Domestic Violence Lawyer In Los Angeles
Facing a domestic violence charge can be daunting and emotionally taxing. These charges have serious legal implications that can significantly affect your personal and professional life. If you are in this stressful situation, you need a strong defense.
The Mattern Law Firm is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support and guidance to those facing domestic violence allegations. Whether addressing the immediate legal challenges or planning a long-term defense strategy, the firm can provide the personalized attention you need during this critical time.
Understanding Domestic Violence Charges In Los Angeles
Domestic violence is a serious offense that involves abusive behavior within a household, often between intimate partners, but it can also occur among family members. It includes physical harm, threats, emotional abuse and controlling behavior.
In Los Angeles, courts treat domestic violence allegations seriously, and several factors determine how a victim can file a case. The decision to file a domestic violence case as a felony or misdemeanor depends on various elements, such as:
- The extent of injuries
- Any prior arrests for domestic violence
- The presence of additional charges like criminal threats
- Any attempts to stop the victim from contacting the police
- The involvement of weapons
It’s important to note that people can file domestic violence charges even without injuries. Cases with injuries might be classified as either felonies or misdemeanors.
The Legal Consequences Of Domestic Violence
You may receive a restraining order, which involves avoiding contact with the alleged victim. These orders vary in degree, ranging from limited contact to a complete prohibition on communication, including phone calls, emails or texts. Violating a restraining order can lead to jail time.
Most domestic violence calls lead to felony arrests, with bail set at $50,000. Felony penalties can include up to one year in county jail or four years in state prison. Meanwhile, misdemeanor penalties may result in 364 days in county jail. Having multiple convictions for domestic violence within seven years can also result in longer jail time.
Additional consequences include mandatory domestic violence classes, fines, restitution to victims and community service. Furthermore, a conviction can lead to a prohibition on owning firearms for ten years if it’s a misdemeanor or for life if it’s a felony.
What Clients Are Asking About Domestic Violence
Domestic violence charges can be a complex and stressful process, leading to many questions from those involved. I listed some common inquiries to help you understand the legal proceedings.
What happens with the arrest reports?
After an arrest, the arresting agency submits the file to the prosecuting agency, which could be the District Attorney’s office for felonies or the City Attorney for misdemeanors.
What happens after the case is filed?
If filed as a felony, the defendant must attend all court appearances and will receive a Restraining Order at arraignment. For misdemeanors, the attorney can attend future appearances after arraignment.
What if I am not a U.S. citizen?
A conviction may lead to immigration consequences such as deportation or denial of naturalization.
What happens after I am convicted or I plead guilty?
Felony convictions require you to attend all progress reports for counseling, while misdemeanor cases may allow your attorney to attend on your behalf, depending on the court.
What if the alleged victim does not want to testify?
If subpoenaed, the alleged victim must appear in court. While they cannot go to jail for refusing to testify, a judge may send them to counseling or require a fine. Cases may proceed without the victim if there are other forms of evidence.
Talk To A Domestic Violence Lawyer Today
As your defense lawyer, I, Lisa Mattern, am committed to helping you face this legal challenge. I can fight allegations of domestic violence if you are wrongly accused. Moreover, I can negotiate with the prosecution and fight for lighter penalties if needed.
Call The Mattern Law Firm at 855-971-8308 or fill out this contact form to schedule a free consultation. Se habla español.