You never thought it would come to this. Maybe it was a verbal fight that turned physical. Perhaps your hand slipped by mistake. Or the allegations might be made up. Now, you could lose your house, your children, your freedom, and even more. But you're not alone. Your criminal defense attorney in Century City, CA will fight for your rights.
The key points you need to know are this:
- The main domestic violence charges in Century City, CA, are domestic battery and corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant
- Domestic battery does not require injury, and is charged as a misdemeanor.
- Inflicting corporal injury requires causing active harm, and can be considered either a felony or a misdemeanor.
- People often also face additional charges, such as criminal threats or violating a protective order.
- It's critically important to obey any no-contact orders.
- In addition to formal penalties, domestic violence convictions have serious custody and firearm rights implications.
Whatever your situation is, don't try to handle it alone.
Our domestic violence defense team is ready to help with your case. We offer free case reviews, and our phone lines are available 24/7.
Protect Yourself by Taking These Three Steps:
- Invoke your right to remain silent.
- Contact us (you can reach us by phone at all times): (800) 755-5174.
- Do not try to "clear things up" with the alleged victim.
On this page:
- An outline of the key domestic violence statutes in Century City, CA
- How to handle accusations
- What happens after a domestic violence arrest in Century City, CA
- How restraining orders and custody cases overlap with the criminal case
- Domestic violence penalties in Century City, CA
- What you need to be aware of if you're not a U.S. Citizen
- Strategies to mitigate the penalties
- What happens if the alleged victim doesn't cooperate
- Defense options that may apply to your case
- What you can expect from your defense attorney
- Why you should work with us as your domestic violence lawyers
- Common questions
If you've been accused of domestic violence, you need to move ASAP. Contact our criminal defense lawyers at (800) 755-5174 or use our contact form at any time for a no-strings case review.
Reviewed by Attorney David S. Chesley, October 2026. California criminal defense since June 2005, SBN 236611.
How Does Century City, CA, Define Domestic Violence?
The main definition of domestic violence in California is California Penal Code § 13700. It defines it as causing harm to someone else with whom you have a close relationship, such as a husband/wife or co-parent.
Family law uses different criteria than criminal law. For protective orders, you need to be aware of Family Code § 6211. It extends the definition to include parents, grandparents, children, and siblings This means that a domestic violence restraining order has different standards than a domestic violence criminal conviction.
There are three main things that the prosecution must prove in order for you to be convicted:
- You intentionally and aggressively touched the alleged victim (and, for corporal injury, that the touching caused injury);
- There were no extenuating circumstances like self-defense; AND
- The alleged victim False into a protected individual category as described in California Penal Code § 13700.
Domestic Battery
- Statute: PC § 243(e)(1)
- What it means: Touching a current or former spouse, dating partner, or cohabitant, or a coparent, in a hurtful way (including offensively — it doesn't matter whether or not any injury was caused.
- Misdemeanor or Felony: Misdemeanor
Inflicting Corporal Injury on a Spouse or Cohabitant
- Statute: PC § 273.5
- What it means: Intentionally causing a "traumatic condition" to a current or former romantic partner—any wound or internal or external injury, minor or serious, including injury from strangulation or suffocation.
- Misdemeanor or Felony: Wobbler—could be a misdemeanor or a felony
The Key Distinction: Was There an Injury?
The presence of an injury is the difference between domestic battery and corporal injury charges — because of this, many corporal injury cases involve extensive review of medical records, where your Century City defense attorney can challenge the presence and/or extend of the injury.
Charges Often Filed Alongside Domestic Violence
In addition to a domestic violence charge, you could face any of the below related violent crime charges:
- Criminal Threats (PC § 422): Scaring someone by indicating that you intend to cause them harm. If convicted as a felony, this falls under California's three strikes law.
- Dissuading a Witness (PC § 136.1): Taking steps to stop a person from reporting a crime, helping investigators, or testifying in court
- Damaging a Phone Line or Phone (PC §§ 591, 591.5): Cutting or disconnecting a phone line, or taking away a cell phone, such as if done in order to stop them from contacting the police.
- False Imprisonment (PC § 236): Restricting someone's ability to leave a location, and/or unlawfully restraining them against their will.
- Assault With a Deadly Weapon or Force Likely to Cause Great Bodily Injury (PC § 245(a)): An assault with an object or with force likely to cause serious injury.
