Domestic violence is one of the most serious charges you can face in Compton. This is because it has wide-reaching implications and collateral effects, even for a misdemeanor. If convicted, you should be facing a firearms ban, jail time, thousands of dollars in fines, and a difficult-to-escape criminal record. To protect your freedom, you need an experienced Compton, CA, criminal defense attorney.
The two most common domestic violence charges in Compton are domestic battery and corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant. But these aren't like regular assault or battery charges — even if you didn't harm the other person, you are up against serious consequences like a lifetime firearms ban.
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:
- Politely decline to answer questions.
- Call our office (you can reach us by phone 24/7): (800) 755-5174.
- Obey any protective order, and don't contact the alleged victim.
On this page:
- How domestic violence is defined
- Important steps to take if you've been accused of domestic violence in Compton, CA
- What to expect if you're arrested for domestic violence
- What you could be facing in terms of protective orders and custody battles
- Possible formal and collateral consequences of a domestic violence conviction
- Special considerations for immigrants and non-citizens
- Different diversion options that you may want to explore
- What happens if the alleged victim won't testify
- Defense options that may apply to your case
- How our attorneys handle domestic violence cases
- What sets our lawyers apart
- Common questions
If you've been accused of domestic violence, get help now. Call our criminal defense lawyers at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online at any time for a free, confidential case review.
Reviewed by Attorney David S. Chesley, October 2026. California criminal defense since June 2005, SBN 236611.
How Does Compton, CA, Define Domestic Violence?
California Penal Code § 13700 defines domestic violence as "abuse committed against an adult or a minor who is a spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, former cohabitant, or person with whom the suspect has had a child or is having or has had a dating or engagement relationship."
Family law uses a broader definition. For no-contact orders, Family Code § 6211 also covers close relatives such as a parent, child, sibling, or grandparent. Because of these dual sets of definitions, you can face a domestic violence restraining order without an underlying criminal charge.
There are three main elements the prosecution will attempt to prove in your Compton, CA, domestic violence case:
- You willfully touched the alleged victim in a harmful or offensive way (and, if charged under PC § 273.5, that the contact resulted in injury);
- Special defenses like self-defense do not apply; AND
- The alleged victim was your current or former spouse; current or former fiancé(e) or dating partner; someone you live with (or, for corporal injury, used to live with); or the other parent of your child.
Domestic Battery
- Statute: PC § 243(e)(1)
- What it means: Intentionally touching a current or past romantic partner in a harmful manner — regardless of injury.
- Misdemeanor or Felony: Misdemeanor
Inflicting Corporal Injury on a Spouse or Cohabitant
- Statute: PC § 273.5
- What it means: Willfully inflicting an injury on a current or former partner that results in a "traumatic condition": examples include broken bones and concussions.
- Misdemeanor or Felony: Wobbler—could be a misdemeanor or a felony
The Key Difference: Was There an Injury?
The line between the two charges is injury. A push that leaves no mark is typically charged as domestic battery, a misdemeanor. The same push that leaves a bruise, scratch, or swelling can be charged as corporal injury, a potential felony. Prosecutors also commonly file PC 273.5 when there's any allegation of choking or strangulation, even when marks are hard to see. That's one reason early investigation of the medical evidence matters.
Charges Often Filed Alongside Domestic Violence
Domestic battery and corporal injury are the core domestic violence charges, but prosecutors often add related violent crime charges:
- Criminal Threats (PC § 422): Scaring someone by indicating that you intend to cause them harm. A felony conviction is a strike.
- Dissuading a Witness (PC § 136.1): Trying to stop someone from reporting a crime, cooperating with police, or testifying, including asking an alleged victim to "drop the charges."
- Damaging a Phone Line or Phone (PC §§ 591, 591.5): Cutting or disconnecting a phone line, or taking or breaking a cell phone—in a domestic violence case, this could be allegedly keeping the supposed victim from calling for help.
- False Imprisonment (PC § 236): Restraining someone or keeping them from leaving, such as blocking a doorway.
- Assault With a Deadly Weapon or Force Likely to Cause Great Bodily Injury (PC § 245(a)): Using a weapon, or massive force, in an attack that could seriously hurt another person.
- Stalking (PC § 646.9): Repeatedly following or harassing someone and making a credible threat that puts them in reasonable fear for their safety.
- Restraining Order Violations (PC § 273.6): Acting in violation of a restraining order issued by the court.
- Child Abuse (PC § 273d): Intionally harming and causing injury to a child.
- Elder Abuse (PC § 368): Abusing or neglecting someone 65 or older, or a dependent adult, such as an elderly parent.
