Domestic Violence Lawyer Santa Monica

Facing domestic violence charges in Santa Monica can feel overwhelming, and it’s natural to worry about what comes next. You may not know the potential penalties or what a conviction could mean for your future. Fortunately, you do not have to go up against the justice system alone. The Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling can help.

Justin E. Sterling is an experienced Santa Monica domestic violence attorney with extensive experience defending Californians accused of domestic crimes and other offenses. He understands the stakes are high and has a solid history of achieving successful outcomes for his clients. Call or contact us today for a free consultation. 

Fighting Domestic Violence Charges: What You Need to Know

Understanding the specific charges against you is essential for developing an effective defense strategy in a domestic violence case. The most common domestic violence charges in California involve alleged violations of:

• Penal Code 273.5 (Infliction of corporal injury on an intimate partner) – This law concerns severe scenarios involving willful infliction of bodily injury that causes traumatic injury to an intimate partner. This could be a spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, fiancé(e), or someone you dated. This offense can lead to significant penalties, including up to four years in state prison, fines of up to $6,000, or both. Additionally, a conviction could result in a restraining order lasting up to 10 years.
• Penal Code 243 (Domestic battery) – This law addresses cases of battery against intimate partners but typically involves less severe violence without serious bodily injury. Convictions under this code can result in up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $2,000.

A conviction can have lasting effects in addition to the immediate legal consequences. For instance, you might struggle to secure housing or employment with domestic violence charges on your criminal record. If you have children, your custody rights could also be at risk.

The Role of a Domestic Violence Lawyer

Having an experienced defense lawyer is vital when you’re facing domestic violence charges in California. A domestic violence lawyer in Santa Monica can help you by:

• Investigating the case – Your lawyer will dig into the specifics of your case, interview key witnesses, and analyze the circumstances to build a solid defense tailored to your situation.
• Gathering evidence – An attorney can also collect all necessary evidence and obtain communication records to challenge the accusations against you effectively.
• Representing you in court – Your lawyer will advocate for you in court, present a solid argument on your behalf, and work diligently to protect your rights throughout the legal process.

Building Your Defense Strategy With Justin E. Sterling

Choosing Justin E. Sterling to handle your domestic violence case means getting more than just a lawyer. When you choose our law firm, you get a partner committed to understanding your unique situation. Justin Sterling takes a client-centered approach to every case he handles, working closely with you to grasp every detail of your case and develop an intelligent defense strategy to achieve the best possible result. 

Potential defenses in a domestic violence case depend on the circumstances. Possible strategies include: 

• You acted in self-defense.
• The victim(s) lied. 
• The witness testimony is not credible. 
• There is no evidence to support the prosecution’s case.
• The police botched the investigation through errors that violated your rights. 

Contact a Domestic Violence Attorney in Santa Monica Now 

Take action to protect your future by scheduling a free consultation with The Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling today. Call or contact us now.