- Stalking (PC § 646.9): Stalking has two elements: First, following someone when you are not welcome to, and second, making a realistic threat that causes fear.
- Restraining Order Violations (PC § 273.6): Violating the terms of a court-issued protective or restraining order.
- Child Abuse (PC § 273d): Intionally harming and causing injury to a child.
- Elder Abuse (PC § 368): Physically or emotionally causing harm to an elderly or dependent adult.
- Sexual Battery (PC § 243.4): With a sexual motive, touching another person's privates without permission.
- Revenge Porn (PC § 647(j)(4)): Intentionally distributing private intimate images of someone without consent, knowing it will cause them serious emotional distress.
How to Handle Domestic Violence Allegations in Century City, CA
What you do now can make all the difference for your future. Don't miss any of the below steps if you want to maximize your chances of a positive outcome:
- Exercise your right to remain silent. That includes with friends, family and on social media.
- Ask for a lawyer, and don't answer questions until you have one.
- Request bail and/or release without bail.
- Read any protective orders carefully and follow all of the applied conditions.
- Preserve evidence: photos of your own injuries, texts, emails, call logs, doorbell or security camera video, and the names of witnesses.
- Tell your defense attorney the full story. The conversation is confidential.
- Don't interact with the supposed victim — if they reach out to you, ask your lawyer how to respond.
Following these steps gives your case the best chance of a positive outcome. Call us today, whatever charges you're facing: (800) 755-5174.
Century City's high-pressure business environment and luxury high-rise living create unique pressures that can lead to domestic violence allegations in apartment complexes near the Century Plaza Towers. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley appear at the Los Angeles Superior Court, Stanley Mosk Courthouse, applying strategies tailored to Los Angeles County's specific legal landscape.
What Happens After a Domestic Violence Arrest in Century City, CA?
Domestic violence cases move fast. Here's what you need to be prepared for after an arrest in Century City, CA:
- Arrest: Officers only need probable cause. In Century City, CA, they can arrest for misdemeanor domestic violence without a warrant even if they didn't see the incident (PC § 836(d)). When both people claim they were attacked, officers are directed to identify the "dominant aggressor" rather than arrest both (PC § 13701).
- Booking: During booking, the jail will take down your basic information, collect your things, and fingerprint you.
- Emergency Protective Order: In order to protect the alleged victim, police officers have the option to contact a judge after the arrest and request an emergency protective order. These can go into effect right away, forcing you out of your home and away from the supposed victim for up to 5 court days or 7 calendar days, whichever is sooner.
- Police Questioning: Police may try to question you in custody. Plead your right to remain silent and request to speak with your lawyer.
- Bail and Release: Many domestic violence charges mandate that there is a bail hearing before you are released. This gives your lawyer an opportunity to fight for lower bail, or even release on your own recognizance.
- Filing Decision and Arraignment: Prosecutors review the police report and decide what to file. If you're in custody, you must generally be arraigned within 48 hours, not counting Sundays and holidays (PC § 825). In addition to hearing the charges, it's common for judges to issue a protective order against you in domestic violence arraignments.
- Trial Preparation: Your attorney reviews discovery, investigates, files motions, and negotiates with the prosecutor while preparing for trial.
- Trial: Most criminal cases in Century City end before reaching the trial stage, but you have the right for your case to be argued in front of a jury.
Can You Go Home After a Domestic Violence Arrest?
Often, not right away. Protective orders are commonly used against people alleged to have committed domestic violence, keeping the supposed offender away from the supposed victim and their home. It doesn't matter if the alleged victim recants.
Breaking a protective order, even with their consent, can have a major, negative impact on your case. If the alleged victim does reach out to you, speak with your attorney before responding or going to meet them. They can advise you on the best way to move forward without hurting your chances in court.
Domestic Violence, Restraining Orders, and Custody
A domestic violence accusation in Century City, CA, isn't just a criminal charge. A single incident can lead to a criminal case, a restraining order case, and a custody fight at the same time, and what you say in one can be used in the others. Your defense attorney should coordinate all three.
Types of Restraining Orders in Domestic Violence Cases
When facing domestic violence allegations, here are the three typical types of Restraining orders you may be up against:
- Emergency Protective Orders: While not automatic, these are commonly filed by the police officer right after an arrest. They give the alleged victim time (5 court days or 7 calendar days) of protection, during which they will often file for a longer restraining order.
