In the complex landscape of legal protections, understanding the nuances between different types of court orders can be somewhat challenging. Two such orders that often come up in discussions about…
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Accusations of domestic violence are a serious charge that can result in criminal penalties. In fact, in California, serious domestic violence incidents are charged as felonies. If you are convicted of felony abuse, you can spend up to four years in prison. The punishment may be even longer if you’ve been convicted of the same offense within the past seven years. In these cases, probation is unlikely, even without a previous record, and it is recommended you hire a criminal attorney.
Felony Convictions
Felony charges are pursued when the victim’s injuries are severe, such as broken bones, injuries that need sutures, or trauma so serious it causes permanent brain or body damage.
Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Among the more serious of domestic violence charges in California is assault with a deadly weapon. In rendering a sentence, the court will look at the type of weapon used, whether the victim was injured, and the seriousness of the injury. If found guilty of a felony, this conviction is considered a “strike” under California’s Three Strikes law. If convicted, you face the following penalties:
- Two to four years in California state prison.
- Fines of up to $10,000.
- Victim restitution costs.
- Confiscation of your weapon.
Criminal Threats
Another charge that requires the services of a criminal lawyer is violation of California Penal Code 422 PC: threatening to commit a crime which will result in death or great bodily injury to another person. You do not have to intend to commit the acts threatened – just making them is considered a felony. Criminal threats can be made against anyone, but if they’re made against a family member, they are regarded as crimes of domestic violence.
To obtain a criminal threats conviction against you, each of these facts must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt:
- You willfully threatened to kill or cause great bodily injury to another.
- You orally, in writing, or by electronic means communicated that threat.
- You intended the statement to be understood as a threat.
- The threat communicated a serious intention and the immediate prospect it would be carried out.
- The threat caused the other person to be in fear for their own safety or the safety of another family member.
- The person you threatened had a reasonable fear of your threat.
Obviously, since all these facts must be proved, criminal threat convictions are not easy to obtain, but you will require competent representation if you are accused.
••Minella Law Group Can Help••
If you’ve been accused of committing felony domestic violence, you are best served by consulting with a California family law attorney experienced in such charges. In many cases, it is possible to avoid conviction and the serious consequences that come with such a charge. Reach out to us for your complimentary consultation today at 619.289.7948
Can someone go to jail for domestic violence offenses? Absolutely! Penalties for domestic violence may vary depending on the judge who hears the case, but the state of California has guidelines in place for sentencing. A domestic violence conviction carries the possibility of jail time along with a fine. California law also provides for protective orders for victims of domestic violence.
Which Domestic Violence Offenses Will Send a Person to Jail?
The jail time for domestic violence offenses is affected by a number of issues, including:
- The seriousness of injuries suffered by the victim.
- The existence of any previous record of domestic violence.
While not set in stone, courts typically order a minimum of 30 days for a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction. If it is a first offense, some judges allow the perpetrator to serve probation. Depending on the circumstances, a person can be charged with multiple offenses.
- Jail Time for Domestic Battery. Referred to by the state of California as “battery” or “domestic battery,” battery is a willful, hurtful act that is intended to injure a domestic partner. Domestic partners can be a spouse, child, parent of a child, fiancé, boyfriend or girlfriend. Acts under this definition include grabbing someone’s clothing, punching, and kicking. Under the law, the maximum sentence for this type of offense is one year, or three years’ probation. If given probation, there may also be a fine of up to $2,000 and a requirement to complete a Batter’s Program.
- Jail Time for Child Abuse. The California Penal Code calls for strict punishment for physical child abuse, including acts of fighting and bruising a child, or beating a child severely enough that marks are left. This abuse is considered willful and the Code can also be used to charge the crime as a felony. Charges depend on the facts of the case and the perpetrator’s history of abuse. Penalties include jail time up to one year and up to $6,000 in fines. Probation and completion of a treatment program are also options the court will consider.
- Jail Time for Spousal Abuse. Also referred to as corporal abuse, spousal abuse under California Penal Code 273.5 occurs between intimate partners. Any claimed physical injury must be proven and that proof must be presented to the court. Injuries, which can range from broken bones to severe trauma, must have been inflicted willfully. Punishment ranges from probation to one year in jail, and a fine of up to $6,000 is also imposed.