- Sexual Battery (PC § 243.4): Whether for sexual gratification, arousal, or abuse, touching another person's intimates when you were not allowed to.
- Revenge Porn (PC § 647(j)(4)): Posting or sharing pornographic images of another person without their permission, in order to cause stress.
Your Next Steps After a Compton, CA, Domestic Violence Accusation
If you've been arrested for or accused of domestic violence, the most important things are to stay silent, stay away from the alleged victim, and call a defense lawyer immediately:
- Plead the Fifth Ammendment.
- Ask for a lawyer, and don't answer questions until you have one.
- Work with your attorney to get released on bail or your own recognizance.
- Follow every term of any emergency or criminal protective order.
- Preserve evidence: photos of your own injuries, texts, emails, call logs, doorbell or security camera video, and the names of witnesses.
- Be honest with your lawyer, and tell the full story.
- Don't interact with the supposed victim — if they reach out to you, ask your lawyer how to respond.
Mistakes can cost you your freedom, but following these steps can protect it. Our domestic violence defense attorneys are ready for your call, day and night: (800) 755-5174.
Compton's working-class neighborhoods and historical context create pressures that can lead to domestic violence allegations near the Compton Courthouse and downtown area. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley appear at the Compton Courthouse on Compton Boulevard, applying strategies tailored to Los Angeles County's specific legal landscape and local law enforcement practices.
What Happens After a Domestic Violence Arrest in Compton, CA?
It's normal to be scared or overwhelmed after police take you into custody. Here's what typically happens after police show up in Compton, CA:
- Arrest: Officers only need probable cause. In Compton, 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: You'll be fingerprinted, photographed, and processed into jail.
- Emergency Protective Order: Officers can request an emergency protective order from an on-call judge, often the same night. It can order you to stay away from the alleged victim and move out of the home for up to 5 court days or 7 calendar days, whichever comes first.
- Police Questioning: There aren't always interrogations, but you should be prepared for one. Plead your right to remain silent and request to speak with your lawyer.
- Bail and Release: Bail usually starts from the county bail schedule. For many domestic violence charges, including PC 273.5, stalking, and felony criminal threats, a judge must hold a hearing in open court before setting bail above or below the schedule or releasing you on your own recognizance (PC § 1270.1). This gives your lawyer an opportunity to fight for lower bail, or even release on your own recognizance.
- Filing Decision and Arraignment: While you're in custody, the police report is sent to the district attorney's office for review. A prosecutor will evaluate the evidence for what they suspect occurred and what they think they'll be able to prove. If you're in custody, you must generally be arraigned within 48 hours, not counting Sundays and holidays (PC § 825). Arraignments are sometimes combined with bail hearings, in which case you'll be informed of the charges, asked to make a plea, informed of your bail requirements, and possibly issued a new restraining order.
- Pretrial Stage: At this point, it is time for you and your attorney to build your defense, engage in negotiations, review the evidence, and prepare for trial.
Are You Allowed to Go Home After a Domestic Violence Arrest?
Often, you could be restricted from going home. The restraining orders often filed in domestic violence cases can keep you out of a shared dwelling while the case is pending. That's true even if the alleged victim wants you back. 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 Compton, 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
There are three main types of Restraining orders that you need to be aware of:
- 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: California criminal protective orders are described in PC § 136.2. For domestic violence cases, they can last through the entire pretrial process and be extended for another 10 years after a conviction.
- 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
It doesn't matter if you weren't convicted. Under Family Code § 3044, family court can make its own determination if a parent committed domestic violence, and issue custody findings as a result. Family court uses a wider definition of domestic violence, including harming:
- The other parent,
- The child, or
- The child's siblings.
In particular, you need to watch out for situations where a DVRO was granted — this can be the deciding factor.
You're fighting an uphill battle, but it's not impossible. The judge will consider:
- The best interest of the child in question
- 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
A parent subject to the presumption usually still has visitation, though it may be supervised or restricted. When there are only allegations and no finding, the presumption doesn't apply. The judge decides custody based on the child's best interest, and if the judge gives custody to a parent who has been accused of abuse, the judge must explain the reasons on the record.
Domestic Violence Penalties in Compton, CA
Learn about the potential penalties that a domestic violence conviction in Compton, CA, could result in (and similar charges).
| 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 |
*Please note that some penalties can be enhanced by aggravating circumstances and criminal records. 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. Always consult with your Compton, CA, domestic violence attorney to understand the possible penalties for your case.
