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Riverside Domestic Violence Lawyer

Domestic violence in California is a serious criminal offense, which can result in severe repercussions for a person’s future and freedom. Domestic violence cases are not as clear-cut as they may seem to an outsider. That is why, if you have been charged with domestic violence in Riverside, you need an experienced Riverside domestic violence lawyer on your side, fighting for your rights and going after the best results possible in your criminal defense case.

 

Arrested or Charged with Domestic Violence in Riverside?

If you were charged or arrested for domestic violence in Riverside, you need to reach out to an experienced domestic violence lawyer as soon as possible. Due to the potential consequences you can be looking at if you are found guilty of this crime, you should not try to take on your case by yourself. In truth, many times, when a defendant tries to handle this situation alone, they end up making it worse.

You need to consult a skilled Riverside domestic violence attorney. These experienced lawyers can provide you with the advice you need during this challenging time, answer the questions you have, and make sure you get the legal help you need.

 

Top-Rated Riverside Domestic Violence Lawyer

What is Considered Domestic Violence in California?

In California, the state’s laws define domestic violence as abuse or threatened abuse against a current or former intimate partner, whether married, engaged, cohabitating, dating, or co-parenting.

In other words, domestic violence occurs when one individual recklessly or intentionally threatens or uses force against a partner. This partner can be a former or current spouse, fiancé, or domestic partner. It can also include a dating partner, current or former cohabitating partner, or the mother or father of the defendant’s child.

Additionally, domestic violence can also involve children. It is considered a crime to abuse children or other relatives, such as grandparents, nieces, nephews, and step-siblings.

 

Possible Defenses to Domestic Violence Charges

If you have been charged with domestic violence in Riverside, there are numerous ways that a lawyer can help you fight back. Some of the more common legal defenses to these charges include the following:

  • The injuries were the result of an accident
  • The defendant acted in self-defense
  • The harm did not result from the defendant’s actions
  • The accusations that the victim made were false

 

Don’t let one wrong decision impact your life, job or freedom.

Call today for a free case evaluation.

Possible Penalties for Domestic Violence in Riverside

In California, penalties for domestic violence can include prison or jail time, as well as:

  • Required participation in domestic violence classes
  • Fines or other restitution payments to the victim
  • A restraining order
  • Loss of custody rights
  • Loss of gun rights
  • A permanent criminal record

Immigration consequences for those who are non-citizens

 

When Do I Need to Call a Riverside Domestic Violence Attorney?

Because a charge of domestic violence is taken seriously in California, if you have been accused of domestic violence for allegedly hitting or threatening a child or spouse, you need to contact a Riverside domestic violence attorney immediately.

An attorney who has the experience needed to handle these challenging claims will also understand how judges in the area decide on these types of cases, especially regarding punishments. Retaining an attorney is often the best thing you can do for your case as they can speak with the prosecutor to prevent the filing of charges, negotiate a plea bargain that allows you to avoid the negative consequences of a domestic violence conviction, or moving forward with trial.

If your case ends up heading to trial,  an attorney can stand by your side and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Riverside Domestic Violence Lawyer Near You

If you have been charged with domestic violence in Riverside, do not wait to seek the legal help you need. Instead, reach out to a knowledgeable and skilled Riverside domestic violence lawyer as soon as possible for a free consultation. These attorneys are available and ready to help you find the best defenses to the charges against you and help you stay out of jail as they fight to preserve your reputation.

 

Our Process

I’VE BEEN CHARGED. WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

  • Arrest
    01

    Arrest

    The accused is taken into custody. Police will ask basic discovery questions like name and address to identify a person, then pivot to more specific questions related to the incident.

  • Reading Your
    Rights
    02

    Reading Your
    Rights

    You have the right to remain silent to avoid disclosing evidence that could potentially be self-incriminating, as well as the right to an attorney to defend you in court.

  • Booking
    03

    Booking

    The police will take you in for booking — Police will fingerprint you and get and updated photograph for their records. After, you’ll be given a chance to contact your criminal defense lawyer.

  • Arraignment
    04

    Arraignment

    The arraignment is the final date for you to decide how you’re going to plea. If you plead guilty, the case is set for a sentencing date. If you plead not guilty, your attorney will prepare for trial.

  • Discovery
    05

    Discovery

    In the discovery stage, you’ll get to see exactly what evidence the prosecution has against you. This is when your attorney can make additional requests for evidence if need be and strengthen your defense.

  • Plea Bargaining
    06

    Plea Bargaining

    Accepting the plea bargain is the last chance to plead guilty before the trial. Reduced charges may be presented to quickly settle the case and avoid trial.

  • Trial
    07

    Trial

    The prosecutor presents the case to the jury. Any evidence or witness statements are shared at at this time. Afterward, it’s your lawyers turn to take the stands and share your side of the story. The jury will make a final verdict.

  • Sentencing
    08

    Sentencing

    At sentencing, the Judge must decide the appropriate legal penalty for the crime you were found guilty of. Decisions are based on the advised penalties for the specific charges in question.

Possible Penalties For A Criminal Conviction

Jail or Prison Time

Substantial Fines

Lengthy Probation

License Suspension

Mandatory Education

Frequently Asked Questions

Is domestic violence a felony in California?

In California, one type of domestic abuse that is almost always considered a felony is a corporal injury to a spouse or an inhabitant. However, other domestic abuse-related offenses can also be considered felonies, but that will often depend on the facts of the case. These other offenses include:

  • Child abuse
  • Child endangerment
  • Stalking
  • Elder abuse
  • Criminal threats
  • Damaging phone lines

What questions should you ask a Riverside domestic violence lawyer?

If you are interviewing potential domestic violence lawyers to take on your case, it is imperative to ask the following critical questions regarding their credentials to help ensure they are the right attorney for the job:

  • Has your firm handled domestic violence cases similar to mine?
  • What is your legal background?
  • How much experience do you have in criminal law?
  • Do you have any specific training for domestic violence?
  • What is your opinion on the outcome of my case?

Can domestic violence charges be dismissed?

Depending on how the defense presents your case, a few potential outcomes can arise. For instance, the prosecutor in the case can drop the charges against you, or the judge can choose to dismiss the case altogether. However, if the other side cannot be swayed to take this action, there can be a potential plea bargain available that allows your lawyer to come to an agreement that charges you with a lesser crime.

Criminal Defense for All

We Serve All Riverside County

The district attorney is building their case against you right now. The Prosecutor will not take your charges lightly — Will you?

Southwest Courthouse

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Fullerton Courthouse

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Irvine Courthouse

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Westminster Courthouse

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