Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer in Murrieta

Defending Against Domestic Violence Charges in California

If you have been accused of domestic violence in Murrieta, it is important that you seek legal representation quickly. California takes domestic violence very seriously and these criminal charges carry harsh penalties. If you are convicted of a domestic violence charge, the consequences can be extensive. You need to defend yourself with trusted and competent legal representation.

John Pozza Attorney at Law, PLC offers strong legal advocacy to ensure your legal rights are upheld and that everything that can be done in your favor. This may help to get the charges dismissed or reduced or to see that charges are not filed in the first place.

Reach out to our Murrieta domestic violence defense attorney at (951) 749-5598 or contact us online.

California Domestic Violence Charges

California state law classifies domestic violence as using a person willfully causing emotional or physical harm against a household member, partner, spouse, significant other or previous significant other. It does not always require an outright assault or physical contact to constitute a domestic violence allegation. A criminal threat or harassment is enough for a domestic violence accusation to be deemed valid. The state of California has legislated against a wide range of domestic violence crimes.

Examples of domestic violence include:

• Bodily injury to a spouse or household member
• Child abuse, endangerment or abuse
• Elder abuse
• Criminal threats
• Stalking
• Damaging a phone line
• Aggravated trespass
• Distributing sexual photos of a spouse, ex-spouse, cohabitant, partner, etc.

What are the Penalties for Domestic Violence in California?

Because domestic abuse takes place against some of the most vulnerable people, consequences can be harsh. Domestic violence can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony offense, depending on the nature of the crime and other circumstances. The penalties the accused faces depends on the a few factors, that is why we encourage a person facing domestic violence allegations to contact an experienced Murrieta domestic violence lawyer for assistance.

Penalties for domestic violence offenses can include:

• Mandatory minimum jail time
• Prison sentences
• Fines
• Victim restitution
• Mandatory participation in a batterers’ program
• Restraining orders
• Loss of child custody rights
• Permanent criminal record that can negatively affect your future in terms of housing, employment, state licensing, and more

For non-citizens, it can lead to immigration problems such as denial of green cards and naturalization.

Potential Defenses to Use in a Domestic Violence Case

In a domestic violence case, some potential defenses that might be used include self-defense, duress, entrapment, and a lack of intent.

• Self-defense can be used if the accused can demonstrate that they were acting in response to an imminent threat or danger.
• Duress is another defense where the defendant alleges that they were coerced into committing the act.
• Entrapment is a defense where it is argued that the accused was unlawfully induced by law enforcement to commit the crime.
• Lack of intent can be argued where there was no intention to commit an act of violence or injury.

Contact Our Domestic Violence Attorney in Murrieta Today

Our firm knows the laws, procedures, potential allegations that can be used to mislead, exaggerate, and falsely accuse you and manipulate your future. We know how to investigate and fight domestic violence charges and can apply our extensive years of experience to help mitigate those accusations and their consequences. You must act quickly to avoid complications and overzealous police officers and prosecutors.

Many defenses may exist to combat any type of domestic violence accusation. The first step is to engage the services of our defense attorney who knows how to investigate, negotiate, and advocate for your best interests.

Call (951) 749-5598 for an initial case evaluation.