Orange County Domestic Violence Lawyer

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Have you been charged with domestic violence in Orange County? If you answered yes, it is important that you start to plan your case and review your legal options with a professional domestic violence attorney. Without representation from a qualified lawyer, you stand little chance of avoiding conviction.

The Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry has successfully handled a vast array of domestic violence cases in Orange County, Aliso Viejo, and surrounding areas. As a defense attorney with years of experience, Attorney Virginia L. Landry can provide you with the advice and aggressive representation you need to obtain a winning outcome.

Questions About Domestic Violence Charges? Contact Our Firm For a Free Consultation.

California’s Domestic Violence Laws

California law defines domestic violence as threatening abuse or actual physical violence between those who are living together or are currently in an intimate relationship. Domestic violence can also occur between family members. The familiarity between the victim and the alleged abuser are what differentiate this type of charge from simple assault or battery charges, as examples.

Example of abuse may include:

• Causing physical pain, whether intentional or not
• Sexual abuse or assault
• Emotional abuse
• Financial abuse
• Using threats or intimidation with the intent to cause harm
• Stalking, or destroying the property of another

Domestic Violence Is Not Limited to Physical Abuse

What is important to note about domestic charges with regards to California law, is that there does not need to be physical abuse to charge someone, especially if there are internal injuries that are not immediately detectable. Victims can suffer from any number of emotional and psychological abuses that are not always outwardly apparent. Both sides may also face domestic violence charges if the evidence discovered supports the accusation.

Moreover, the victim cannot choose to drop the charges—only prosecutors can make the decision. Depending on the circumstances, may or may not elect to drop the charges if they believe the case is worth pursuing. There have been cases when spouses wish to drop the charges and wish not to testify against their spouse or family member, only to be later arrested for refusing.

When Is Domestic Violence a Felony in California?

Depending on the severity of the crime, domestic violence may be tried as a felony or misdemeanor offense. In most cases, domestic violence is classified as a misdemeanor.

However, charges may be amplified if the person being charged has:

• Caused injury to a minor
• Sexually assaulted the victim
• Sexually assaulted a minor
• Caused the victim bodily harm
• Prior domestic violence convictions
• Prior criminal convictions

Domestic Violence Penalties in California

The state takes domestic violence cases seriously and as such, the consequences for domestic violence are also very serious. Individuals convicted of domestic violence face harsh legal punishments.

Penalties for domestic violence can include:

• Imprisonment
• Heavy fines
• Probation
• Rehabilitation
• Counseling
• Community service