Domestic violence is one of the most serious charges you can face in Fontana. 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 Fontana, CA, criminal defense attorney.
Domestic violence is different from regular violent crimes because of the status of the alleged victim: If it was your spouse, dating partner, co-parent, or someone you used to date and/or live with, you can face special domestic violence charges like domestic battery or corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant.
Our domestic violence defense team has handled countless criminal defense cases in California, many of them just like yours. Domestic violence is one of our main case types, and we will leverage our years of experience (both in defense and prosecution) to build a tailored defense for you against the charges.
3 Key Steps to Take After a Domestic Violence Arrest:
- Plead the fifth.
- Reach out to a lawyer (you can contact us around the clock): (800) 755-5174.
- Obey any protective order, and don't contact the alleged victim.
On this page:
- How domestic violence is defined
- What to do if you're accused
- What happens after a domestic violence arrest in Fontana, CA
- The intersection between domestic violence, restraining orders, and custody cases
- Possible formal and collateral consequences of a domestic violence conviction
- Immigration consequences for noncitizens
- Strategies to mitigate the penalties
- What to be aware of if the supposed victim does not want to testify
- Different ways our lawyers may defend your case
- The different steps we take in building a defense
- Why choose the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
- FAQs
If you've been accused of a crime, act fast. Call our criminal defense lawyers at (800) 755-5174 or get in touch online at any time for a no-strings consultation.
Reviewed by Attorney David S. Chesley, October 2026. California criminal defense since June 2005, SBN 236611.
How Does Fontana, CA, Define Domestic Violence?
For criminal law, California Penal Code § 13700 determines what alleged victims count for domestic violence in California. This mainly includes people with whom you have a current or former romantic relationship.
Family law uses a broader definition. For protective orders, Family Code § 6211 is the key statute to keep in mind. It also includes immediate family members and grandparents. Because of these dual sets of definitions, you can face a domestic violence restraining order without an underlying criminal charge.
There are three main things that the prosecution must prove in order for you to be convicted:
- You willfully touched the alleged victim in a harmful or offensive way (and, if charged under PC § 273.5, that the touching caused injury);
- Special defenses like self-defense do not apply; AND
- The alleged victim is someone you currently or formerly had a romantic relationship with, and/or live(d) with.
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: Purposely hurting a current or former romantic partner that causes a particular physical injury: examples include broken bones and bruises.
- Misdemeanor or Felony: Wobbler—could be a misdemeanor or a felony
The Key Difference: 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 Fontana defense attorney can challenge the presence and/or extend of the injury.
Charges Often Filed Alongside Domestic Violence
In Fontana, CA, criminal court, it's common to face multiple criminal charges at once. Here are some related ones you should be aware of:
- Criminal Threats (PC § 422): Telling or displaying that you intend to hurt someone else, whether or not you actually do. If convicted as a felony, this falls under California's three strikes law.
- 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 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): Keeping another person from exiting a location.
- 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): 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): Either hurting an elderly person/dependent adult, leaving them in a harmful situation, or committing fraud against them.
- 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)): Trying to hurt another person emotionally by sharing nude, sexual, or otherwise intimate pictures of them, when intended to be private, without their permission.
Your Next Steps After a Fontana, CA, Domestic Violence Accusation
The below seven steps will help you protect your rights and set your case up for a lawyer to take over:
- Exercise your right to remain silent. That includes with friends, family and on social media.
- Exercise your sixth amendment right to an attorney.
- Do what you can to secure pretrial release.
- Read any protective orders carefully and follow all of the applied conditions.
- Collect any evidence that could be relevant to your case.
- 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.
Fontana's working-class neighborhoods and logistics-heavy economy create pressures that can lead to domestic violence allegations near the city's industrial districts. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley appear at the Fontana Courthouse on Sierra Avenue, applying strategies tailored to San Bernardino County's specific legal landscape and local law enforcement practices.
What Happens After a Domestic Violence Arrest in Fontana, CA?
Domestic violence cases move fast. Here's what typically happens after an arrest in Fontana, CA:
- Arrest: Officers only need probable cause. In Fontana, 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: In many domestic violence cases, the state will elect to file an emergency protective order against the alleged offender after the arrest. This is not guaranteed, but can have major repercussions, potentially forcing you out of your home for a week.
- Police Questioning: While under arrest, the police may ask you about the incident. While you should be respectful, you should not answer any questions without a lawyer present.
- Bail and Release: Bail may be available as a way for you to secure pretrial release. Many domestic violence charges mandate a bail hearing where your defense attorney can fight for your release, possibly even on your own recognizance.
- Filing Decision and Arraignment: While the police make an arrest, they aren't the ones that charge you. The decision on what to charge rests with the prosecutor. This will be based on the police report and any corroborating evidence. PC § 825 sets timing guidelines for arraignments in California: Outside of exceptional circumstances, the prosecution is required to formally charge you in an arraignment within 48 hours, excluding Sundays and holidays. 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: Before a trial, your defense attorney will review the evidence, file motions where applicable, and try to negotiate a favorable plea deal.
