In Ontario, CA, the alleged victim can't drop a domestic violence case. Once police make an arrest, the prosecutor decides whether to file charges, and a single 911 call can lead to a protective order that keeps you out of your own home and a case that follows you for years. Whether it was a misunderstanding, an exaggeration, or a false accusation, you need a Ontario, CA, criminal defense lawyer on your side right away.
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 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:
- Invoke your right to remain silent.
- Reach out to a lawyer (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:
- 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 Ontario, CA
- What you could be facing in terms of protective orders and custody battles
- Domestic violence and related consequences in Ontario
- The intersection between domestic violence charges and immigration law
- Strategies to mitigate the penalties
- What to be aware of if the supposed victim does not want to testify
- Powerful defensive tactics
- The different steps we take in building a defense
- Why you should work with us as your domestic violence lawyers
- Common questions
If you're facing domestic violence allegations, act fast. Talk to our criminal defense lawyers at (800) 755-5174 or use our contact form 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 Ontario, CA, Define Domestic Violence?
If you're accused of a domestic violence charge in Ontario, you should review California Penal Code § 13700. This sets who can count as a domestic violence victim in California: "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 works differently. For protective orders, Family Code § 6211 sets rules and standards. In addition to current and former romantic partners, it includes close family members. This means that a domestic violence restraining order has different standards than a domestic violence criminal conviction.
There are three main elements the prosecution will attempt to prove in your Ontario, 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 touching caused 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: 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"—examples include broken bones and internal bleeding.
- Misdemeanor or Felony: Wobbler (can be charged either way)
The Key Difference: Was There an Injury?
As described above, the main difference between a domestic battery charge and an inflicting corporal injury charge is injury: Domestic battery charges do not involve injuries to the alleged victim, while—as the name would imply—inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant does involve an injury.
Charges Often Filed With 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): Threatening to kill or seriously injure someone in a way that causes them reasonable, sustained fear. This can count as a strike if charged as a felony.
- Dissuading a Witness (PC § 136.1): Attemping to prevent a witness or alleged victim from informing the authorities about a crime or from testifying
- 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)): An assault with an object or with force likely to cause serious injury.
- Stalking (PC § 646.9): Making a person afraid of you by following them and threatening them.
- Restraining Order Violations (PC § 273.6): Acting in violation of a restraining order issued by the court.
- Child Abuse (PC § 273d): Physically hurting a child, either completely unjustified or through excessive punishment.
- Elder Abuse (PC § 368): Physically or emotionally causing harm to an elderly or dependent adult.
- 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.
How to Handle Domestic Violence Allegations in Ontario, 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:
- Do not answer any questions or discuss your case with anyone.
- Exercise your sixth amendment right to an attorney.
- Request bail and/or release without bail.
- Follow every term of any emergency or criminal protective order.
- Collect any evidence that could be relevant to your case.
- Don't hold back when speaking with your defense attorney — they need to know the full story.
- Stay away from the alleged victim — it's never a good idea to reach out, especially if there is a protective order in place.
Following these steps gives your case the best chance of a positive outcome. Call us today, whatever charges you're facing: (800) 755-5174.
Ontario's logistics hub and diverse neighborhoods near the Ontario International Airport create unique challenges in domestic violence cases, with many filings originating from disputes in apartment complexes along Holt Boulevard. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley appear at the Ontario Courthouse on B Street, applying strategies informed by San Bernardino County's specific legal landscape.
What Happens After a Domestic Violence Arrest in Ontario, CA?
Domestic violence cases move fast. Here's what typically happens after an arrest in Ontario, CA:
- Arrest: An arrest isn't guaranteed after a domestic violence call, but they often occur. According to PC § 836(d), an officer does not need to witness a domestic violence incident in order to have probable cause to make an arrest. Additionally, PC § 13701 guides them to arrest the "dominant aggressor" in cases where both parties claim the other attacked them.
- 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: There aren't always interrogations, but you should be prepared for one. While you should be respectful, you should not answer any questions without a lawyer present.
