Are you being accused of Domestic Violence in Los Angeles?
Thank you for visiting My Los Angeles Domestic Violence Attorney.  We will attempt to give you as much information about domestic violence in Los Angeles as possible on this site.  Additionally, you can visit our “Why hire us” page to see what separates us from the other domestic violence lawyers in and around Los Angeles.

In the state of California, domestic violence is a very serious issue.  If you have been the victim of domestic violence or are being charged with it, you are probably feeling confused and frightened.  It can be overwhelming when you don’t know what to do, where to go or how to defend yourself.  The attorneys at the Domestic Violence Law Offices of “insert attorney name” will protect your rights.  We will help you get through this so you can look towards the future.

If you need a San Diego Domestic Violence Attorney please visit our San Diego DOmestic Violence website.

Overview

• Domestic Violence involves physical and/or verbal abuse against a current or former close/intimate partner.

• Can result in severe injuries, bruising and even death.

• Oftentimes it is not reported because the victim fears for her life.

• A police officer is required by California law to report any type of suspected spousal abuse or domestic violence.

• Statistics show that 35 to 40% of all assaults in Los Angeles are related to domestic violence.

• California has more than 150,000 domestic violence calls every year – with about 45,000 arrests made.

• A domestic violence charge will affect your freedom and those of your family.

• When an argument becomes violence and the police arrive, someone will be arrested.

• It doesn’t matter if you are the wife, husband or domestic partner.
• The prosecutor will press charges, not your spouse or partner.

• You will not be able to drop the charges if you change your mind later on.

• Los Angeles has many shelters that are full of women, children and men who have been the victims of domestic violence.

Types of Domestic Violence

• Physical – battering or hitting that may include bruising, broken bones, internal bleeding, and death.
• Sexual - accompanies or follows physical battering, and usually results in rape.

• Emotional/Mental – psychological intimidation, threats, harassment, name calling, playing mind games or
• Forced isolation – no contact with others, takes away car keys, locks the front door.
• Stalking - repeated threatening behavior; usually leads to physical or sexual abuse.

• Economic - when the abuser controls the victim's time, transportation, food, clothing, shelter, insurance, and money.

Penalties
In California, penalties for spousal abuse can be very serious:

• First-time offender:  a few days of jail, probation, community service
• County jail - up to 1 year (misdemeanor)
• State prison – up to 4 years (felony)
• Probation
• Stay-Away order pending trial
• Protective order with prohibitions against violence, sexual abuse, harassment, stalking, threats
• Fines – $6,000 (first time); up to $10,000 (second time)
• Restitution to the victim
• Community service
• Anger management classes – 16 weeks
• Mandatory counseling – 52 weeks
• Substance abuse programs (AA)
• Cannot possess firearms – 10 years 

Restraining Order

• A restraining order orders you not to have any contact with the protected person.
• California Penal Code section 273.6 states that if you violate this order, you will be arrested and put in jail.
• You will have to move out of your home.
• You will not be able to carry any gun.
• You must follow all child support, child custody and visitation orders.
• The judge is the only person who can cancel this order.

Safety Plan

• Never enter a room without an exit door or one that can contain weapons (such as a kitchen).
• Give your family and friends a code word which will alert them to call the police.
• Keep a suitcase with clothes, money, keys, and important papers at a friend’s house.
• Once alone, change your phone number; get caller ID, change the locks and secure the windows.
• Keeps a detailed log of assaults or threats.
• Keep this number with you at all times:  National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233).

Conclusion
Physical violence will increase in frequency and level over time.  You do not have to put up with this from anyone.  Call our offices immediately at the Domestic Violence Law Offices of “insert attorney name” because we listen to you and come up with a plan to protect your rights.