Can You Go Home After a Domestic Violence Arrest?
In many Fontana, CA, domestic violence cases, you may not be allowed back in your home. The restraining orders often filed in domestic violence cases can keep you out of a shared dwelling while the case is pending. It doesn't matter if the alleged victim recants.
Violating the order, regardless of whether they asked you to or not, 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 Fontana, CA, isn't just a criminal charge. Your actions now can affect your criminal case, your child custody rights, and your restraining order. Work with an attorney who has experience in all three arenas.
Types of Restraining Orders in Domestic Violence Cases
Restraining orders (also called protective orders) come in several types:
- Emergency Protective Orders: Requested by police from an on-call judge right after an incident. No arrest is required. They last up to 5 court days or 7 calendar days, whichever comes first, giving the alleged victim time to request a longer order.
- Criminal Protective Orders: PC § 136.2 gives the judge the power to issue a restraining order against alleged offenders while their case is pending. If the case ends in a conviction, a new one can be issued for up to 10 years.
- 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
Domestic violence findings can reshape a child custody case. Under Family Code § 3044, if a family court finds that a parent committed domestic violence against the other parent, the child, or the child's siblings within the past five years, the law presumes that giving that parent sole or joint custody is not in the child's best interest. No criminal conviction is required. A finding in family court, including one made when a DVRO is granted, can trigger the presumption.
These cases are challenging, but there are things you can do to position yourself for success. The judge will look at:
- 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, if appropriate
- Completion of a parenting class
- Compliance with probation and any protective orders
- Whether there have been any further acts of domestic violence
Domestic Violence Penalties in Fontana, CA
Learn about the potential penalties that a domestic violence conviction in Fontana, 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 Fontana, CA, domestic violence attorney to understand the possible penalties for your case.
Domestic Violence Probation
California judges follow a legal framework to help them decide on probation requirements in criminal cases. Normally, they have some leeway, but PC § 1203.097 sets some mandatory terms in domestic violence cases:
- A minimum period of 3 years
- A criminal protective order protecting 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
- Loss of any guns
- No new law violations
You may have heard of a California law restricting probation to a maximum of two years (AB 1950). Under current law, this does not apply to domestic violence cases.
Collateral Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction
Here are of the potential collateral consequences for a domestic violence conviction in Fontana:
- Loss of Firearm Rights: A conviction of either domestic battery or corporal injury leads to a loss of firearms rights. Misdemeanor domestic battery convictions are a permanent federal ban and a 10-year California ban. Misdemeanor corporal injury convictions on or after January 1, 2019, and any felony convictions result in 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: 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: A conviction appears on background checks and can affect professional licenses, security clearances, and jobs working with children or vulnerable adults.
- Relationships and Reputation: Your current relationship will likely be strained, and future potential partners may avoid you if they find out about your conviction.
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.
If you're an immigrant facing domestic violence charges, the first plea offer you receive probably won't be the best outcome for your case. A reputable Fontana, CA, immigration attorney can help you evaluate the potential legal consequences of a deal, negotiate for a more favorable one, and fight against deportation.
Diversion, Reductions, and Clearing Your Record
The right defense attorney will help you explore diversion and early intervention options that protect your record. Here are some of the ways our lawyers can help clients avoid jail time and/or protect their record against domestic violence charges:
- Pre-Filing Intervention: If you call an attorney early enough, they may be able to get ahead of the arraignment and show the district attorney evidence which compels them to not even file charges in the first place.
- Mental Health Diversion (PC § 1001.36): Mental health diversion is an option if you have a qualifying mental health condition that contributed to your behavior. By participating in a treatment program, you can secure a dismissal of all charges.
- Military Diversion (PC § 1001.80): Current and former service members charged with a misdemeanor may qualify if they suffer from service-related PTSD, traumatic brain injury, sexual trauma, substance abuse or mental health problems.
- 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): 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 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. When this happens, it is a major benefit to the defense, but it rarely ends the case on its own:
- The district attorney decides when to drop the case, not the supposed victim. 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. While your spouse typically can refuse to testify against you in criminal court, Evidence Code § 972(e) makes an exception for domestic violence cases.
Be Careful: Neither you nor anyone acting for you should ask the alleged victim to stay away from court, which can be charged as dissuading a witness. Your attorney can lawfully inform the court that the supposed victim is recanting, challenge previous statements if brought up by the prosecution, and build a case that attacks the weaknesses in the prosecution's argument.
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 using procedural errors, like pointing out rights violations. Or perhaps you can show that there was a false accusation, and you're actually innocent. 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: Unfortunately, some domestic violence charges arise from false accusations. Your defense attorney should consider the potential motives of the accusor.
