Long Beach Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers

An arrest for domestic violence is tough to bounce back from, mainly because of the stigma associated with such a crime. To help your entire story be heard and understood, Defense Attorney Joseph H. Low IV works aggressively and fast to build solid cases for his clients. Domestic violence cases in particular are emotionally and legally volatile, which is why they require personal attention and systematic investigation. To sift through the complexities, it helps to start with getting as much information as possible about your legal rights and options. Call (888) 454-5569 today for a free, confidential consultation to protect your future.

The criminal justice system is supposed to operate under the notion that all individuals are innocent until proven guilty; however, many members of society think of it as the opposite. It can be hard to remember that there are two sides to every story.

Domestic Violence Laws

The following are some laws regarding domestic violence in California and abuse:

• California Penal Code Section 243 (e) (1) states that the penalty for battery against an ex-spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, cohabitating partner, parent of shared child, or fiancé is a jail term and/ or a $2000 fine.
• California Penal Code Section 422 states that any person who orally, in writing, or electronically threatens another person with physical injury or death shall serve up to one years time in jail or prison.
• California Penal Code Section 653m (a) states that any person who makes threatening or obscene telephone calls is guilty of committing a misdemeanor.
• California Penal Code Section 27305 (a) states that any person who "willfully" injures their current or ex-spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, parent of shared child, or fiancé is guilty of a felony and will serve a sentence in jail or prison and/or pay a fine.

Making Sense of the Charges

A person may be charged with domestic violence if he or she is believed to have done any of the below to a fiancé, spouse, child, cohabitant, dating partner or the parent of a child:

• Physically hurt another, either intentionally or recklessly.
• Attempts to hurt another, either intentionally or recklessly.
• Sexually assaults another.
• Makes another fear that they or someone else will be seriously hurt through actions that may include threats or promises to cause harm.
• Harass, stalk, threaten, or hit another.
• Disturbs someone's peace or destroys their personal property.

The Challenges Ahead

A domestic violence conviction goes on a person's permanent criminal record. This can have a negative impact on an individual's career, but also on his or her family life and friendships. Misdemeanor domestic violence charges and felony domestic violence charges vary, but the threat of jail or prison time, steep fines, probation, community service and other repercussions are a reality.

Because the circumstance of every domestic violence case is different, consulting with a lawyer can help you determine the best course of action to defend your rights. Most of the time, a person convicted of domestic violence will be required to attend a domestic batterers class. An approved batterer intervention program can help a person prove their commitment to positive life choices and nonviolence.

Building a Strong Defense

Putting together an effective defense requires extensive knowledge of the law as well as how to apply the right strategies to the specific evidence that the case presents. In some instances, an alleged victim of domestic violence will make a false claim of abuse as a way to get back at the other party. On the other hand, domestic violence matters can get tricky fast when an accuser takes back their allegation or decides that he or she doesn't want to press charges after already making an accusation.

Restraining Orders

It's not uncommon for a restraining order to be filed along with domestic violence charges. A restraining order may cause the following:

• A person may not be able to go to specific locations or do specific activities.
• A person may have to move out of his or her residence.
• A person's interaction with his or her child or children may be compromised.
• A person may be prohibited from owning a gun.
• A person's immigration status may be affected.

As upsetting as a restraining order may be, a person may go to jail, pay a fine, or both if he or she disregards it.

Legal Representation on Your Side

Joseph H. Low IV has experience successfully representing the accused. He is recognized in the legal community as an aggressive and reputable Long Beach domestic violence attorney with a passion for helping clients charged with abuse.

Domestic violence cases are emotionally draining and stressful. It's normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what the next step is. To make sure that you don't do anything to jeopardize your case, you may want to consult with an experienced lawyer who can provide you with answers to your domestic violence case questions and the guidance and representation that you need. The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV may be able to assist you during this time. Contact Joseph H. Low IV for more information.

Domestic Violence Case Results

• Charge: Domestic Violence (Felony), Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Felony), Illegal Weapon Possession (Felony), Battery (Felony), Drug Under the Influence (Felony): All Dismissed
• Charge: Domestic violence: Dismissed
• Charge: P.C. 273.5 - Domestic Violence (felony); Result: Case Dismissed
• Charge: P.C. 273(a) - Child abuse; Result: Not Guilty
• Charge: P.C. 273.5 - Wife beating; Result: Hung Jury 8 to 4 for Not Guilty
• Charge: P.C. 273.5 - Domestic Violence; Result: Dismissed
• Charge: P.C. 273.5 with serious injury; Result: Dismissed at trial
• Charge: P.C. 273.5 - Domestic Violence; Result: Dismissed
• Charge: P.C. 273.5 - Domestic Violence; Result: Dismissed
• Charge: P.C. 273.5 - Domestic Violence; Result: Dismissed
• Charge: Assault and Battery; Domestic Violence; Result: Case Dismissed at on 9th Day of trial