Los Angeles Domestic Violence Attorneys
Domestic Violence Attorneys - Specializing in Courtrooms in Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, Van Nuys, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Clarita and Ventura County
California Penal Code Section 273.5 and
13700-13702 are the state laws that give definition to domestic violence in
Los Angeles Superior Courts. It states: "Any person who willfully inflicts upon a person who is his or her spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, former cohabitant, or the mother or father of his or her child, corporal injury resulting in a traumatic condition, is guilty of a felony, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for two, three, or four years, or in a county jail for not more than one year, or by a fine of up to $6,000 or by both that fine and imprisonment. Even if there are no visible injuries, you can still be charged under
California Penal Code Section 243(e)(a), which says that if you willfully and unlawfully use force or violence against, Spouse, cohabitant, parties with a child in common, non-cohabiting former spouse or fiancé/fiancée or a person with whom the defendant currently has or has previously had a dating relationship regardless of sexual orientation -
visible injury not necessary. Domestic violence is also commonly referred to as domestic abuse, spousal abuse or spousal battery. "Abuse" means intentionally or recklessly causing or attempting to cause bodily injury, or placing another person in reasonable apprehension of imminent serious bodily injury. "Domestic violence" means abuse committed against an adult or a minor who is a spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, former cohabitant, or person with whom the suspect has had a child or is having or has a dating or engagement relationship.
A common myth believed by many who are charged with domestic violence is that if the alleged victim asks that the charges be dropped, then the case will be dismissed. In fact, the opposite is true. Once the police are called and arrive at a domestic violence location, the parties involved no longer have any authority to decide whether there will be an arrest. It's very clear - If the police see visible injuries - they will make an arrest. The alleged victim becomes a witness and it is now up to the prosecutor to determine if charges will be filed. Once the prosecutor has decided to file charges for domestic violence or spousal abuse, there are many conditions of probation that can ruin your life. There are also many domestic violence cases that are filed as the result of a bitter divorce or custody battle. Domestic violence and domestic abuse crimes can also include the following charges: criminal trespass, assault & battery, harassment, reckless endangermant, violation of restraining orders,
sexual assault, spousal rape, stalking,
kidnapping and false imprisonment.
Goldstein Law Group - Domestic Violence Criminal Defense In Los Angeles
If you have been accused of domestic violence in Los Angeles or San Fernando Valley, even if you feel you are not guilty, you will need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side who can effectively protect your rights. Why?. If you are convicted, you may be sentenced to the following penalties:
- Maximum 4 years in state prison
- Maximum $6,000 fine
- Mandatory counseling
- Restitution to the victim
- Probation
- Mandatory community service
At
Goldstein Law Group, we have been defending clients charged with domestic violence in
Los Angeles,
San Fernando Valley and
Ventura County for over 46 years. Attorney
Michael A. Goldstein specializes in criminal defense cases involving domestice violence. He knows & utilizes defenses to domestic violence charges, such as:
- False Accusations - Unfortunately, this is all too common in domestic violence cases. False accusations and wrongful arrests occur on a regular basis. During an argument, an angry spouse or partner may make a split second decision to call 911 to seek revenge or send a message. Soon thereafter, law enforcement arrives and someone ends up getting arrested on suspicion of domestic violence. Once things get to this point, it is far more difficult to turn the clock back and you must retain an experienced criminal defense attorney. A skilled defense attorney will employ an investigator to secure witness statements and forward any potentially exculpatory evidence to law enforcement and/or the appropriate prosecutorial agency in an effort to prevent the filing of criminal charges. Our attorneys believe a proactive approach can often spare our client the devastation of a criminal conviction. Often, the most important work is accomplished in the days following an arrest and it is important to retain counsel during this critical time.
- Accident - Another common occurrence in domestic violence cases. During the heated moment of an argument and struggle, it is not uncommon to strike or push someone down on accident. You didn't intend for it to happen - but it did. This happens all the time. For example, both parties lose their temper and in all the chaos and confusion, there is some mutual pushing and grabbing. The spouse may strike the other, but without intending to hit them and certainly without any intention to injure them.
- Self Defense - Often, the district attorney has a difficult tasks in proving allegations of domestic violence or spousal abuse. In many cases, the domestic violence charge arose out of a mutual struggle in which the defendant actually acted in legal self-defense. A good example is when an angry spouse begins punching on their partner, and they are forced to shove them away to avoid getting punched in the face.
In a recent case in Los Angeles Superior Court, Van Nuys Courthouse - attorney
Michael A. Goldstein obtained a dismissal of all charges against his client at the time of trial. In this case, the alleged victim claimed she was attacked by his client in his home. A witness, who was actually a friend of the victim, was also present and took a video of the alleged assault. After a thorough investigation by his investigator, Michael convinced the
Los Angeles City Attorney that the video was manipulated and that the victim had lodged prior allegations against other men, including, an ex-boyfriend who we located and interviewed. Michael also suggested that the victim was simply using the federal violence against women action (VAWA) to obtain her citizenship which often permits victims of domestic violence to remain in the United States as a result of such violence. The victim had previously worked for an immigration law office.
Contact a Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley Domestic Violence Lawyer
If you have been charged with domestic violence, our attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of clients in all Los Angeles and
Ventura County courthouses. it's crucial that you obtain
experienced legal counsel right away. At
Goldstein Law Group, we have over 46 years of experience in domestic violence cases. When you come to our offices, you will meet with an experienced, knowledgeable, and well-practiced
Los Angeles domestic violence attorney who can inform you of your rights, explain your best options, and answer any questions you may have. We will immediately begin preparing your case. Our number one priority is making sure you are not found guilty, and that you walk away from this experience with your rights and freedom intact!
To discuss your domestic violence charges with a dedicated Los Angeles and
Van Nuys domestic violence attorneys, please
contact Goldstein Law Group today at (800) 571-4196.
Related Domestic Violence Crime Stories in the News:
Los Angeles Times - "ESPN's Jay Mariotti Arrested on Felony Domestic Assault"
ESPN personality and sports columnist Jay Mariotti was released from jail on $50,000 bail, hours after being arrested on suspicion of felony domestic assault. He was arrested after an argument with his girlfriend.
Domestic Violence Resources:
WomensLaw.org - Violence Against Womens Act Laws for Abuse Victims
State Bar of California - Can The Law Help Protect Me From Domestic Violence?
California Partnership To End Domestic Violence - Website Devoted To Domestic Violence
Los Angeles District Attorney's Office - Domestic Abuse Hotline
Los Angeles District Attorney's Office - Family Violence Information
Los Angeles Urban League - Domestic Violence Prevention Collaborative
SafeNetwork - California's Domestic Violence Resource
Los Angeles County - Domestic Violence Council
Los Angeles Police Department - Domestic Violence Information Center
United States Department Of Justice - Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
Findacriminaldefenseattorney.com - Latest News in Domestic Violence
Goldstein Law Group represents clients in all types of domestic violence issues including: domestic abuse, spousal abuse, spousal battery, child abuse, molestation, rape, luring & enticing, exploitation, neglect shaken baby syndrome, Lewd and/or lascivious acts, exposure to controlled substances, battery, trafficking, kidnapping, custody interference, restraining order, order of protection, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, intimidation, stalking, elder abuse, criminal trespass, assault & battery, harassment, reckless endangermant, violation of restraining orders, sexual assault, spousal rape, stalking, and false imprisonment.