- Criminal Protective Orders: Issued by the criminal court, usually at arraignment and at the prosecutor's request. They last while the case is pending, and after a domestic violence conviction the judge can issue one for up to 10 years (PC § 136.2).
- Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVROs): Requested by the alleged victim in family court. A temporary order can be issued the same day without notice to you and lasts until a hearing, usually within about three weeks. After the hearing, a DVRO can last up to 5 years and can be renewed for another 5 years or permanently (Family Code § 6345).
Domestic Violence Accusations and Custody Cases
A domestic violence charge, even without a conviction, can seriously impact a child custody case. Family Code § 3044 instructs family court officials to automatically presume that giving custody to a parent who recently committed domestic violence is not in the child's best interest. Here are some key distinctions:
- The family court will make its own determination, rather than relying on criminal court outcomes.
- In addition to current and former romantic partners, the court will also look at possible violence committed against children in the relationship.
- A previously issued DVRO can be used as justification for denying custody.
Your attorney should be someone familiar with these aspects of family court in addition to the ins and outs of criminal court.
You're fighting an uphill battle, but it's not impossible. The court will weigh factors such as:
- Whether giving that parent custody is in the child's best interest
- Completion of a batterer's intervention program
- Completion of alcohol or drug counseling, as applicable
- Completion of a parenting class
- Compliance with probation and any protective orders
- The recency of the alleged incident
Domestic Violence Penalties in Century City, CA
The table below shows the potential sentences for domestic violence and commonly related charges in Century City, CA.
| Offense | Statute | Misdemeanor / Felony | Jail / Prison Time* | Fines* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Battery | PC § 243(e)(1) | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in county jail | Up to $2,000 |
| Corporal Injury on a Spouse or Cohabitant | PC § 273.5 | Wobbler | Misdemeanor: up to 1 year Felony: 2, 3, or 4 years (2, 4, or 5 years with a qualifying prior within 7 years) | Up to $6,000 (up to $10,000 with a qualifying prior) |
| Dissuading a Witness | PC § 136.1 | Wobbler (felony is a strike) | Misdemeanor: up to 1 year Felony: 16 months, 2, or 3 years (2, 3, or 4 years if aggravated) | Misdemeanor: up to $1,000 Felony: up to $10,000 |
| Criminal Threats | PC § 422 | Wobbler (felony is a strike) | Misdemeanor: up to 1 year Felony: 16 months, 2, or 3 years | Misdemeanor: up to $1,000 Felony: up to $10,000 |
| Stalking | PC § 646.9 | Wobbler | Misdemeanor: up to 1 year Felony: 16 months, 2, or 3 years (longer if a restraining order was in place or with prior convictions) | Up to $1,000 |
| Restraining Order Violation | PC § 273.6 | Misdemeanor (wobbler for certain repeat violations) | Up to 1 year | Up to $1,000 (up to $2,000 if someone was injured) |
| False Imprisonment | PC §§ 236, 237 | Wobbler | Misdemeanor: up to 1 year Felony: 16 months, 2, or 3 years | Misdemeanor: up to $1,000 Felony: up to $10,000 |
| Assault With a Deadly Weapon / Force Likely to Cause GBI | PC § 245(a) | Wobbler | Misdemeanor: up to 1 year Felony: 2, 3, or 4 years | Up to $10,000 |
| Sexual Battery | PC § 243.4 | Wobbler | Misdemeanor: up to 6 months Felony: 2, 3, or 4 years | Misdemeanor: up to $2,000 Felony: up to $10,000 |
| Revenge Porn | PC § 647(j)(4) | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 |
| Child Abuse | PC § 273d | Wobbler | Misdemeanor: up to 1 year Felony: 2, 4, or 6 years | Up to $6,000 |
| Elder Abuse | PC § 368(b) | Wobbler | Misdemeanor: up to 1 year Felony: 2, 3, or 4 years | Misdemeanor: up to $6,000 Felony: up to $10,000 |
*These incarceration ranges and fines can be increased by aggravating factors. For example, causing great bodily injury in a domestic violence incident adds 3, 4, or 5 years and makes the offense a strike, and sexual battery convictions require sex offender registration. Talk with your Century City, CA, domestic violence attorney about the penalties you are actually facing.
