Have you been accused or charged with domestic violence in Van Nuys? California takes domestic abuse cases seriously, and convictions come with serious consequences. Seeking guidance from a domestic violence lawyer is the first step towards protecting your rights and safeguarding your future.
At the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, we understand the gravity of domestic violence allegations and their potential to change a person’s life. Our law firm provides comprehensive support and personalized legal representation to individuals accused of misdemeanor and felony offenses. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Van Nuys domestic violence lawyer.
Understanding Domestic Violence Charges
State courts handle thousands of cases involving domestic violence every year. California law defines domestic violence — sometimes called intimate partner violence or family violence — as abuse or threats of abuse when the victim and the abuser are or have been in an intimate relationship. These relationships can include:
- Marriage
- Domestic partnership
- Dating
- Sharing a child
- Living together
Domestic abuse is often physical. However, it can also include emotional, verbal, and psychological actions against someone else. Examples include:
- Sexual assault
- Physical harm (or an attempt to cause physical injury)
- Making someone fear for their safety
- Stalking, striking, or battery
- Destroying a person’s physical property
- Disturbing someone’s peace
Several criminal offenses can fall under the blanket term of domestic violence. These include:
- Penal Code 243(e)(1) – Domestic battery
- Penal Code 273a – Child endangerment
- Penal Code 273d – Child abuse
- Penal Code 368 – Elder abuse
- Penal Code 273.5 – Inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or inhabitant
- Penal Code 422 – Criminal threats
- Penal Code 646.9 – Stalking
Domestic violence laws outline various penalties depending on the nature of the crime. In some cases, misdemeanor convictions have the potential for fines and court-ordered counseling. In severe domestic violence cases, individuals may face felony charges that end in significant prison time upon conviction.
The types of domestic violence crimes, the severity of the harm, the use of weapons, and whether an individual has any prior convictions may play a role in the nature of the charges and penalties. With help from a Van Nuys criminal defense attorney, you may be able to get your charges reduced or dismissed.
The Impact of a Domestic Violence Conviction
In addition to causing financial hardships and leaving a mark on a person’s criminal record, domestic violence convictions can affect various other aspects of a person’s life, including:
- Employment – A criminal conviction for domestic violence may prevent people from working in certain careers. They may also have problems with other jobs that require background checks.
- Housing – Rental housing may become more challenging to find. Landlords have a right to perform criminal background checks and may feel uncomfortable renting to someone with a conviction for domestic violence.
- Family relationships – A domestic violence conviction can influence child custody decisions. You could lose custody or face restrictions on parenting time. A restraining order may also prohibit you from contacting your kids or family members.
- Immigration – Non-citizens convicted of a domestic violence offense may face deportation or a naturalization denial. Additionally, they may not be able to re-enter the country in the future.
- Reputation – A domestic violence charge and conviction carries a stigma. Even if the accused is acquitted, individuals often lose standing in their communities and have damaged personal relationships.
Given the criminal penalties and personal consequences can be so severe, anyone charged with abuse needs to seek domestic violence legal help in Van Nuys right away.
How Our Law Firm Can Help
At The Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, criminal defense is all we do. When you work with us, you will get a team of professionals working to help you achieve the best possible results. We will:
- Evaluate the evidence against you to determine the best defense strategy
- Aggressively negotiate with prosecutors to reduce any charges or penalties
- Represent you in court at every stage of the criminal process
- Advise you on your legal rights and the available options
- Protect your parental rights while addressing concerns with family court matters
- Utilize expert witnesses to strengthen your defense
- Appeal any criminal convictions, if necessary
Defense Strategies in Domestic Violence Cases
Several possible strategies for a domestic violence defense in Van Nuys may help overcome charges against you, such as:
- Self-defense – This is one of the most promising defense strategies for various charges. Proving that a person was defending themselves or others at the time the alleged domestic violence crime took place can result in dismissed charges.
- Constitutional violations – It may be possible to argue that an arrest violated personal rights, such as an unlawful search and seizure.
- False allegations – Providing evidence or testimony that disproves the validity of domestic violence allegations can secure a dismissal. Providing an alibi is another effective way to prove that someone had no part in an incident.
- Rehabilitation efforts – An individual may be able to mitigate domestic violence charges if they can demonstrate that they have made a strong effort toward overcoming their anger issues or other mental health problems. This can include presenting a record of anger management classes or counseling.
Why Choose Us
Throughout our years of experience, our law firm has successfully fought numerous criminal charges for clients in Van Nuys. Our results speak for themselves, including:
- Having felony assault charges thrown out for a client
- Getting rape charges dismissed
- Countering assertions of a third-strike crime to get our client a mental health diversion instead of a 25-years-to-life sentence
Call Our Van Nuys Domestic Violence Law Firm Today
The Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling has a long history of enforcing our clients’ rights and providing robust criminal defenses in Van Nuys and the surrounding Southern California communities. You can count on us to thoroughly analyze your domestic violence case, design the most effective defense strategy, and fight aggressively for the best possible outcome.
Call or contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced domestic violence attorney in Van Nuys. During your consultation, we will discuss the specifics of your case, outline potential defense strategies, and answer any questions you may have. Trust the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling to advocate tirelessly for your freedom and future.