When facing corporal injury charges in Los Angeles, the stakes couldn't be higher. These charges usually arise during domestic disputes and can turn your life upside down. Perlman & Cohen Criminal Lawyers specialize in defending those who injure their spouses. We understand the complexities of these cases and how stressful they can be for everyone involved.
Our goal is to provide you with a defense to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome under the circumstances. With years of experience handling corporal injury cases, our lawyers have the expertise to navigate the legal system effectively. We work closely with our clients to ensure they understand each step. Trust us to put our knowledge and skills to work for you.
At Perlman & Cohen Criminal Lawyers, we review all the evidence against you, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements. Understanding the prosecution's case against you is crucial for building a strong defense. Our team looks for inconsistencies or weaknesses in the evidence that could benefit your case.
Then, we consider all possible defense strategies, from arguing that the injury was accidental to demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense. We also explore less obvious angles, such as questioning the legality of how evidence was collected. Our experienced lawyers are prepared to fight tirelessly, whether negotiating for reduced charges or representing you at trial. Our priority is to protect your rights and your future.
Corporal injury to a spouse involves causing a physical injury to your current or former spouse, cohabitant, or the parent of your child. The law focuses on injuries that result from direct physical force. These charges can be complex because they often rely on interpreting what constitutes a "physical injury" or "bodily injury." It's not just about the presence of an injury but also about proving the intent behind it.
The seriousness of these charges cannot be overstated. They carry significant legal and social consequences. Being accused of corporal injury to a spouse can affect your reputation, your job, and your family life. It's a situation that requires the skilled defense of a knowledgeable lawyer who understands both the law and the best ways to approach these sensitive domestic violence cases.
This charge is detailed under California Penal Code 273.5. For a conviction under this statute, the prosecution must prove that you willfully inflicted physical injury that resulted in a traumatic condition. The term "traumatic condition" refers to a wound or other bodily injury caused by the use of physical force. It's not enough to show that an injury occurred; the law requires proof that the defendant's actions directly caused the injury to the spouse.
This legal threshold is high because the consequences of a conviction are severe. The law aims to protect individuals from domestic abuse while ensuring that the rights of the accused are also safeguarded.
Being convicted of corporal injury to a spouse can lead to harsh penalties. These can include time in county jail or even California state prison, depending on the severity of the injury and any previous offenses. Fines, mandatory domestic violence counseling, and restraining orders are also common consequences. The exact penalties vary, but they all have long-lasting impacts on your life.
Specifically, this crime can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. This makes it a wobbler. A misdemeanor conviction can lead to a fine of up to $6,000 and a jail term of up to one year. A felony conviction could lead to a prison term of up to four years and a fine of up to $6,000.
Beyond the legal penalties, a conviction can damage your reputation. This could make it difficult to find employment or housing. It can also affect your parental rights, limiting or preventing you from having custody or visitation rights with your children. California treats cases of domestic violence seriously.
After an arrest for corporal injury to a spouse, it's crucial to remember that you have rights. The first thing to do is exercise your right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in court. Secondly, you have the right to an attorney. It's best to contact a lawyer specializing in corporal injury cases immediately.
Your attorney will represent you during the legal process, helping you understand your charges and the potential consequences. If applicable, they can also work on securing your release on bail and start building a defense strategy.
Bail is a way for you to be released from custody while your case is pending. The amount set for bail can vary greatly, depending on the severity of the charges and your previous criminal record. Due to the nature of the charges, the court may set a higher bail in cases of corporal injury to a spouse. Your lawyer can argue for a lower bail amount or your release on your recognizance.
If you can post bail, it's crucial to comply with all the conditions set by the court. This often includes no contact orders with the alleged victim. Violating these conditions can revoke your bail and your return to custody. Understanding the bail process and its implications is important in defending against corporal injury charges.
Creating a strong defense strategy starts with a thorough understanding of the facts of your case. Our lawyers take the time to review every detail, from the circumstances leading up to the incident to the evidence collected by law enforcement. We look for any inconsistencies or potential defenses, such as self-defense or the possibility that you were falsely accused. This happens in domestic violence cases.
In addition to challenging the prosecution's evidence, we consider alternative explanations for the injury. The injury may have been accidental or resulted from actions not intended to cause harm. Our goal is to create a comprehensive defense that addresses every aspect of the charges against you, aiming to either reduce the charges or achieve a complete dismissal.
Plea deals can resolve a case without going to trial. In a plea deal, you might agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a more lenient sentence. Our lawyers are skilled negotiators who can assess whether a plea deal is in your best interest. We only recommend this route if it significantly benefits you.
Negotiating a plea deal requires a deep understanding of the law and the specifics of your case. We aim to ensure that any agreement reached minimizes the impact on your life and future. We thoroughly discuss all options, ensuring you have the information needed to make an informed decision.
Our first aim is always to get the domestic violence charges against you dismissed. This involves challenging the evidence, highlighting procedural errors, or demonstrating that the allegations cannot be proven. Case dismissals are ideal, as they mean you are free from the charges without needing a trial or plea deal.
Achieving a dismissal requires a proactive and aggressive defense strategy. Our team works diligently to uncover any factors that could lead to a dismissal, from questioning the legality of the evidence collection to challenging the credibility of witnesses. We leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice for our clients.
Going to trial is sometimes the best option to fight corporal injury charges. Our lawyers are experienced in the courtroom and prepared to defend you vigorously before a judge or jury. We develop a compelling case using evidence and expert testimony to support our defense. When you have been accused of spouse corporal injury, contact us for your defense.
Facing charges for corporal injury to a spouse is a serious and stressful situation, but you don't have to go through it alone. Perlman & Cohen Criminal Lawyers are here to help. Our expertise and dedication provide you with the strong defense you deserve. When you have been accused of inflicting injury on a spouse, you need our team. Spousal abuse that leads to great bodily injury is prosecuted vigorously in California, so reach out to us as soon as possible. We will do everything we can to earn a favorable outcome, which may include creating reasonable doubt in the jury's minds. Contact us today to schedule a case consultation.
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