Domestic Violence Probation
Many domestic violence convictions end in probation instead of jail, but PC § 1203.097 sets mandatory terms, including:
- At least 36 months of probation
- A criminal protective order protecting the alleged victim
- Completion of a year-long batterer's intervention program
- If you can afford it, a $500 payment to domestic violence programs
- Community service
- Loss of any guns
- No new law violations
California's 2021 law capping most probation terms at one or two years (AB 1950) does not shorten domestic violence probation, because the domestic violence probation statute sets its own length.
Collateral Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction
In addition to jail time and fines, your Century City, CA, domestic violence conviction can lead to the following:
- Loss of Second Amendment Rights: A misdemeanor domestic battery conviction brings a 10-year California firearm ban (PC § 29805) and a lifetime federal ban (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9)). A misdemeanor PC 273.5 conviction on or after January 1, 2019, is a lifetime ban under California law, and any felony is a lifetime ban.
- Immigration Consequences: You could face removal, denial of a green card, and/or rejection of citizenship applications. See the immigration section below.
- Custody: A conviction can trigger the Family Code § 3044 presumption against custody.
- Long-Term Protective Orders: The court can issue a criminal protective order lasting up to 10 years, and the alleged victim may also seek a DVRO.
- Employment and Licensing: You could lose your career while in jail and face new challenges looking for employment once you are released.
- Relationships and Reputation: A conviction can strain your current relationship and follow you socially and professionally.
Domestic Violence Charges and Immigration
Immigrants and non-U.S. citizens face additional challenges on top of criminal penalties. Fenderal law INA § 237(a)(2)(E) sets two possible condition for removal:
- A conviction for a crime of domestic violence, as defined in U.S. federal law
- Violention of a DVRO or similar protection order, if found by the court
Several domestic violence and related criminal convictions count as "crimes involving moral turpitude," which are particularly problematic for immigrants. Each immigration case should be treated as unique, as the specifics of your criminal conviction can affect how immigration court treats you.
Because our firm practices both criminal defense and immigration law, our criminal defense team and Century City, CA, immigration attorneys can work together to pursue a resolution that protects your status where possible. Never accept a plea in a domestic violence case without immigration advice. If you're already facing removal, learn about cancellation of removal.
Diversion, Reductions, and Clearing Your Record
Domestic violence charges require specialized strategies to lessen the impact on your criminal record. Standard misdemeanor diversion via PC § 1001.95 is not an option, so instead, our lawyers can help you explore the following:
- Pre-Filing Intervention: If we can participate in a pre-filing investigation conference, we'll argue for charges to not be filed and/or be reduced.
- Mental Health Diversion (PC § 1001.36): While not available to everyone, mental health diversion can be a powerful option resulting in the dismissal of all charges. Typically, your criminal case is put on hold for up to 1 year (for misdemeanors) or 2 years (for felonies) while you undergo treatment.
- Military Diversion (PC § 1001.80): If you are a current or past member of the United States armed forces, and were charged with a misdemeanor, military treatment court may offer a problem-solving focus, rather than a punishment focus.
- Reduction to a Misdemeanor (PC § 17(b)): This specifically applies for felony corporal injury cases — a reduction to a misdemeanor helps you avoid some of the most serious consequences of a conviction.
- Expungement (PC § 1203.4): Expungement is a chance to clear your public record of the conviction, and is often a major help for moving forward with your career — but it does not restore firearm rights, and the conviction can still be used against you in immigration court.
What if the Alleged Victim Wants to Drop Charges?
Domestic violence cases are complex affairs, and it's common for the alleged victim to later change their mind and ask the state to drop the charges. Having the alleged victim on your side is a big help, but it rarely ends the case on its own:
- The state can move forward with the case regardless of the alleged victim's wishes. Ultimately, the alleged victim is not the one you're fighting the criminal case against — instead, it's the state of California. If the prosecutor thinks they have a strong enough case without victim testimony, they may choose to move forward with the charges anyway. The constitutional legality of evidence becomes paramount at this stage, and your attorney will have to evaluate everything on a case-by-case basis.
- Your history may be used against you. Evidence Code § 1109 allows prosecutors to introduce evidence of other alleged acts of domestic violence, generally from the past 10 years.
- They can compel your spouse to testify. A married couple ordinarily is immune to compelled testimony against the other, but California law makes an exception in domestic violence cases.
Reaching out to the alleged victim is never a good idea, especially if there is a restraining order in place. If they reach out saying that they want to recant, tell your attorney ASAP. Your attorney can lawfully collect the recantation from the victim, challenge previous statements if brought up by the prosecution, and use inconsistencies in the evidence to your advantage.
