California Lawyer for Domestic Abuse Charges
Allegations of spousal abuse or other types of domestic violence can shake the foundation of a steady relationship. These accusations usually involve long-term relationships that are suddenly coming under the scrutiny of the police and prosecutors.
If you've been charged with domestic violence, you need an advocate who will take your side with a calm, objective approach informed by knowledge of the law. I'm San Diego attorney Jim Pokorny, and I've been defending people against criminal charges such as domestic violence for more than 30 years. Contact me today for a free phone consultation.
Understanding Unique Domestic Violence Laws
Although similar to assault and battery charges in many ways, domestic violence charges have their own set of issues.
If you've been accused of domestic violence, you can be served with a protective order (also known as a restraining order or stay-away order) or a peaceful contact order at various points in the process. Violation of this order can land you in jail immediately.
If you are convicted of domestic violence in California, as part of your sentence, you will be sentenced to the Domestic Violence Recovery Program. You will be required to attend this program for two hours each week for a year. You will also be required to report back to the court every 60 days. If you have an unexcused absence or do not meet the terms of your sentence, you may have to go to jail.
Avoiding Actions That Will Make the Situation Worse
Because domestic violence charges generally involve close personal relationships, it is very common for the defendant to try to talk the alleged victim into "dropping" the charges. This is never a good idea, as it could lead to allegations of witness tampering or obstruction of justice against you. Both of these charges are felonies. Additionally, only the prosecutor, and not the victim, has the ability to drop charges.
As in any other criminal case, you should not take any actions on your own, even if you believe doing so will help your case. Instead, you should consult a qualified criminal defense lawyer. Don't hesitate to contact me to discuss your domestic violence charges.
