Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence Defense in Santa Maria, CA

Offering Quality Legal Representation to Clients Facing Serious Charges When Everything is at Stake

Facing domestic violence allegations can be devastating. Beyond the immediate fear of jail or prison time, these charges can impact your family relationships, employment, housing, professional licenses and immigration status. Accusations often arise during highly emotional situations, and the consequences can move quickly, sometimes before you have had a chance to fully understand what is happening. If you’re concerned about what the future holds for you after your arrest, you should reach out to our domestic violence defense attorneys for legal assistance as soon as possible.

Stein-Conaway Law Firm, P.C. represents clients in Santa Maria criminal courts, providing high-quality criminal defense services to achieve the best possible outcome. Our attorneys approach domestic violence defense with care, discretion, and steady support. We take the time to listen to your concerns, explain your legal options clearly, and help you make informed decisions at every stage of the process. If you’re unsure how to protect yourself from serious charges, and want to ensure your side of the story will be heard, contact our Santa Maria law firm to discuss your legal options with compassionate and trusted domestic violence defense lawyers serving clients with court in Santa Maria, California.

How Does California Law Define Domestic Violence?

Before you and your domestic violence defense attorney team decide how to respond to your criminal arrest or charges, you should make sure you understand what you’ve been accused of. This means learning what’s considered domestic violence in California.

First, it’s important to know that domestic violence isn’t a single crime, as several criminal offenses are categorized as domestic violence. In general, any violent or threatening act toward someone you’ve had or still have a close relationship with could be considered domestic violence. Such people could include:

  • Your current or former spouse
  • Your current or former cohabitant
  • Your child
  • Your parent
  • Your grandparent
  • Your biological or step-sibling
  • Your child’s other parent
  • Aunts and uncles
  • Nieces, nephews, and other relatives

Domestic violence allegations may be based on claims of physical force, attempted force, or threats. Charges can be filed even when no visible injuries are present. Understanding exactly what conduct you are accused of is a critical first step in building an effective defense. Domestic violence charges may arise from a wide range of alleged conduct.

Some examples of acts that may be charged as domestic violence include:

  • Slapping, punching, or pushing
  • Kicking or biting
  • Hitting someone with an object
  • Grabbing or holding someone down
  • Choking or strangling
  • Threatening violence
  • Sexual assault
  • Destroying property
  • Stalking
  • Making unwanted contact repeatedly

If someone close to you has accused you of these or other violent acts, you’ll need compassionate and skilled criminal defense counsel to assist you with the complex criminal justice system and reduce the chance of receiving a domestic violence conviction on your permanent criminal record. Call our Santa Maria, California law firm to discuss the details of your domestic violence case.

Do You Face Jail Time for Domestic Violence Charges in California?

If you’re convicted of domestic violence charges, you may be sentenced to jail or prison time, depending on whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony allegations. This is why it’s critical to get legal assistance from experienced domestic violence defense attorneys who are capable of crafting a strong defense for you.

The penalties for domestic violence convictions in California depend on the specific charge, the alleged injuries, and whether the offense is filed as a misdemeanor or a felony. Some of the most common charges that fall under domestic violence include:

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  • Domestic battery: This is defined as the willful and unlawful use of violence or force on an intimate partner. Some examples of acts that could lead to domestic battery charges include slapping, shoving, or other unwanted contact that doesn’t cause visible injuries. This is usually a misdemeanor offense.
  • Corporal injury: You could be charged with this offense if you’re accused of willfully inflicting a physical injury on your spouse or other partner. This felony charge requires the victim to sustain visible injuries, such as cuts, bruises, or broken bones.
  • Criminal threats: Threatening a household or family member with serious harm can result in felony or misdemeanor domestic violence charges, depending on the circumstances.
  • Stalking: Repeatedly following or harassing someone in your family or household, causing them to fear for their safety, is a serious domestic violence offense that could lead to jail time.
  • Child abuse: You could be charged with this offense if you’re accused of inflicting corporal punishment or serious injury on your child.
  • Violation of a protective order: If someone has a restraining order against you and you still go near them, you’ll be charged with domestic violence and could face jail time
  • Aggravated trespass: Threatening to inflict harm on a close member of your family or household and then entering their home can result in serious domestic violence charges.

