Domestic violence charges in California can seriously impact the suspect’s life, mainly when it includes physical abuse. If you are accused of domestic violence, you might be facing jail time, financial penalties, or losing your rights to see your children. Luckily, a West Covina domestic violence lawyer can help defend your rights and might determine practical ways to help you move forward with your life.
At Simmrin Law Group, our domestic violence lawyers are passionate about defending anyone charged with domestic violence. We understand that you might be falsely accused, and your rights violated under false allegations. Working with a domestic violence lawyer in West Covina can help you understand the criminal process related to domestic violence charges and the potential outcomes of the case.
Understanding Domestic Violence and Abuse Cases in West Covina
Several domestic abuse allegations can be prosecuted in West Covina, and a domestic violence lawyer at Simmrin Law Group can handle each type and deliver results. However, it is essential to understand that assault, intimidation, threats, and battery are illegal abuse charges, but the matter becomes more serious when the alleged victim is a cohabitant, spouse, parent of the offender’s child, or dating partner.
Such extenuating instances often affect the lives of everyone involved, with physical and emotional anguish addressed by a legal process. This might help individuals move forward with self-respect and positivity. Common circumstances of domestic violence and abuse in West Covina include:
- Physical abuse.
- Financial abuse.
- Sexual abuse.
- Social abuse.
- Verbal abuse.
- Spiritual abuse.
- Unwanted communication.
- Threatening behavior.
While each West Covina domestic violence case is unique, extenuating occurrences can make you feel estranged in the quest to address the matter. Working with an experienced West Covina domestic violence lawyer can provide you with the support to feel comforted when addressing your domestic abuse case.
What to Do If You Are Charged with Domestic Violence in West Covina
If you were accused of domestic violence or spousal abuse in West Covina, it is critical to know how to protect your legal rights. Here are some steps to take if you were arrested or charged with domestic violence.
- Stay away from the accuser: It is likely that you might try to make contact with the accuser, primarily when falsely accused. But since you have been served with an emergency protective order, staying away can help reduce issues associated with violating this order.
- Secure exonerating evidence: It is important to secure exonerating proof to help build your defense.
- Call a West Covina domestic violence attorney: While domestic violence charges are a serious crime in California, consulting an experienced domestic violence lawyer can help deliver promising results from the case.
False Allegations in a Domestic Violence Case
False domestic violence allegations might be brought to court to damage the opposing party’s character and integrity. These often occur in child custody cases, divorce proceedings, and related extenuating family law cases with heated exchanges and elaborate circumstances. When this happens, the accused may find it challenging to defend themselves, mainly when the victim presents convincing evidence.
A domestic violence attorney in West Covina can withstand the manipulation and defend anyone being held under false allegation. Our lawyer can consult with anyone who is the victim of domestic violence or false domestic violence allegations. The intent is to ascertain the allegations, defend your rights, and offer the necessary legal representation in the case.
Punishments for a Domestic Violence Conviction in West Covina
You could be prosecuted with a misdemeanor or felony domestic violence under §273.5 of the California Penal Code if the alleged victim was a romantic partner, former dating partner, spouse or former spouse, or cohabitant. However, it mandates the prosecution to prove you intentionally inflicted injuries to the victim and that you had a relationship.
Since West Covina criminal courts consider domestic violence allegations extremely seriously, you could be facing life-changing and significant consequences. Besides jail time and financial penalties, here are some punishments you might face for a domestic violence conviction.
- A restraining order
- Loss of rights to own a firearm
- Damage to reputation
- Participation in domestic violence programs
- Immigration issues and deportation
- A lasting criminal record
Working with a knowledgeable West Covina domestic violence lawyer can help you negotiate with the prosecution and get your charge dropped or reduced. The intent is to defend your rights and get a minimum punishment.
Statute of Limitations for Domestic Violence Charges in California
A statute of limitations refers to the time an individual can be charged for committing a crime, starting from when the police are notified of the assault. In California, domestic violence cases have a diverse statute of limitations depending on the level of assault. For example, misdemeanor crimes, such as domestic battery, have a one-year statute of limitations, while felonies have a four-year statute of limitations.
How a West Covina Domestic Violence Lawyer Can Help
Being charged with domestic violence can ruin your life and result in serious convictions. Contacting a West Covina domestic violence lawyer can help build a strong defense and negotiate with the prosecution for a reduced punishment. In addition, a domestic violence lawyer can investigate the claim and determine if it is legitimate.
Since evidence plays a critical role in domestic violence charges, a lawyer can scrutinize all evidence and identify issues of reasonable doubt. Most domestic violence cases provoke aggressive reactions from court officials, and this might result in a violation of the defendant’s rights. A West Covina domestic violence lawyer can ensure your rights are preserved and respected throughout the legal process.
Contact a West Covina Domestic Violence Lawyer Today
If you face domestic violence charges for the first time or are a multi-offender, a West Covina domestic violence lawyer at Simmrin Law Group can help you. We can help you build a strong defense and a detailed plan to move forward with your life safely. Contact us and schedule a free and confidential case evaluation with our legal team today.