Domestic Violence Attorney in Salinas
Crafting the Best Legal Defense for Each Client
A conviction for a domestic violence crime can put your freedom and even the custody of your children at risk. At Law Office of John Klopfenstein, our Salinas domestic violence lawyer has represented clients accused of domestic violence crimes as a solo practitioner and former public defender. He uses his knowledge of the law, local prosecutors, and judges to help our clients.
If you have been accused of domestic violence, call (831) 751-3947 for advice from a seasoned criminal defense attorney.
What Are the Domestic Violence Laws in California?
Domestic violence is not a single crime, but a series of laws that are designed to address violence that occurs between people with a close personal relationship. The law is intended to provide protection to victims and punish offenders. A criminal offense may be considered domestic violence when the victim is an individual protected under California domestic violence law.
Those protected under the law include:
In domestic violence cases, prosecutors may pursue the maximum sentence, even if the alleged victim suffers minimal injury. The stakes are high in these cases and the outcome can impact all areas of your life, so do not hesitate to hire experienced legal representation to ensure that your rights are protected. Our Salinas domestic violence lawyer has decades of experience handling all types of criminal cases.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Domestic Violence in California?
The statute of limitations for domestic violence in California is three years.
What Are Common Domestic Violence Charges?
The specific charge that you may be facing depends on the crime that you are accused of committing. This depends on the alleged act that occurred and the relationship between the alleged offender and victim.
Criminal charges for domestic violence may include:
The penalties that you may be facing depend on the specific charge. Domestic battery is a misdemeanor that carries a sentence of up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. Infliction of corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant and child abuse are both wobblers, which can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. In addition to jail time and fines, an individual convicted of a domestic violence crime could be required to register in a batterers program or anger management classes.
Can I Drop Charges Against Someone for Domestic Violence in California?
Once police are involved, the victim cannot dismiss domestic violence charges. It is ultimately up to the prosecution to decide whether to charge the assailant with domestic violence based on the available evidence or circumstances. The only party that can drop domestic violence charges is the district attorney since they represent the state, and the only party with the power to dismiss domestic violence allegations at the court level
Lasting Consequences for Families
The criminal penalties are only part of the consequences of a domestic violence conviction. If you have a child, your custody time may be affected. The court could decide to deny custody time or require monitored visitation. These orders can remain in effect until the court decides you are not a risk to the health and safety of your child. Additionally, your right to own or possess a firearm may be revoked.
The consequences of a domestic violence conviction can affect all areas of your life for many years, so it is important to fight the charges with an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Our domestic violence attorney in Salinas will thoroughly investigate the charges, circumstances of your arrest, and the situation that lead to your arrest to build the most effective defense for your case.
Domestic violence is not a single crime, but a series of laws that are designed to address violence that occurs between people with a close personal relationship. The law is intended to provide protection to victims and punish offenders. A criminal offense may be considered domestic violence when the victim is an individual protected under California domestic violence law.
Those protected under the law include:
- Spouses
- Former spouses
- People in a romantic relationship
- Cohabitants
- Children
- Family members
In domestic violence cases, prosecutors may pursue the maximum sentence, even if the alleged victim suffers minimal injury. The stakes are high in these cases and the outcome can impact all areas of your life, so do not hesitate to hire experienced legal representation to ensure that your rights are protected. Our Salinas domestic violence lawyer has decades of experience handling all types of criminal cases.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Domestic Violence in California?
The statute of limitations for domestic violence in California is three years.
What Are Common Domestic Violence Charges?
The specific charge that you may be facing depends on the crime that you are accused of committing. This depends on the alleged act that occurred and the relationship between the alleged offender and victim.
Criminal charges for domestic violence may include:
- Battery on a spouse or cohabitant
- Infliction of corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant
- Child abuse
The penalties that you may be facing depend on the specific charge. Domestic battery is a misdemeanor that carries a sentence of up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. Infliction of corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant and child abuse are both wobblers, which can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. In addition to jail time and fines, an individual convicted of a domestic violence crime could be required to register in a batterers program or anger management classes.
Can I Drop Charges Against Someone for Domestic Violence in California?
Once police are involved, the victim cannot dismiss domestic violence charges. It is ultimately up to the prosecution to decide whether to charge the assailant with domestic violence based on the available evidence or circumstances. The only party that can drop domestic violence charges is the district attorney since they represent the state, and the only party with the power to dismiss domestic violence allegations at the court level
Lasting Consequences for Families
The criminal penalties are only part of the consequences of a domestic violence conviction. If you have a child, your custody time may be affected. The court could decide to deny custody time or require monitored visitation. These orders can remain in effect until the court decides you are not a risk to the health and safety of your child. Additionally, your right to own or possess a firearm may be revoked.
The consequences of a domestic violence conviction can affect all areas of your life for many years, so it is important to fight the charges with an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Our domestic violence attorney in Salinas will thoroughly investigate the charges, circumstances of your arrest, and the situation that lead to your arrest to build the most effective defense for your case.
About The Firm
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Over 200 Jury Trials to Verdict
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Areas of Practice
Handling Criminal Law Cases
Domestic Violence |
DUI |
Gun Crimes |
Drug Crimes
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Felonies
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Violent Crimes
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