Domestic Violence Probation
It's common for domestic violence plea deals to result in probation, rather than jail time. Mandatory probation conditions are set in PC § 1203.097:
- A minimum period of 3 years
- The issuance of a restraining order in defense of the alleged victim
- Completion of a year-long batterer's intervention program
- Generally, a $500 payment to domestic violence programs is required, but the court can waive it in cases where the alleged offender cannot pay
- Community service
- Surrender of firearms
- No new law violations
Collateral Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction
On top of the criminal penalties, a domestic violence conviction in Compton, CA, can lead to:
- Loss of Firearm 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. Learn more in the immigration section below.
- Custody: Family court will not look favorably upon your conviction.
- Long-Term Protective Orders: If the court and/or alleged victim choose to pursue restraining orders, you could be subject to them for years, or even permanently.
- Employment and Licensing: If a conviction appears in background checks, it can become a hurdle to future job applications.
- Relationships and Reputation: A conviction can strain your current relationship and follow you socially and professionally.
Domestic Violence Charges and Immigration
Even just an accusation of domestic violence can be seriously damaging for non-U.S. citizens, if a restraining order was issued. 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
- A judicial finding that you broke a protective order (regardless of whether or not you were convicted of a crime for it)
You could also face deportation or other immigration consequences if your conviction falls into the category of crimes involving moral turpitude. While some charges are typically treated more lightly than others (for example, domestic battery often results in less serious consequences than inflicting corporal injury), this is not guaranteed, and can depend on the specific facts surrounding your case.
Because our firm practices both criminal defense and immigration law, our criminal defense team and Compton, 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
A domestic violence arrest doesn't have to end in a permanent conviction. Standard misdemeanor diversion under PC § 1001.95 is not available because the law expressly excludes domestic violence and stalking charges. But depending on your case, other options may include:
- Pre-Filing Intervention: Before charges are filed, your attorney can present evidence to the prosecutor and argue that the case shouldn't be filed at all, or should be filed as a lesser charge.
- 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)): A felony PC 273.5 conviction can be reduced to a misdemeanor, either at sentencing or after probation.
- Expungement (PC § 1203.4): After you complete probation, you can generally petition to dismiss the conviction. Expungement helps with most private employers, but it doesn't restore gun rights and doesn't erase the conviction for immigration purposes.
What if the Alleged Victim Recants?
Your case may have started with the alleged victim calling the police and making a report against you in the heat of the moment. If emotions cooled down, they may realize they made a mistake and ask to take back their accusations. Having the alleged victim on your side is a big help, you're still facing an uphill battle:
- The state can move forward with the case regardless of the alleged victim's wishes. If they can, they'll build a case against you using other evidence besides the alleged victim's testimony. Your defense attorney can challenge the constitutional viability of any related evidence they attempt to use.
- Your record can be examined. Due to Evidence Code § 1109, the prosecution can use evidence of prior alleged domestic violence acts (typically within 10 years) in your current case.
- Spousal privilege doesn't apply. Normally a spouse can refuse to testify against the other, but that privilege has an exception for crimes against the spouse (Evidence Code § 972(e)).
Be Careful: 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 highlight any contradictions and/or inconsistencies.
Defense Strategies Your Domestic Violence Attorney May Use
The defense to your criminal charges may be built on a common strategy, but it should be tailored to your unique circumstances. Illegal evidence collection can act as a valid defense in some cases. Others hinge on actual innocence, such as a false accusation. Still others may be built around intent, if the alleged victim was hurt accidentally.
The following list goes over some popular defense strategies your Compton domestic violence defense attorney may use:
- False Accusation: If you're in the middle of a complicated breakup, emotions are running high, and your partner might make a false accusation. Your defense attorney should consider the potential motives of the accusor.
- Self-Defense or Defense of Others: Perhaps you did harm your partner, but were justified by a real, perceived threat.
- Dominant Aggressor: If there was a fight involving both parties, the case can come down to "who started it?" Your lawyer can look for evidence that you were the real victim.
- Lack of Intent or Accident: Both domestic battery and corporal injury require a willful act. Accidental contact, like bumping someone while trying to leave, is not domestic violence.
- No Traumatic Condition: If you're charged with inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, a possible defense is that no injury occurred. This isn't as likely to result in a full dropping of charges, but can result in the reduction to misdemeanor domestic battery.
- 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 in Compton, CA
Our team is available 24/7 to get started on your case. When you call, here's what you can expect:
- Free Case Review: Before building your defense, we offer a free review of the charges against you.
- Release and Protective Orders: We will fight for pretrial release in your case, and if there is a protective order against you, we'll fight for its reduction so that you can go back home.
- Interview Management: You deserve more than just the same advice to stay silent — we can tell you the best way to interact with law enforcement.
