend mandatory drug abuse treatment or anger management classes.

Probation – Part of your sentence may involve probation. You will need to check in regularly with your probation officer and the California court.

Loss of Firearm Rights – The defendant could lose their rights to possess, carry, or purchase a firearm or gun in California.

Restraining Order – A domestic violence protective or restraining order may be issued against you. Thus, you will be ordered to refrain from contacting the accuser and their family.

Loss of Licenses – This may include the loss of or inability to obtain a hunting or fishing license in the state.

Loss of Parental Privileges – A domestic violence conviction in California could result in loss of child custody, visitation rights, or other parental privileges.

Loss of Job and Other Benefits – Incarceration in jail or prison will threaten your current job. A conviction may also affect your future employment, housing, and career opportunities.

Difficulties in Securing Public Benefits – A domestic violence conviction can make it difficult for you to secure public benefits and other government assistance.

Criminal Record – A domestic violence conviction may result in a permanent criminal record/history. Unfortunately, having a criminal record may limit your potential opportunities or make it difficult for you to get employment, housing, and other professional and public benefits.

Deportation – A domestic violence charge may result in possible deportation from the United States (if you’re a non-U.S. citizen) or inadmissibility into the country.

If you or someone you know has recently been arrested or charged with domestic violence, you need to reach out to a knowledgeable California criminal defense attorney immediately. Your legal counsel can enlighten you about the nature of your charges and identify your available legal defense.

Possible Defenses

If you’re facing domestic violence accusations, your legal counsel may help fight those allegations using any of the following defenses:

• False accusation
• Self-defense
• Innocence
• Lack of intent
• Accident
• The crime can’t be proven beyond reasonable doubt
• Error during the investigation
• Inconsistencies in the evidence
• The violence occurred due to the person’s behavior

A skilled California domestic violence defense attorney can intervene quickly and take preemptive measures to prevent an embarrassing arrest or a formal charge.

Don’t Risk Your Future. Call Now.

Defending your domestic violence allegations without experienced representation could potentially expose you to the risks of suffering the maximum punishment. If convicted, you could face lengthy imprisonment, huge fines, a criminal record, possible deportation, loss of parenting privileges, and other far-reaching consequences. Therefore, when facing domestic violence charges, hiring a highly-skilled criminal defense attorney is imperative for detailed guidance and to determine your best defenses.

At Darryl A. Stallworth Law Office, I have dedicated my career to handling criminal cases and representing individuals accused of domestic violence. As your attorney, I can review and investigate all of the facts of your case thoroughly and outline a strong defense strategy to help fight your charges. Using my extensive knowledge, I will help you navigate the California criminal justice system. Also, I will fight aggressively to uphold your legal rights, protect your parenting privileges, and make sure those accusations don’t ruin your life.

A domestic violence charge can put your future at risk. Don’t face this alone. Contact my firm – Darryl A. Stallworth Law Office – today to schedule a simple case evaluation with a reliable domestic violence defense attorney. I can offer you the personalized legal counsel and compassionate representation you need. My firm is proud to serve clients across Oakland, San Francisco, Alameda County, Northern California, and the Bay Area, California.