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Sacramento Domestic Violence: What You Need to Know

  • Domestic violence is a serious crime, and the state of California punishes it as such. The consequences can be quite impactful for people convicted of this crime. 

    However, an allegation is just that—an allegation. Everyone is entitled to the best legal defense they can get, regardless of the nature of the charges they’re facing. And when it comes to domestic violence in particular, there is also a significant potential for misunderstandings to occur. 

    If you’ve been questioned or detained, a Sacramento domestic violence lawyer can help you defend yourself from any charges you’re facing. 

    What Are the Consequences for a Domestic Violence Conviction in California?

    In California, the criminal definition of a domestic violence act is one that goes against an “intimate partner,” which could include a spouse, domestic partner, fiancée, or other similar people. 

    Some of the crimes that fall under the category of domestic abuse include battery, abuse, neglect, or similar. Many of these crimes are notable for being able to be charged both as a misdemeanor or a felony charge, depending on factors including the nature and extent of the violence, and your criminal record. 

    Some examples of domestic violence crimes include:

    • Criminal threats
    • Aggravated trespass
    • Child abuse or child endangerment
    • Elder abuse
    • Corporal injury to a spouse or inhabitant

    Depending on whether or not the prosecution depends to pursue felony charges in your case, some of the punishments you could be facing include: 

    • Mandatory minimum jail time
    • Victim restitution payments
    • Fines
    • Obligatory participation in a domestic violence intervention program
    • A permanent criminal record
    • Loss of other rights, including rights to custody of minor children or to own a firearm

    How Can I Defend a Domestic Violence Charge?

    When it comes to defending yourself from a domestic violence charge or any other type of criminal charge, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, your criminal defense lawyer can work with you to investigate the background of your case and poke holes in the main arguments of the prosecution. 

    However, some common defenses to domestic violence charges that have proved successful in the past include: 

    • The injuries to other person were caused by an accidental altercation
    • You were acting in self-defense
    • The victim obtained their injuries in another incident
    • That the victim is framing you for personal motives

    No matter the nature of the domestic violence charges you’re facing a criminal defense lawyer can give you the best shot at securing reduced or dropped charges in your case. 

    Find Out More From a Domestic Violence Lawyer Today

    Have you been charged with domestic violence in Sacramento? A criminal defense lawyer with Crowell Law Offices can help. 

    Call 916-303-2800 to schedule a consultation today.