Domestic Violence (PC 273.5):

California domestic violence laws make it illegal to use physical force or to communicate threats of harm against an intimate partner or cohabitant. Common DV crimes include (but are not limited to): PC 243(e)(1) pc Domestic Battery, PC 273d pc Child Abuse, PC 368 Elder Abuse, PC 422 Criminal Threats, and PC 273.5 Corporal Injury to a Spouse or Cohabitant.

California DV laws also present serious legal issues for immigrants who are not United States citizens. Most DV offenses are crimes of ‘moral turpitude’ and a conviction will most likely result in deportation and lose the opportunity to eventually naturalize.

Penalties (PC 273.5):

The penalty and punishment under California domestic violence law depends on two factors: the seriousness of the injuries and the defendant’s criminal record. Judges will more than likely require that defendants attend a year long domestic batterers class. Most counties impose at least a 30 day jail sentence, even for first-time misdemeanor convictions. Most importantly, a California DV conviction goes on one’s permanent criminal record, which will be visible during any routine background check. This can make it difficult to gain employment and/or receive benefits.

Legal Defenses (PC 273.5):

Whether you are wrongly accused, you acted in self-defense, or you claim that the incident was an accident, we will work with you and the circumstances of your case to get the charges reduced or dismissed, and keep your criminal record clean.