At our law firm, domestic violence charges are one of the most common criminal defense issues our clients face. Typically, but not always, the accuser and the alleged attacker are in a dating or marital relationship, and often cohabitate. Domestic violence scenarios can start during a bad breakup, an argument over infidelity, or even a run-of-the-mill verbal argument that escalates and gets out of hand.
Many different parties can initiate a law enforcement response. Often, the alleged victim will call 911, though we have had many cases in which the person eventually accused of committing domestic violence was also the individual who summoned the police.
In other cases, a third party, such as a neighbor or bystander, becomes concerned enough to call the police. By their very nature, domestic violence accusations typically involve two intimate partners in a closed-door setting. These are the classic he-said/she-said scenarios.
For this reason, law enforcement and prosecuting agencies rely on objective evidence to corroborate the claims made against our clients. If the alleged victim claims they were struck in a certain part of the body, there should be bruising or red marks. If they claim property was destroyed, there should be evidence of that at the scene.
When accusations cannot be corroborated by objective, independent evidence, we have a significant opportunity for a successful pre-filing intervention. This early intervention is not just a proactive step towards resolving the issue, but also a reassurance that swift action can be taken to address the situation.
Corporal Injury to a Spouse
Many defendants arrested on suspicion of a domestic violence offense are charged with corporal injury to a spouse in violation of California Penal Code Section 273.5, a potential felony offense. This means that the alleged victim has suffered a physical injury, which could be a bruise, cut, or other injury, as a result of the domestic violence. Understanding this legal definition can help you prepare for your defense.
Another common charge is domestic battery in violation of California Penal Code Section 243(e). However, in many cases, circumstances exist where the Los Angeles County prosecutor might be willing to reduce the charges to a lesser offense during a plea negotiation, offering a ray of hope in a challenging situation.
When a defendant pleas to a reduced charge, it can help them avoid the many negative consequences of a domestic violence conviction, providing a sense of relief and a ray of hope in a stressful situation. These consequences can include loss of custody, employment, and housing, as well as a permanent criminal record.
Victim Can't Drop the Charges
It's a common myth that the alleged victim can simply drop the charges after they called the police and you were arrested. In fact, they can't. In Los Angeles County, you can be arrested and prosecuted for domestic violence charges even if the victim doesn't want you arrested.
The prosecutor holds the final authority to decide whether to file charges and can proceed with the criminal case even if the victim chooses not to appear in court.
The prosecutor assigned to the case is the only one who can drop charges. The alleged victim is considered a witness in a government prosecution.
This means that while the alleged victim's cooperation can influence the case, they do not have the power to drop the charges on their own.
Understanding this can help you navigate the legal process more effectively. The prosecutor holds the final authority to decide whether to file charges and can proceed with the criminal case even if the victim chooses not to appear in court.
Pre-Filing Intervention
Pre-filing intervention is the process of advocating with law enforcement and prosecuting agencies to have a case dropped. In domestic violence cases, there are often uncooperative alleged victims and significant motivations to exaggerate or outright falsify criminal accusations.
An effective presentation of the issues of proof, as well as significant mitigating factors about:
- Our client's background and character can often result in charges being dropped before court,
- Reduced from felonies to misdemeanors, or
- Handled informally through the office hearing process.
Immediate intervention after a police report or arrest is made is the best strategy to avoid the expense and risk of a formal court filing. Even if formal charges have been brought, effective representation is key to achieving the best outcome.
In our experience, presenting mitigation early in the process can help secure no-jail settlements and reduce offenses.
Often in domestic violence situations, the prosecutor may want to avoid dealing with a victim who has recanted the initial statement to law enforcement and may therefore be open to a beneficial settlement. The possibility of a beneficial settlement can be a reassuring factor for our clients.
Our experienced domestic violence trial attorneys can cross-examine the alleged victim about inconsistencies in their story, motivations to exaggerate or lie, and the lack of corroborating evidence supporting the accusation. Do you have a history of domestic violence?
It should be noted that California Evidence Code 1109 allows the introduction of prior domestic violence acts to prove a current act. Such evidence can prove highly prejudicial. .
Real Domestic Violence Case Result
Our criminal defense lawyers have handled numerous domestic violence investigations and have already filed misdemeanor and felony cases in Los Angeles. The following real case scenarios may give you an idea of how these cases begin and how they typically resolve.
In one recent case, the client and his estranged wife continued to live in the same residence. One night, fueled by alcohol consumption and jealousy over the erroneous belief that her husband had begun an affair with a new girlfriend, the estranged wife called law enforcement. She claimed that the client had assaulted her and her friend in the shared residence.
The estranged wife claimed significant injuries, including choking, as well as property damage in the house. Law enforcement arrested the client at the scene on felony domestic violence charges, and he was required to post a bail bond before being released from custody.
Our firm was retained within 48 hours of the client's release to conduct a prefiling intervention. We took detailed statements from the client, focusing on the alleged victim's motivations to lie, her alcohol consumption, relevant third-party witnesses, and the issues of proof.
Notably, we were informed about the alleged victim's claims of specific injuries and property damage, which were unsupported by the objective evidence in the case. After several written and verbal contacts with law enforcement and the prosecuting agency, which reviewed the case, charges were dropped completely before the court. The client was never charged, much less convicted, of any crime despite being initially arrested for a felony.
Felony Case Result
In another case, our criminal defense law firm represented a young man who had been arrested for felony domestic violence following a violent altercation between him and his girlfriend.
The alleged victim had visible marks on her body consistent with her claim that she was choked and struck numerous times. Our client was a student with a promising future who had no prior history of criminal conduct. However, based on the substantial physical evidence in the case, felony charges were initially filed in Superior Court. Our law firm was retained for court representation.
Over several months, our firm engaged in aggressive settlement negotiations with the District Attorney's office. This involved presenting compelling evidence and arguments to persuade the prosecutor to consider a more lenient resolution.
Thankfully, for the client, we were able to reach a misdemeanor resolution involving DV probation and community service, which avoided jeopardizing both the client's academic career and his immigration status.
By focusing on the mitigating factors in the case, especially our client's previously clean record, and presenting a compelling case for an early disposition, the client avoided a lifetime as a convicted felon as well as significant time in custody.
Common Domestic Violence Charges
- California Penal Code Section 243(e)(1) - Domestic Battery,
- California Penal Code Section 273.5 - Corporal Injury to a Spouse,
- California Penal Code Section 273.6 - Violating a Restraining Order,
- California Penal Code Section 273d - Child Abuse,
- California Penal Code Section 273a - Child Endangerment,
- California Penal Code Section 368 - Elder Abuse,
- California Penal Code Section 422- Criminal Threats,
- California Penal Code Section 136.1 - Witness Intimidation,
- California Penal Code Section 646.9 - Stalking,
- California Penal Code Section 653m - Annoying Phone Calls.
Contact our Domestic Violence Lawyers
Eisner Gorin LLP is a criminal defense firm in Los Angeles, California, which practices in State courts throughout California and federal courts nationwide.
We exclusively practice criminal defense and have over 60 years combined experience in pre-filing interventions, court representation, and jury trials. If you or a loved one is under investigation or has been charged with a crime, please contact us to discuss your options.
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