Domestic Violence Archives

Domestic violence can take many forms, but when exactly does it become a felony charge in California? Domestic violence is a serious criminal offense with severe consequences. Depending on the severity of the violence, it can be classified as a misdemeanor or felony, with varying prison sentences and fines.  If you have been accused of domestic violence in California, it is important to understand the law and your rights so that you can get the best outcome for your case. Dod Law, APC has over 18 years of experience helping our clients. We may be able to help mitigate any consequences from your case and work to get you the best outcome for your domestic violence charges. What Is Domestic…

Domestic violence is a serious crime that affects many people every year. In 2018, 166,890 domestic violence-related calls were made to law enforcement in California, and many other incidents went unreported. Once a domestic violence incident is reported, a case opens, and pertinent evidence is collected from a victim. Typically, the term violence describes various scenarios, including verbal, emotional, mental, sexual, and physical abuse. Examples of evidence include tangible images, videos, property damage, and others. If you have been arrested or accused of domestic violence, speaking with an attorney may benefit your case and help you protect your rights. At Dod Law, our skilled attorney understands the sensitivity and complexities of domestic violence, and we are available to review your…

Children look up to their parents for love, support, safety, and other vital needs. However, they also feel the negative impact of circumstances where a parent is accused of domestic violence. Despite this, there are safe and healthy ways to navigate through these delicate times and help protect your children from the varying effects of a domestic violence investigation. If you have been accused of domestic violence by an intimate partner, spouse, or family member, you should understand how your children may be affected and how you can protect them. At Dod Law, our skilled legal team has ample experience navigating domestic violence cases and representing any individual under an domestic violence investigation. How Can I Protect My Children After…

Many couples argue in relationships, but not all arguments are considered domestic violence in California. Sometimes, law enforcement arrests someone to break up an argument and prevent domestic violence from occurring. This is especially true when neighbors or other third parties call the police to report concerns about violence. You might wonder when a heated argument crosses the line to domestic violence. Many innocent people find themselves charged with domestic violence when they have only argued with their partner. If you have been arrested and charged with domestic violence after a heated argument, it’s best to contact a criminal defense attorney who can advocate for you. Below, we take a closer look at California’s domestic violence laws to give you…

Victims of domestic violence are sometimes forced to defend themselves if their partner attacks them or their children. In many cases, victims of domestic violence have legal justification to cause harm in the name of self-defense, even if their actions would normally be considered a crime. However, these cases are not always simple to prove, making it especially important that victims of domestic violence hire a criminal defense lawyer to advocate for them and protect their rights. If you are a victim of domestic violence who has been arrested or charged with a crime after defending yourself from your partner, you have rights and deserve support. An experienced criminal defense lawyer like those at Dod Law, APC can review the…

Domestic Violence Charges Can domestic violence charges be expunged in California? A domestic violence conviction is a serious criminal matter and can flip your life upside down. Not only is domestic violence punished harshly in California, but convicted individuals often continue to face the consequences long after they serve their sentence. Those convicted often wonder if there is some way to erase the charge from their criminal record. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, a skilled criminal defense attorney may be able to help you request an expungement. At Dod Law APC, our attorneys have 18 years of experience serving our clients in California and helping them achieve favorable outcomes for their cases. We are committed to working tirelessly…

4 Steps to Getting Domestic Violence Charges Dropped If you have been charged with a domestic violence offense, you may feel understandably stressed and overwhelmed. California takes domestic violence charges seriously, and those convicted may face heavy fines and time behind bars. In some cases, individuals charged with domestic violence may be able to get their charges dropped and avoid these consequences with the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney. At Dod Law, APC, we understand how a domestic violence charge can upend your life. Attorney Dod has 18 years of experience helping his clients in California protect their rights and interests. He is committed to thoroughly investigating every case and ensuring his clients understand their legal options. When…

It is common to think of domestic abuse, also called domestic violence, as a purely physical act. However, the law in California also treats some non-physical actions as domestic abuse. Authorities can charge you with a domestic violence crime even if you never laid a hand on your accuser. Speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately if someone has accused you of domestic violence, regardless of whether the alleged abuse involved physical injuries. As explained below, under California’s criminal and family laws you could face serious consequences if the government or your accuser is able to prove non-physical abuse in court. California Laws Addressing Non-Physical Domestic Abuse California law authorizes two separate but related responses to domestic abuse allegations:…

Domestic Violence Charge Having a domestic violence charge can trigger strong emotions. It’s common to feel betrayed by your accuser and to believe the facts have been twisted against you. You may even feel the need to talk to your accuser to try to sort things out, to apologize for behavior you’re ashamed of, or to convince your accuser to drop the charges. However, that would be a bad idea. In virtually all cases, you should not try to speak with your accuser after a domestic violence charge. Doing so could expose you to additional criminal liability, including charges of intimidation of a witness and violation of a domestic violence restraining order. The Broad Reach of California Domestic Violence Laws…

The law surrounding domestic violence cases can be complex. Domestic violence involves both family and criminal courts despite there being two distinct disciplines. Since domestic violence exists at the intersection of family and criminal law, the person experiencing the alleged violence will have to choose between or pursue both options, which often results in conflicting court rulings and perplexing legal proceedings. Many choose to go to a family court rather than file a criminal complaint. Still, others may be unsure about how to proceed or whether to work with a family lawyer or a criminal defense attorney. Accusers and suspects can better prepare themselves by understanding how domestic violence fits into both legal systems. The Parties and Objectives Involved in…