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 Long Beach, CA will fight for your rights.
Domestic violence means abuse or attempted abuse against a spouse, partner, co-parent, or someone you've dated or lived with. In Long Beach, CA, it's usually charged as domestic battery or corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, and the penalties range from probation and a year-long class to years in state prison.
Our Long Beach domestic violence defense team examines the evidence, challenges witness accounts, handles police contact for you, and builds a strategy aimed at getting your charges reduced or dismissed, or winning at trial.
3 Key Steps to Take After a Domestic Violence Arrest:
- Plead the fifth.
- Call our office (you can contact us 24/7): (800) 755-5174.
- Stay in line with any pre-trial release conditions.
On this page:
- What counts as domestic violence, and the charges that come with it
- What to do if you're accused
- The different parts of the post-arrest process in Long Beach, CA
- What you could be facing in terms of protective orders and custody battles
- Domestic violence and related consequences in Long Beach
- The intersection between domestic violence charges and immigration law
- Diversion, reductions, and expungement
- What to be aware of if the supposed victim does not want to testify
- Defense strategies
- What you can expect from your defense attorney
- Why our law firm is ready to be your domestic violence defense attorney
- Frequently asked questions
If you've been accused of domestic violence, don't wait. Contact our criminal defense lawyers at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online now for a no-strings consultation.
Reviewed by Attorney David S. Chesley, October 2026. California criminal defense since June 2005, SBN 236611.
What Is a Domestic Violence Charge in Long Beach?
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 works differently. For restraining orders, Family Code § 6211 is the key statute to keep in mind. It also includes immediate family members and grandparents. That's why an argument with a family member can lead to a domestic violence restraining order even when it isn't charged as domestic battery.
Domestic violence charges hinge on the prosecution's ability to prove these three things:
- You intentionally and aggressively touched the alleged victim (and, specifically for inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, that the touching resulted in injury);
- There were no extenuating circumstances like self-defense; 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: Willfully using force or violence against a current or former partner. Even the slightest offensive touch counts, and no injury is required.
- 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": any wound or internal or external injury, minor or serious, including injury from strangulation or suffocation.
- Misdemeanor or Felony: Wobbler—can be charged either way
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 Long Beach defense attorney can challenge the presence and/or extend of the injury.
Charges Often Filed With Domestic Violence
Domestic violence might be limited to corporal injury and domestic battery, but violent crime charges in general include several more examples. You could also be facing accusations of:
- Criminal Threats (PC § 422): Threatening to kill or seriously injure someone in a way that causes them reasonable, sustained fear. 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, 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): Breaking the terms of a no-contact or related court 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)): Posting or sharing pornographic images of another person without their permission, in order to cause stress.
How to Handle Domestic Violence Allegations in Long Beach, CA
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.
- Exercise your sixth amendment right to an attorney.
- Request bail and/or release without bail.
- If you were issued a restraining order, follow every rules.
- 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 contact the alleged victim, even to apologize or to ask them to drop the case. That contact can violate a protective order and lead to a separate charge for dissuading a witness. If they reach out, talk to your lawyer before responding.
Following these steps gives your case the best chance of a positive outcome. Call us today, whatever charges you're facing: (800) 755-5174.
Long Beach's active port and diverse communities create unique pressures that can lead to domestic violence allegations near the downtown core or Los Cerritos. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defend clients at the Long Beach Courthouse on Magnolia Avenue, addressing cases that often involve maritime industry workers or families in high-density housing.
What Happens After a Domestic Violence Arrest in Long Beach, CA?
Many people don't know what to expect after being arrested for domestic violence. Here's what typically happens after an arrest in Long Beach, CA:
- Arrest: Officers only need probable cause. In Long Beach, 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 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.
- Interrogation: 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. California guidelines require the state to either formally charge you or release you within 48 hours in most cases (not counting Sundays and holidays), according to 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: 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?
Depending on court orders, you may not be allowed back in your home. An emergency protective order can require you to move out immediately, and the criminal protective order issued at arraignment frequently orders you to stay away from the alleged victim and the shared home for as long as the case is open. It doesn't matter if the alleged victim recants.
Breaking a protective order, even with their consent, can result in new charges. Your attorney can ask the judge to modify the order, for example to a "peaceful contact" order that allows you to return home or co-parent as long as there's no harassment or violence.
Domestic Violence, Restraining Orders, and Custody
Long Beach, CA, domestic violence cases often overlap with restraining orders and custody disputes. 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
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): In contrast to criminal protective orders, a DVRO can be issued by a family court judge. These can be difficult to fight because you may not be given notice of the initial order, and if granted, they can last for up to 5 years, then later be renewed for another 5 years or for life (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.
The presumption can be overcome. The court will consider:
- What they think will be the best environment for the child
- 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
- Whether there have been any further acts of domestic violence
If the family court does not decide to remove the custody of the parent who's been accused of domestic violence, they must issue a statement explaining why they are granting custody to that parent.
