Individuals who make realistic threats against another person can face domestic violence charges in California. However, these charges only apply if certain people are threatened. You can learn more about domestic violence and verbal abuse with the Simmrin Law Group.
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Verbal Abuse Is a Kind of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence involves acts of abuse. Many people first think about physical abuse. Physical abuse is considered a kind of domestic violence. Domestic violence can also involve:
- Sexual abuse
- Verbal abuse
- Mental abuse
Additionally, stalking, making threats, or engaging in harassment are all forms of domestic violence. Verbal abuse can involve threatening someone or making promises to harm a close family member.
Note that verbal abuse involves more than saying something that is hurtful. Individuals have to make sincere threats to face verbal abuse charges for domestic violence. For example, the court could treat threatening to beat someone if they do not comply with a request as an act of domestic violence.
Learn more about verbal abuse and domestic violence by contacting the Simmrin Law Group. You can reach our violence crime lawyers in Los Angeles now. Just call (310) 997-4688 and get started.
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Verbal Abuse Is a Criminal Offense in California
Individuals can face criminal charges if they are accused of verbal abuse in Los Angeles. One charge used by the state is Penal Code §422: Criminal Threats. Individuals face PC 422 charges if they threaten someone with:
- An act of violence
- Physical harm
According to PC 422, these threats are not always delivered in person. Individuals can make threats over electronic devices, orally, or in written form. Note that individuals should only face charges for criminal threats if they make a specific threat.
Additionally, criminal threats must seem threatening to a reasonable person. Finally, making a criminal threat is a crime of intent. This means that individuals can face criminal charges even if they do not intend to harm another person.
Making criminal threats is an example of a charge used in many domestic violence cases here in California. However, it can also be used in cases that do not involve domestic violence.
Jail Time for Verbal Abuse in Los Angeles
Individuals can go to jail if they are convicted of making criminal threats in Los Angeles. Making a criminal threat is a “wobbler.” Wobblers lead to either misdemeanor or felony charges in California. Convictions can lead to:
- Up to one year in jail for a misdemeanor
- Up to four years in prison for a felony
This means you can face jail time if you are accused of verbal abuse in the state of California. The court system can also fine you and hand down other penalties.
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Defenses for Verbal Abuse and Domestic Violence Allegations
A domestic violence lawyer in Los Angeles can build a defense if you are accused of verbal abuse. Members of our team can work to argue that:
- Your threat would not concern a reasonable person
- You didn’t actually frighten the person you threatened
- You made a threat that was vague and unclear
Our team can work to get your charges reduced or dismissed outright in some situations. We are also ready to support you in court. Find out more about how to handle domestic violence charges by contacting us right now.
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Verbal Abuse Can Fall Under Domestic Violence in California
Some acts of domestic violence involve verbal abuse in California. The Simmrin Law Group can help you handle these charges. Our criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles are standing by to help you.
You can reach us if you call (310) 997-4688 or if you fill out our online contact form. We are ready to answer your questions with a free consultation.
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