- Self-Defense or Defense of Others: You can lawfully use reasonable force to protect yourself or someone else from imminent harm.
- 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: This defense is specific to inflicting corporal injury charges — if no injury occurred as a result of the alleged attack, the charges can be reduced or dismissed.
- 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: In the eyes of the law, you are guilty until proven innocent. If the prosecution fails to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, your defense attorney should highlight this.
- Alibi: Alibis can be incredibly strong defenses when available, since they show that you could not have committed the crime.
- Constitutional Violations: If the prosecution's case hinges on evidence that was collected illegally, we will challenge it, file motions to suppress it, and argue for charges to be dismissed entirely.
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:
- Confidential Consult: Before you make a decision, we offer a no-obligaction review of your case.
- 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: After reviewing the evidence, we'll build a defense strategy tailored to your case.
- Pretrial Motions: Motions are a way for us to suppress evidence, challenge narratives, and even get charges dropped in some cases.
- Plea Negotiations: Our firm can talk to the Fontana district attorney and explore plea deal options.
- Trial Representation: If your case goes to trial, we'll present your defense to the 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 Fontana, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has defended Fontana, CA, residents against domestic violence charges since 2005. Our team includes former prosecutors who know how the state builds these cases, and where they tend to break down.
Here's what sets us apart from other criminal defense firms in Fontana, CA:
- Former prosecutors on our team with firsthand knowledge of how domestic violence cases are charged and negotiated.
- 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 a previous case, our client was accused of committing assault with a deadly weapon and domestic violence for hitting the alleged victim with a car. We examined the evidence of the injury, argued with the district attorney, and were able to secure a full dismissal of charges for our client.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Fontana, CA Domestic Violence FAQs
Will a first-time domestic violence conviction in Fontana, CA, result in jail time?
Not automatically. Probation is a common outcome for first-time offenders when there was no major injury. Jail is still possible, and a conviction usually comes with mandatory domestic violence probation terms: a minimum of 36 months of probation, a 52-week batterer's intervention program, and a restraining order. To maximize your chances of avoiding jail, be sure to work with an experienced defense attorney.
Does California consider domestic violence a felony?
Whether or not a domestic violence conviction is a felony depends on the exact charge. Prosecutors in Fontana 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 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) is generally considered the more serious offense because it involves causing harm to another person. It can also be charged as a felony.
Can the victim drop domestic violence charges in Fontana, CA?
No. Regardless of what the supposed victim wants, only the prosecutor can drop the charges. An alleged victim who recants or does not want the case to go forward can still help your defense, but that does not guarantee a dismissal.
Can I be arrested for domestic violence if there is no visible injury?
Yes. Probable cause for a domestic violence arrest can include the alleged victim's story or signs of violence (like property damage) besides an injury — it does not require a visible injury. Visible injuries often count as probable cause, but Fontana police officers look at the whole picture, not just cuts and bruises.
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. 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. The specific statute you plead to matters a great deal, so noncitizens should get immigration advice before accepting any plea.
Can I get diversion for a domestic violence charge in Fontana, 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 Fontana, 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.
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. Both the state of California and the federal government have legal bans in place for firearm ownership when someone has been convicted of domestic violence: In California, domestic battery convictions carry a 10-year firearm ban. Misdemeanor corporal injury convictions on or after January 1, 2019, and any felony convictions carry a lifetime ban in the state. For the federal government, any domestic violence conviction carries a lifetime firearms ban. Important Note: Always assume that federal law takes precedence over state law in these cases, as they are more restrictive. These are separate from any restraining order restrictions, which often ban firearm possession for their duration.
How long does a domestic violence case take in Fontana, CA?
You should expect your case to take at least a few months, possibly over a year to resolve. If you are in custody, the initial arraignment and bail phase typically occurs within 48 hours (excepting Sundays and holidays). Once you've been formally charged, your defense attorney will work with you to review the evidence, build a strategy, file motions, and negotiate with the prosecution. This takes up the bulk of the time your case is processing, and trials can extend them further.
Can a felony corporal injury charge be reduced to a misdemeanor in Fontana?
Yes. Because a corporal injury charge a wobbler, your attorney may be able to negotiate a misdemeanor filing or plea, or ask the judge to reduce a felony to a misdemeanor under PC 17(b), either at sentencing or after probation is completed.
What if I'm served with a restraining order while my criminal case is pending?
Always obey the protective order, or you could end up facing additional charges. Most domestic violence cases include restraining orders against the alleged offender, and a violation can bring new charges and hurt your criminal case. Your defense attorney can challenge the order or ask the court to modify it.
Reach Out to Your Fontana, CA, Domestic Violence Lawyer Right Away
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.
Our firm can also assist you with the following legal services in Fontana, 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 plan a free, confidential consult with a domestic violence lawyer in Fontana, CA.
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