Domestic Violence Penalties in Long Beach, CA
Learn about the potential penalties that a domestic violence conviction in Long Beach, 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 |
*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. Always consult with your Long Beach, 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:
- At least 36 months of probation
- A criminal protective order protecting the alleged victim
- Completion of a 52-week batterer's intervention program
- If you can afford it, a $500 payment to domestic violence programs
- Community service
- Surrender of firearms
- 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 Long Beach, CA, domestic violence conviction can lead to the following:
- Loss of Second Amendment 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: Domestic violence convictions can count as a crime of moral turpitude, leading to deportation. 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: 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. If either of the following are true, you could face deportation (INA § 237(a)(2)(E)):
- Any conviction that fits the federal criteria for domestic violence
- 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. 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.
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 Long Beach, 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
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): If a diagnosed mental health condition played a role in the alleged offense, the judge may pause the case while you complete treatment (up to 2 years for a felony or 1 year for a misdemeanor). If you complete it successfully, the charges are dismissed.
- Military Diversion (PC § 1001.80): Veterans treatment courts are available for some misdemeanors when the alleged offender has a qualifying condition (like substance misuse), and does not present a threat to public safety.
- 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): 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. That can help your defense, their words can still be used against you:
- The district attorney decides when to drop the case, not the supposed victim. They may try to use 911 calls, statements made to officers at the scene, body-camera video, photos, and medical records. Whether those statements can be used without live testimony is a complex constitutional question, and challenging them is one of the most important tools in a domestic violence defense.
- Your history may be used against you. Due to Evidence Code § 1109, the prosecution can use evidence of prior alleged domestic violence acts (typically within 10 years) in your current case.
- Your spouse may be forced to testify against you. A married couple ordinarily is immune to compelled testimony against the other, but California law makes an exception in domestic violence cases.
Be Careful: NEVER reach out to the alleged victim in your domestic violence case. This could be construed as intimidation, regardless of your intentions. If they do want to recant, tell your defense lawyer, who can help take their statement. Your attorney can lawfully collect the recantation from the victim, file motions against other forms of evidence, and use inconsistencies in the evidence to your advantage.
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. 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.
The following list goes over some popular defense strategies your Long Beach domestic violence defense attorney may use:
- False Accusation: This is particularly pertinent in cases involving child custody — it's possible the accusations were made in bad faith. If the alleged victim's motives are in question, we will highlight that.
- Self-Defense or Defense of Others: You can lawfully use reasonable force to protect yourself or someone else from imminent harm.
- 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: PC § 243(e)(1) and PC § 273.5 both require an intent aspect for a conviction. One defense option to explore is whether or not the injury was caused by accident.
- 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: The alleged victim can't drop the charges, but a recantation can weaken the prosecution's case and support a dismissal or a better plea offer.
- Reasonable Doubt: In some cases, rather than building a proactive defense, our attorneys challenge the prosecution's evidence and show that they failed to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
- 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 in Long Beach, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley specializes in criminal defense and has extensive experience fighting domestic violence charges. This is what you can expect for your case:
- Initial Consult: Before building your defense, we offer a free review of the charges against you.
- Release and Protective Orders: If you are not offered release by the court, we'll argue for lower bail and challenge any protective orders.
- Defense Against Interrogations: Don't try to face a police interrogation alone — we will stand by your side and advise you on how to respond.
- 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 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 Long Beach, 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: If your case ends in a conviction, we can advocate for a lighter sentence and help with appeals, reductions, and expungement.
Why Choose the Law Offices of David S. Chesley for Domestic Violence Defense in Long Beach, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has defended Long Beach, 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.
Our Long Beach defense team can offer you:
- Former district attorneys on our team who know the ins and outs of domestic violence charges from the prosecution's perspective.
- 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.
- 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.
Long Beach, CA Domestic Violence FAQs
Will a first-time domestic violence conviction in Long Beach, CA, result in jail time?
Not automatically. 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. Jail is still possible, and a conviction usually comes with mandatory domestic violence probation terms: at least 36 months of probation, a 52-week batterer's intervention program, and a restraining order. An experienced defense lawyer can often negotiate a reduced charge or a better outcome.
Does California consider domestic violence a felony?
It can be. Prosecutors in Long Beach 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 any attempt to hurt or offend someone through touching, if that person is a current or former romantic partner. The attempt does not need to be successful. 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 Long Beach, CA?
No. Once charges are filed, only the prosecutor can dismiss them. 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 police arrest me for domestic violence if nobody is hurt?
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 Long Beach 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. A full defensive strategy should include considerations for immigration impacts, and your criminal defense attorney should be someone who can represent you in immigration court as well.
Can I get diversion for a domestic violence charge in Long Beach, 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. Ask your lawyer if you qualify for either of these diversion tracks.
Can a domestic violence conviction be expunged in Long Beach, 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. 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. 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. 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 Long Beach, 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 state has 48 hours to either charge you with a crime or release you (excluding 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 Long Beach, CA?
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?
Obey every condition of the order, even if the supposed victim changes their mind. 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 lawyer can fight for the order to be lifted or modified to be a "peaceful contact" order.
Talk to a Long Beach, CA, Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer Now
We are prepared to fight against domestic violence charges in Long Beach — whatever you've been accused of, you shouldn't have to go through this process alone.
We also aid with the following legal services in Long Beach, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Drug Charges Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Speak with an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or use our contact form to schedule a private consultation with a domestic violence lawyer in Long Beach, CA.
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