- Defense Investigation: Our team will listen to your story and look for any additional evidence.
- Strategy Development: Your defense should be specific to your circumstances, not a cookie-cutter tactic.
- Pretrial Motions: Motions give us a chance to challenge evidence and push for charges to be reduced or dismissed.
- Plea Negotiations: Our firm can talk to the Compton district attorney and explore plea deal options.
- 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 Compton, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has defended Compton, CA, residents against domestic violence charges since 2005. When you need a defense attorney in Compton, we're ready to take your case.
When you work with us, you're getting:
- Former prosecutors on our team who know the ins and outs of domestic violence charges from the prosecution's perspective.
- Local courtroom experience in Compton, CA court and with the county's domestic violence procedures, protective orders and probation requirements.
- Criminal defense and immigration under one roof, so that you can get tailored advice on how your charges will affect your immigration status.
- Emergency availability, because arrests can happen at any time.
- History of success. Our former clients can attest to our dedication to protecting their rights.
In a previous case, our client was accused of violating a domestic violence restraining order for visiting his wife's residence when he was not supposed to. We negotiated a plea that kept him out of jail.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Compton, CA Domestic Violence FAQs
Will I go to jail for a first-time domestic violence offense in Compton, CA?
Not automatically. If your case is charged as a misdemeanor, there's a good chance you can secure probation instead of jail time. Some of the conditions of domestic violence probation are: a minimum of 36 months of probation, a 52-week batterer's intervention program, and a protective order. To maximize your chances of avoiding jail, be sure to work with an experienced defense attorney.
Does California consider domestic violence a felony?
It can be. Prosecutors in Compton have discretion to charge PC 273.5 as a misdemeanor or a felony, mostly due to circumstance and criminal record. PC 243(e)(1) is always a misdemeanor, though. Related charges such as criminal threats, stalking, and dissuading a witness are also wobblers.
What is the difference between domestic battery (PC 243(e)(1)) and corporal injury (PC 273.5)?
Domestic battery (PC 243(e)(1)) only requires a willful, harmful or offensive touching of a current or former intimate partner. No injury is needed. 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 Compton, CA?
No. Regardless of what the supposed victim wants, only the prosecutor can decide not to pursue the case. While it's helpful to have the alleged victim change their mind, this is only a part of a successful defense.
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..
Am I allowed to go home after release from 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. Under federal immigration law, a conviction for a "crime of domestic violence" and a court finding that you violated certain terms of a protective order are both separate grounds for deportation, and some domestic violence offenses are also treated as crimes involving moral turpitude. 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 Compton, CA?
In California, many misdemeanor charges qualify for diversion (where instead of going to jail, the accused individual fulfils special requirements before having the case dismissed) under PC 1001.95, but domestic violence is an exception. These types of charges are specifically excluded from PC 1001.95. However, there are other diversion tracks that you might be able to make use of. One example is PC 1001.36 mental health diversion — if you suffer from a mental health condition like PTSD or bipolar disorder, and that significantly contributed to the commission of the offense, you might be eligible for this diversion track. If you complete diversion successfully, the charges are dismissed.
Can a domestic violence conviction be expunged in Compton, CA?
Usually, yes. But it may look different depending on what you were charged with. A misdemeanor conviction is typically eligible for dismissal after the completion of probation, while felony corporal injury convictions can often be reduced to a misdemeanor. An expungement does not restore firearm rights, and it does not erase the conviction for immigration purposes.
Can I lose my firearm rights for a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction?
Most likely, you will lose your firearm rights. 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. On top of these bans for a conviction, if you are under a DVRO or other protective order, you will also likely face a gun ban for the duration.
How long does a domestic violence case take in Compton, CA?
You should expect your case to take at least a few months, possibly over a year to resolve. After an arrest, the state has 48 hours to either charge you with a crime or release you (excluding Sundays and holidays). After being charged, the majority of Compton 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?
Yes. Because a corporal injury charge a wobbler, the state can charge it as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Your defense attorney can also advocate for reducing the charge, both with the prosecutor and with the judge.
What should I do 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. Most domestic violence cases include restraining orders against the alleged offender, and if you break any of the conditions, this could be used against you in court. Your defense attorney can challenge the order or ask the court to modify it.
Need a Domestic Violence Lawyer in Compton, CA, ASAP? Our Phones Are Available 24/7
Get help from a law firm with extensive experience fighting against clients' domestic violence charges. Get help from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our firm can also assist you with the following legal services in Compton, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Drug Charges Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Contact one of our team members at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message to schedule a free, confidential consultation with a domestic violence lawyer in Compton, CA.
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