Los Angeles Domestic Violence Attorney

Domestic violence is the mental, physical and/or verbal abuse of a spouse, child, family member, cohabitant or loved one. It may involve kicking, hitting, punching, pushing, name calling and intimidation.  Domestic violence is considered to be a very aggressive crime in nature and is one of many  violent crimes that often go unreported. Due to this, it is important to work with an experienced defense attorney who can protect your rights if you are accused of domestic violence.

When law enforcement responds to a domestic violence call they must assess the situation, and if they feel that someone has committed a crime of violence then they must make an arrest - whether or not the alleged victim wants to press charges. In addition, when someone is arrested for domestic violence a restraining order is almost always issued. This type of order of protection will have special instructions by a judge ordering the abuser to stay away from the victim and his or her place of residence, employment and school. It will also state that you must stay away from any other family members, friends or cohabitants of the victim. Therefore, in the case that there are children involved, you will no longer be able to see them until determined otherwise by the courts.

Domestic Violence Accusations and Charges in California

In a domestic violence case, even when the victim refuses to press charges against you, the district attorney's office can still prosecute you.  If convicted of  domestic violence in California you will be facing a sentence of up to 1 year in a county jail or 4 years in a state prison. You may also be ordered to pay a fine of $6,000 or more, restitution to the victim, and attend community service and anger management classes. In addition, if this is your third felony offense or more under California's three strikes law you may also be looking at a lifetime sentence behind bars. At the Hedding Law Firm, our  criminal defense attorneys have defended many domestic violence cases throughout Los Angeles and the surrounding areas and have a complete understanding of the law and how it can affect your freedom.

Domestic Violence Laws in California

Penal Code 273.5 makes punishable to strike an intimate partner in some violent way causing a visible injury.
Penal Code 243(e)(1) makes it a misdemeanor to inflict force or violence on an intimate partner. This specific penal code does not require a visible injury.
Penal Code 273d makes it illegal to inflict corporal punishment or injury on a child if it was cruel or inhuman.
Penal Code 273a makes it illegal to willfully allow a child who is in your care or custody to suffer harm or have his or her health endangered.
Penal Code 368 ,makes it a crime to inflict physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or endangerment on a person 65 years of age or older.

Most domestic violence cases arise from spousal abuse and our Spousal Abuse Defense Attorneys have handled these types of cases.

Our Defense Lawyers understand that often the innocent people get accused and we are here to prevent that and fight for our clients.

Superior Criminal Defense Attorneys

As experienced Los Angeles domestic violence lawyers, we offer outstanding legal resources, advice and representation for individuals accused of domestic violence in California. Your criminal defense attorney at our firm will conduct an investigation into the charges against you and look to unravel them completely. As experienced domestic violence lawyers our team at the Hedding Law Firm will challenge the evidence against you, conduct our own interviews and look for holes in the prosecution's case. In some instances, we may be able to have the charges against you lowered or dismissed altogether.

If you have been accused of or arrested for domestic violence, contact a  Los Angeles Criminal Lawyer at the Hedding Law Firm today to discuss your case in further detail. An experienced domestic violence lawyer at the Hedding Law Firm can provide professional guidance and advice for your Los Angeles criminal defense case.

Contact a Los Angeles domestic violence defense attorney at our firm today!