The penalties for misdemeanor domestic violence charges can include up to one year in county jail, probation, up to $2,000 in fines, and completion of a mandatory 52-week batterers’ intervention program.

Felony domestic violence charges can result in prison time and costly fines. More specifically, you could spend two to four years in state prison and pay up to $6,000 in fines if convicted of a felony.

Your penalties could be more severe if there are aggravating factors. For example, if you’re accused of causing significant injury to the victim or have prior domestic violence convictions on your record, you could spend several years in a state prison. You’ll also suffer from the consequences of having a felony on your permanent criminal record, which can take away your right to vote, run for office, or own a firearm.

Whether you’re convicted of a felony or misdemeanor domestic violence charge, you could face additional consequences outside of fines and jail time. For example, if you’re going through a child custody case, criminal charges for domestic violence can reduce your chances of getting custody or visitation with your child. This is especially the case if your criminal charges involve your child, as domestic violence victims are often granted restraining orders that do not allow suspects to have any contact with them.

Depending on the specific charge and any restraining orders against you, your conviction could require you to move so you’re not still in contact with the alleged victim. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, you might even have to leave the country, since serious criminal charges can affect your immigration case.

If you’re worried about any of these effects on your life, you should hire a skilled domestic violence lawyer committed to helping you successfully navigate the criminal justice system in California. A conviction can affect all aspects of your life, including your career, criminal record, finances, and family relationships. Let an experienced domestic violence lawyer defend you against serious charges and ensure you’re treated fairly in court. Call our firm for a free consultation with a legal team that will consider your best interests throughout your DV case.

What Are Some Common Defense Angles for California Domestic Violence Charges?

Domestic violence attorneys with years of experience handling criminal charges should be knowledgeable about the defense options most likely to be effective in each case. When you hire our team for your legal matter, you can rely on us to take the time to understand the circumstances before developing a defense strategy and gathering evidence to support it.

Some of the most common domestic violence defense options include:

  • Self-defense or defense of others: If you can prove you were only defending yourself, your children, or other vulnerable people, you may be able to avoid being convicted of domestic violence.
  • False allegations: Sometimes, alleged victims falsely claim that a loved one hurt or threatened them so they can get revenge, get an advantage in a child custody case, or protect themselves from domestic violence charges. If you and your attorney can prove this is what happened, you may be able to get your charges dropped or a not-guilty verdict.
  • Accidental injuries: To be convicted of domestic violence, there must be evidence that the harm you caused was intentional. If you can prove it was an accident or a misunderstanding, you may be able to avoid being convicted.
  • Lack of evidence: Convictions require proof, such as photos, videos, or witness statements. If the prosecution team doesn’t have sufficient proof that you committed a violent act as charged, your attorney may be able to get your charges dismissed or reduced.

These are only a few examples of common domestic violence defense angles. Your attorney can choose one of these or similar approaches, or they might negotiate a plea deal, depending on the details of your case. Contact our law office in Santa Maria, California, to learn how our attorneys can defend you.

Are You Ready to Start Your Domestic Violence Defense in Santa Maria, CA?

Being found guilty of domestic violence can significantly affect your future, especially if you’re convicted of a serious offense resulting in prison time, a restraining order, and other consequences. You can depend on Stein-Conaway Law Firm, P.C. to fight for you so you get the best outcome for your case, since we understand how much is at stake for you.

If you’re concerned about your case and want peace of mind from skilled domestic violence attorneys ready to defend you in court, call our office at 805-439-6069. Our caring California attorneys would be happy to answer your questions and discuss your legal options during your free consultation, so contact us today.