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Domestic violence charges in California can have serious criminal and personal consequences. Criminal convictions can carry lengthy prison sentences and other potential penalties like monetary fines, losing custody of your children, and damaged social standing in your community. To protect your freedom, future, and reputation, you need help from an experienced domestic violence defense lawyer in Burbank.
As a former Los Angeles County public defender, Attorney Justin E. Sterling knows the importance of getting aggressive legal help for a domestic violence case in Burbank. Our accomplished criminal defense law firm understands the high stakes of domestic violence cases and works tirelessly to protect the rights of the accused. We will handle all the legal steps and meetings with law enforcement and prosecutors to pursue the best possible results for you. Call the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling today for a free case review with a battle-tested criminal defense lawyer.
What is Domestic Violence?
California’s domestic violence laws cover a broad range of acts. Generally, domestic violence refers to violent or threatening actions against a family member, romantic partner, or someone else living in your household. Domestic violence includes everything from physical assaults against a family member or spouse to stalking, cyber harassment, and posting “revenge porn” online. What these charges have in common is harsh penalties upon conviction, which emphasizes the importance of working with a knowledgeable Burbank domestic violence attorney.
Domestic Violence Laws in California
In California, many kinds of criminal offenses fall under the umbrella of domestic violence. Some of the most common charges our firm can help you with include:
- Corporal injury to spouse or inhabitant – Willingly inflicting an injury on a current or former spouse, current or former member of your household, or the mother or father of your child that creates a traumatic condition
- Domestic battery – The willful and lawful use of violence against a current or former romantic partner, fiancé, fiancée, spouse, roommate, or parent of your child
- Stalking – Repeatedly following or harassing another person on purpose, making a believable threat, and making that person or their immediate family afraid for their safety
- Aggravated trespass – Making a serious threat to harm another person and then entering that person’s home or workplace within 30 days of the threat without a lawful reason while intending to carry out the threat
- Posting “revenge porn” – Intentionally sharing a private image of another person without their permission, knowing it will upset them deeply. This includes images of intimate body parts or the person in sexual acts
- Disobeying a domestic relations court order – Knowingly breaking a protective order related to the safety of a romantic partner, household member, child, parent, etc.
What to Do if You Have Been Accused of Domestic Violence in Burbank
One of the most daunting aspects of a domestic violence case is knowing the steps in the legal process. The first thing you should do is hire a skilled criminal defense attorney. They can explain how the case will proceed and represent you during each stage.
In the meantime, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand what’s coming:
The Arrest
When the police arrest you on suspicion of domestic violence in Burbank, they will take you into custody. During this time, it’s vital to remain calm and stay silent. A defense attorney can advise you on what to say (and not say) to avoid incriminating yourself. They can also handle any necessary communications with the police on your behalf.
Booking and Bail
After the arrest, you’ll go through the booking process. This is where the police will take your fingerprints and photograph you. You may have the option to post bail. A domestic violence defense attorney can argue for a reasonable bail amount or work to secure your release on your own recognizance, which means you promise to return for court proceedings without paying bail.
Arraignment
Your first court appearance is the arraignment. This is where the prosecution reads the charges against you, and you have the opportunity to enter a plea. A defense lawyer is crucial here because they can guide you on whether to plead not guilty, guilty, or no contest. They’ll also begin discussing how to develop a robust defense strategy for your case.
Pre-trial Activities
Before the trial, there is a period where both sides prepare their cases by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and possibly attending pre-trial conferences and hearings. Your defense attorney plays a key role in these activities, ensuring any evidence against you was obtained legally and working to weaken the prosecution’s case. They might also negotiate with prosecutors during this time to reduce the charges against you or pursue a dismissal.
Entering a Plea or Going to Trial
Based on the strength of the evidence and the specific circumstances of your case, your attorney will help you decide whether to accept a plea deal or proceed to trial. If your case goes to trial, your defense attorney will represent you in court. This includes arguing your case before a judge or jury, questioning witnesses, and working toward a verdict in your favor.
Why Choose Justin E. Sterling for Your Domestic Violence Case
There are many Burbank domestic violence lawyers. Justin E. Sterling stands out among the pack. He has decades of criminal defense experience and knows the importance of providing clients with strong domestic violence legal support in Burbank.
Our firm only takes a handful of cases at a time, so we can provide the thorough representation you deserve. Furthermore, we have deep knowledge of the courts, attorneys, judges, and other players in the local legal system. These in-depth insights help us better defend your rights and position you well for the best possible outcome. Finally, our in-house investigative team works tirelessly to support your defense by analyzing every element of your case.
Contact a Burbank Domestic Violence Lawyer Now
It’s vital to act quickly following a domestic violence arrest to give yourself the best chance of avoiding severe criminal penalties and personal hardships. Contact the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling today for a free consultation with an experienced Burbank Domestic Violence Attorney.