What Determines Domestic Violence Offenses?
The severity of the penalties, including potential jail or prison sentences, varies significantly based on several factors:
- Severity of the Offense:
- Misdemeanor domestic violence charges typically involve less severe injuries or threats, and may result in shorter jail sentences or alternative penalties like probation.
- Felony domestic violence charges, which often involve serious bodily injury, the use of weapons, or repeat offenses, can lead to significantly longer prison sentences.
- Prior Criminal Record:
- Repeat offenders, especially those with prior domestic violence convictions, generally face harsher penalties.
- State Laws:
- Domestic violence laws and sentencing guidelines vary from state to state.
- Specific Circumstances:
- Factors such as whether children were present, whether a restraining order was violated, or whether the victim was pregnant can also influence sentencing.
••Minella Law Can Help••
A conviction for domestic violence can result in a lengthy jail sentence. If you are dealing with a domestic violence issue during your divorce, a California family law attorney with experienced in domestic violence issues can explain your rights and guide you through the process. An experienced custody & family law attorney can help. We are ready to assist with all your family needs – we offer a complimentary consultation to discuss your needs.
Reach out to us for your complimentary consultation today at 619.289.7948
How To Request a Restraining Order
A judge in San Diego may issue a restraining order as an official order prohibiting a particular action. An individual may seek a restraining order for various reasons, including copyright infringement, domestic abuse, harassment, legal disputes, and employment disputes. Anyone who applies for a restraining order must first send a request to their local court, which will determine the merit of the request by examining the evidence submitted.
Although restraining orders are limited in their duration, restraining orders are typically used as a form of immediate relief if the petitioning party requires instant action to prevent harm or harassment. Although a permanent order can be possible, this usually takes months to to allow the parties time together evidence for a full formal hearing. However, the process of obtaining a temporary order can be completed in a matter of days.
What to do First When Requesting a Restraining Order
Your first step in obtaining a restraining order will be to speak to an attorney who is experienced in the area, usually one specializing in family law. If you are concerned about an ex harassing you, or a spouse, then a family attorney could help to handle the details of a restraining order for you as well as the custody or divorce aspect of your case.
Next, you will need to gather as much evidence as possible to support your case. Remember that simply presenting a ‘He said’ or ‘She said’ case in court can be problematic, and ideally you should have more than just an accusation that an individual did something requiring a restraining order. Evidence can be gathered in various forms, you might for example, use threatening texts or emails, pictures, documents or even recordings of harassing phone calls. Police reports or witness statements can also be used to support your position.
Preparing a Request for a Temporary Restraining Order
This is usually a step that you should take with your family law attorney. In simple terms, you will need to prepare a document that will inform the judge what you want, and the reasons why you want it. Usually, these documents come in two types, the first, standard option simply asks for a restraining order temporarily and sets a date to have both parties appear before a judge.
The other document requests an ex parte restraining order, and this refers to a situation wherein only one party attends the court to ask the judge for an order. Typically, if a judge grants an individual an ex parte order, she or he will then set a hearing within fourteen days, allowing the other party to give their side of the story. There may be children involved in this request, if there are a child visitation request also needs to be included with the request.
What Happens Next
The judge will review your paperwork that day and decide if a temporary restraining order should be granted or denied. Whether it is granted or denied, a hearing will be set where both parties will have to appear at that hearing. A notice will be officially served to the opposing party providing them with the date that they must attend the hearing. In this case, your attorney will use a process server that will handle the issue for you, meaning that you should not be asked to serve the notice on anyone’s behalf. Beyond this, all that will be left for you to do is to attend the hearing. Dress smart and do your best to stay calm throughout the proceedings, even if you feel yourself getting emotionally involved. The more clearly you can explain your position, the better chance you have of the process going smoothly.
••Minella Law Group Can Help••
If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic violence and need assistance obtaining a domestic violence restraining order the qualified staff at Minella Law Group can assist you. For more information or to schedule an appointment, click the button below, or call us at (619) 289-7948. We look forward to helping you.
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