Los Angeles Domestic Violence Lawyer

Were you charged with domestic violence in Los Angeles, California? Contact Perlman & Cohen Los Angeles Criminal Lawyers for a free consultation at (310) 557-1700. Our Los Angeles domestic violence lawyers can fight for your rights throughout the legal process and help you secure as favorable a resolution as may be possible under state law. 

We are an award-winning criminal defense law firm in Los Angeles that will make your case a priority from the moment you hire us. Our legal team has 40 years of combined experience defending clients in the area and knows how the prosecution tries its cases as well as anyone. 

Why Choose Perlman & Cohen Los Angeles Criminal Lawyers After a Domestic Violence Arrest in Los Angeles, CA?

Domestic violence charges carry consequences that other kinds of crimes don’t. The stakes are incredibly high in these circumstances, making it paramount that you hire a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer, like ours at Perlman & Cohen, who is actually qualified to represent you effectively. 

Here are just a few reasons clients across Los Angeles County trust us:

• We bring decades of combined criminal defense experience to every case we handle
• We can defend clients against the full range of domestic violence charges under California law
• We know how to challenge the prosecution's evidence and ensure you aren’t taken advantage of
• We’ve won awards from Avvo, The National Trial Lawyers, and other prominent legal organizations
• We are prepared to take your case to trial if that is what it takes to get the right outcome
• We know how much is in play beyond the courtroom, such as a family law case, and we will represent you with that full picture in mind

Call our domestic violence lawyers in Los Angeles, CA, today for a free consultation. We’ll work hard to have your charges dismissed if we can, though note that no outcome can be guaranteed in advance.

Domestic Violence Law in California

California prosecutes domestic violence primarily under two statutes. Learning about the difference between them matters because the charges and consequences vary significantly.

Domestic Battery

This is the less severe of the two charges. Under PC 243(e)(1), a person commits domestic battery by willfully using unlawful force against an intimate partner. No visible injury is required. Minimal physical contact, such as a push or a grab, can result in charges under this statute. Domestic battery is always charged as a misdemeanor.

Corporal Injury to a Spouse or Cohabitant

This statute covers more serious conduct. Per PC 273.5, the prosecution must prove that the defendant's actions resulted in a "traumatic condition," meaning a visible injury such as a bruise. This charge is a wobbler in California, which means prosecutors can file it as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the severity of the injury and the defendant's criminal history.

Under both statutes, the alleged victim can be a current or former spouse, a cohabitant, a dating partner, or the parent of the defendant's child.

Penalties for a Domestic Violence Conviction in Los Angeles

The penalties you face depend on many factors, including which statute you are charged under and whether the case is filed as a misdemeanor or a felony.

A domestic battery charge carries up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $2,000. A corporal injury charge as a misdemeanor carries up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $6,000. As a felony, the sentence jumps to two, three, or four years in state prison.

Regardless of which charge applies, a domestic violence conviction in California typically comes with:

• Mandatory completion of a 52-week batterer's intervention program
• A domestic violence restraining order restricting where you can go and who you can contact
• A ban on owning or possessing firearms
• Minimum three years of probation
• Restitution payments to the alleged victim for counseling and medical expenses
• Increased penalties if you have prior domestic violence convictions within the past seven years

As you can see, criminal courts take these cases seriously. Having an experienced domestic violence lawyer on your side from the beginning is one of the most important steps you can take. Contact our law offices today for help fighting back against the circumstances you’re facing.

Collateral Consequences of a Los Angeles Domestic Violence Conviction

The impact of a domestic violence conviction extends well beyond the penalties the court hands down. 

Some of the most serious collateral consequences include:

• Loss of child custody or reduced visitation rights in family court
• A permanent criminal record that shows up on background checks
• Difficulty finding employment, particularly in fields that require licensing
• A ban on firearm ownership that may last a decade or a lifetime depending on the charge
• Deportation or denial of immigration benefits for non-citizens
• Damage to your personal reputation and relationships

Some of these consequences are irreversible. Having a qualified domestic violence defense lawyer in Los Angeles on your side can make a real difference in how your case is resolved and how much of your future you are able to protect.

What Defenses Can I Raise Against Domestic Violence Charges in Los Angeles?

The prosecution carries the burden of proving every element of a domestic violence charge beyond a reasonable doubt. That is the highest standard in the legal system, which could play to your advantage as your case moves forward.

Our domestic violence attorneys in Los Angeles will review the facts and evidence early on to determine the best strategy for your situation. Some of the most effective defenses to domestic violence charges in California include:

• Self-defense: If you were protecting yourself from harm and used only a reasonable level of force in response, this can serve as a complete defense to the charges. The same applies if you were defending someone else.
• False accusations: Domestic violence allegations are sometimes motivated by ulterior motives, such as a desire to gain an advantage in a custody dispute. If the accusations are fabricated, your attorney can work to expose inconsistencies in the alleged victim's account.
• Lack of criminal intent: The prosecution must prove that you acted willfully. If the contact was accidental rather than intentional, the charges against you may not hold up.
• Insufficient evidence: The state needs more than an accusation to secure a conviction. If the proof in question does not support your charges, we can challenge the prosecution's ability to meet its burden.
• Constitutional violations: If law enforcement violated your rights during the arrest or investigation, such as conducting an unlawful search or failing to read your Miranda rights, your attorney may be able to have key evidence thrown out.

Other defenses may be available depending on the specific facts of your case. We’ll take the time needed to thoroughly investigate your best course of action if you hire us to represent you. 

How Can a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer Help With My Domestic Violence Charges?

Domestic violence cases move fast. From the moment of your arrest, decisions are being made that can shape the outcome of your entire case. Having an experienced defense attorney involved as soon as you can gives you the best chance of staying ahead of the process rather than reacting to it.

A criminal lawyer can help by:

• Reviewing the police report and identifying weaknesses in the prosecution's case
• Interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence that supports your defense
• Filing motions to suppress improperly obtained evidence
• Challenging the credibility of the alleged victim's statements
• Negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative sentencing
• Representing you at all hearings and at trial if your case goes that far
• Advising you on how the charges could affect your personal and professional life

Domestic violence cases also carry unique pressures in that prosecutors in Los Angeles handle a high volume of these cases and often push for convictions even when the evidence is thin. You need someone in your corner who is equally committed to fighting for you. Look no further than Perlman & Cohen to help you to that end.

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Award-Winning Los Angeles Domestic Violence Attorneys

Being charged with domestic violence in Los Angeles, CA, is a situation you need to take seriously. However, it’s equally important not to lose hope about what’s to come. You may still be able to formulate a response to the situation you’re facing that lets you walk free. 

Perlman & Cohen Los Angeles Criminal Lawyers has 40 years of combined experience in the field and is ready to get to work for you next. Contact our Los Angeles domestic violence attorneys today to learn more and set up a free consultation.