Domestic Violence

Southern California Domestic Violence Criminal Lawyer

Domestic violence refers to a violent crime involving bodily injuries or sexual assault willfully inflicted by a person against his or her spouse, intimate partner, or cohabitant. Although many domestic violence cases involve women as the victims, men can also be the victims of the crime. Dominance of the victim is normally the desired outcome of domestic violence.

A domestic violence conviction can result in mandatory counseling or anger management, probation, parole, imprisonment, loss of custody of any children, and more. Often a restraining order will be issued against the accused during a trial and hearings to prevent further violence. Charges will depend upon the severity of injuries, whether a minor was present, any prior convictions, and whether an existing restraining order was violated.

California’s take on domestic violence

In California, once the police are involved in a domestic violence case, it is no longer up to the victim to press charges against their spouse or partner. The prosecutor will have the express authority to press charges. If you have been or may be charged with domestic violence, a skilled defense is the only way to protect yourself against the charges and work to get them dropped altogether.

Many domestic violence cases will depend upon the word of the victim. A good defense attorney will be able to show your side of the story as well, effectively protecting your freedom and reputation. Barry Bernstein and his staff understand the serious nature of a domestic violence accusation and will use their knowledge and experience to defend your case.

Contact our law offices regarding your domestic violence case and get the defense you deserve.