Defense Strategies Your Domestic Violence Attorney May Use
Your domestic violence lawyer will evaluate the specifics of your case and choose the defense that fits it best. Some cases are best defended by challenging how the evidence was gathered. Others hinge on actual innocence, such as a false accusation. And others admit that harm was caused, but attack the intent aspect.
Here is a breakdown of some common strategies and when they are applicable:
- False Accusation: Some domestic violence charges arise from false accusations, often during a breakup or custody dispute. Your defense attorney should consider the potential motives of the accusor.
- Self-Defense or Defense of Others: If you were acting to protect yourself, that can be a valid defense against domestic violence charges.
- Dominant Aggressor: Related to self-defense, if you fought back and both of you ended up injured, your attorney can argue that the other party was the dominant aggressor.
- Lack of Intent or Accident: In some cases, the alleged offender accidentally hurt the alleged victim. This typically does not reach the bar of "domestic violence."
- No Traumatic Condition: For a PC 273.5 charge, the prosecutor must prove the touching caused an injury. Where an injury is minimal, unexplained, or existed beforehand, that can mean a reduction to misdemeanor battery or a dismissal.
- Alleged Victim Recants: While the alleged victim cannot drop the criminal charges, their recantation can prove valuable as a part of your defense.
- Reasonable Doubt: Sometimes the strongest defense is showing that the prosecution's evidence doesn't prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Alibi: A solid alibi is an invaluable defensive tool — it will present an alternative narrative protecting you against the supposed wrongdoing.
- Constitutional Violations: If police violated your rights during the investigation, we challenge the evidence and file motions to suppress it.
How the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Defends Domestic Violence Charges
Our team is available 24/7 to get started on your case. When you call, here's what you can expect:
- Initial Consult: Before you make a decision, we offer a no-obligaction review of your case.
- Release and Protective Orders: We work to get you released and, where appropriate, ask the court to modify protective orders so you can return home or see your children.
- Guidance During Questioning: If police want to question you, we'll handle that contact and advise you on how to respond.
- Defense Investigation: Our team will listen to your story and look for any additional evidence.
- Strategy Development: When we have all the evidence we need, we'll decide on a defense strategy that maximizes your chances of a positive outcome.
- Pretrial Motions: Motions are a way for us to suppress evidence, challenge narratives, and even get charges dropped in some cases.
- Plea Negotiations: We use our experience with how Century City, CA prosecutors evaluate domestic violence cases to pursue reduced charges, diversion where available, or a dismissal.
- Trial Representation: If you don't get a plea deal that you want to accept, we'll go to trial and argue your case in front of a judge and jury.
- Sentencing Advocacy and Appeals: We don't stop after the trial — if convicted, we'll advocate for a lower sentence and help you explore appeal options.
Why Choose the Law Offices of David S. Chesley for Domestic Violence Defense in Century City, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has defended Century City, CA, residents against domestic violence charges since 2005. We've been judges, prosecutors, and police officers, and we know where common weaknesses are in the state's cases.
When you work with us, you're getting:
- Former district attorneys on our team with firsthand knowledge of how domestic violence cases are charged and negotiated.
- Local courtroom experience from a team that services counties across all of California.
- Criminal defense and immigration under one roof, so that you can get tailored advice on how your charges will affect your immigration status.
- Available 24/7, because domestic violence arrests rarely happen during business hours.
- Results for clients. You can see some of our recent case results of how we've delivered for clients.
In one case, our client was accused of attacking his girlfriend while she was removing his belongings. We showed that the accusation was false and that another person caused the injury.
Past performance does not predict future results.
Century City, CA Domestic Violence FAQs
Will I go to jail for a first-time domestic violence offense in Century City, CA?
It's possible to go to jail for a first-time offense, but not guaranteed. Many first-time misdemeanor domestic violence cases are resolved with probation rather than jail, especially when there was little or no injury and the accused has no record. If you are given probation, it will include several terms, including the following: a minimum of 36 months of probation, a 52-week batterer's intervention program, and a restraining order. Always discuss your case with an attorney to find realistic plea deal options.
Is domestic violence a felony in Century City, CA?
Whether or not a domestic violence conviction is a felony depends on the exact charge. Domestic battery under PC 243(e)(1) is always a misdemeanor. Corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant under PC 273.5 is a "wobbler," which means the prosecutor can file it as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the injury, your record, and the facts. Related charges such as criminal threats, stalking, and dissuading a witness can also be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
What is the difference between domestic battery and corporal injury?
