Jail or Prison Time
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.
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.
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.
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:
Alejandro handled my criminal case. I was looking at a lot of time and he fought for me for over a year and a half and got me the best possible outcome. He was always honest and upfront about everything. Even after my criminal case was over he would still check on me just to see how I was doing. ( still does ) He was an absolute godsend and always encouraged me to not give up and keep going. Couldn’t ask for a better lawyer.
In California, penalties for domestic violence can include prison or jail time, as well as:
Immigration consequences for those who are non-citizens
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jail or Prison Time
Substantial Fines
Lengthy Probation
License Suspension
Mandatory Education
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:
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:
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.
The district attorney is building their case against you right now. The Prosecutor will not take your charges lightly — Will you?