Domestic battery (PC 243(e)(1)) includes an intentional, nonconsensual form of physical contact that hurts or offends a current or former romantic partner. It does not matter whether or not an injury was caused. Corporal injury (PC 273.5) requires that the touching caused a "traumatic condition," meaning any wound or injury, however minor, including injury from strangulation. Because of that injury requirement, corporal injury is the more serious charge and can be filed as a felony.
Can the victim drop domestic violence charges in Century City, CA?
No. Even if the alleged victim recants, only the prosecutor can dismiss them. It's always helpful to have the victim recant, as that can give your defense attorney a way to challenge the prosecution's case.
Can I be arrested for domestic violence if there is no visible injury?
Yes. Police only need probable cause to believe a crime occurred, and domestic battery does not require any injury. California law also allows officers to make a warrantless arrest for misdemeanor domestic violence even if they did not see the incident happen..
Can I go home after a domestic violence arrest?
Often not right away. Police commonly obtain an emergency protective order, and the criminal court usually issues a criminal protective order at arraignment that can require you to stay away from the alleged victim and the shared home. Violating either order is a separate crime, even if the alleged victim invites you back. Your attorney can ask the judge to modify the order, for example, to allow peaceful contact.
Will a domestic violence charge affect my immigration status?
It can. According to 8 U.S. Code § 1227, noncitizens convicted of domestic violence, stalking, child abuse, and/or violation of a restraining order are eligible for deportation. Because of these wide-reaching ramifications, you should always consult with an immigration attorney before accepting any plea offer.
What diversion options are available for a domestic violence charge in Century City, CA?
Standard misdemeanor diversion under PC 1001.95 is not available for domestic violence charges. That said, depending on your background and circumstances, you might have other options. For example, PC 1001.80 provides current and former U.S. military personnel a diversion option for certain offenses (including some domestic violence charges), if they are suffering from specific, often service-related, challenges. While they are not options for everyone, they can make a major difference in eligible individuals' lives.
Can a domestic violence conviction be expunged in Century City, CA?
Typically, yes. Generally, you need to fit the following criteria:
- You did not serve a jail sentence (e.g., you were granted probation).
- You have completed all probation requirements.
- You have no pending criminal charges or warrants.
- You have not previously been convicted of a serious offense that bars you from expungement.
Expungement is a popular option because it can reduce your prior conviction's impact on your future career and housing. It does not restore firearm rights, however.
Will a domestic violence conviction take away my gun rights?
Very likely. A misdemeanor domestic battery conviction carries a 10-year California firearm ban and a lifetime federal ban. A misdemeanor PC 273.5 conviction on or after January 1, 2019, carries a lifetime ban under California law, and any felony conviction is a lifetime ban. Domestic violence restraining orders and protective orders also require you to give up your firearms while they are in effect.
How long does a domestic violence case take in Century City, CA?
The actual timeline depends on the specifics of your case — a general range is from a few months to a year or more. If you are in custody, the initial arraignment and bail phase typically occurs within 48 hours (excepting Sundays and holidays). After being charged, the majority of Century City criminal cases end in plea deals, but that can still take a long time to process — discovery, investigation, pre-trial motions, preliminary hearings, plea negotiations, and more can all drag a case out for months. If you do end up going to trial, this will further drag out your case.
Can a felony domestic violence charge be reduced to a misdemeanor in Century City?
Yes. Because a corporal injury charge a wobbler, you could be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony. Your domestic violence lawyer can advocate for a reduction to a misdemeanor at many stages: During a pre-filing investigation conference, plea negotiations, at sentencing, or even after you've completed your probation requirements.
What if I'm served with a restraining order while my criminal case is pending?
Strictly obey every condition, or you could end up facing additional charges. It's common for domestic violence charges to be accompanied with an emergency protective order, then later a domestic violence restraining order, and if you break any of the conditions, this could be used against you in court. These orders can be challenged, though — the right defense attorney can help you make your case in court.
Get Help From an Expert Century City, CA, Domestic Violence Lawyer
Whether it was a mistake, an exaggeration, or a false accusation, you have rights and deserve a strong defense. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to provide one.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley also offers the following legal services in Century City, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Drug Charges Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Call us at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message to schedule a confidential case review with a domestic violence lawyer in Century City, CA.
Payment Plans