- Bail and Release: Many domestic violence charges mandate that there is a bail hearing before you are released. This gives your lawyer an opportunity to fight for lower bail, or even release on your own recognizance.
- Filing Decision and Arraignment: Prosecutors review the police report and decide what to file. This will be based on the police report and any corroborating evidence. 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.
- Pretrial Stage: Before a trial, your defense attorney will review the evidence, file motions where applicable, and try to negotiate a favorable plea deal.
Are You Allowed to Go Home After a Domestic Violence Arrest?
Depending on release conditions, you may not be allowed back in your home. Protective orders are commonly used against people alleged to have committed domestic violence, keeping the supposed offender away from the supposed victim and their home. It doesn't matter if the alleged victim recants.
Breaking a protective order, whatever the circumstances, can have a major, negative impact on your case. 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
Ontario, 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
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: 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
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.
These cases are challenging, but there are things you can do to position yourself for success. The judge will weigh factors such as:
- The best interest of the child in question
- 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 Ontario, CA
Without your Ontario, CA, domestic violence defense attorney, you are facing serious charges. The table below lists what you could face after a conviction of domestic battery, corporal injury, and related offenses in California.
| 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 are statutory ranges, not predictions. Prior convictions and aggravating factors can increase them. 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. To get a full breakdown of the potential penalties in your case, talk to your Ontario, CA, domestic violence defense lawyer.
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:
- 36 months or more of probation
- 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 firearms
- No new law violations
Collateral Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction
Here are of the potential collateral consequences for a domestic violence conviction in Ontario:
- Loss of Gun Rights: The different types of domestic violence convictions lead to different types of firearm bans:
- Domestic Battery (Misdemeanor): 10-Year California ban, lifetime federal ban
- Corporal Injury (Misdemeanor): Lifetime California ban (if convicted on or after January 1, 2019), lifetime federal ban
- Corporal Injury (Felony): Lifetime California and federal ban
- Immigration Consequences: Domestic violence convictions can count as a crime of moral turpitude, leading to deportation. Learn more in the immigration section below.
- Custody: A conviction can trigger the Family Code § 3044 presumption against custody.
- Long-Term Protective Orders: You could be fighting and/or restricted by criminal protective orders and DVROs for years, or the rest of your life.
- 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: If people find out about your conviction, they may not want to associate with you.
Domestic Violence Charges and Immigration
For noncitizens, including green card holders, a domestic violence case can be more dangerous than the criminal penalties themselves. Fenderal law INA § 237(a)(2)(E) sets two possible condition for removal:
- A conviction for a "crime of domestic violence" (a crime of violence against a current or former spouse, partner, co-parent or similar protected person)
- Violention of a DVRO or similar protection order, if found by the court
Some domestic violence offenses can also be treated as crimes involving moral turpitude, which carry their own immigration consequences. The exact statute and the facts in the record of conviction matter. Federal courts have generally treated a PC 243(e)(1) domestic battery conviction as less damaging for immigration purposes than a PC 273.5 conviction, but the analysis depends on the specific case.
Don't settle for a plea deal without speaking to an experienced Ontario, CA, immigration lawyer. This can end up as a conviction on your record, leading to immigration consequences and possibly even deportation. Our firm is prepared to help you fight this and file for cancellation of removal.
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)): A felony PC 273.5 conviction can be reduced to a misdemeanor, either at sentencing or after probation.
- Expungement (PC § 1203.4): While expungement does not perfectly restore your record, it can help with future employment applications.
What if the Alleged Victim Recants?
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 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 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. While your spouse typically can refuse to testify against you in criminal court, Evidence Code § 972(e) makes an exception for domestic violence cases.
- Victims can't be held in contempt if they refuse to testify. While in typical circumstances, a witness can be sent to jail for refusing to testify under Penal Code § 166, California Evidence Code § 1219 creates a special exception for 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, challenge the use of out-of-court statements, and highlight any contradictions and/or inconsistencies.
Defense Strategies Your Domestic Violence Attorney May Use
Your defense team knows that every case is unique, and your defense should be, too. Illegal evidence collection can act as a valid defense in some cases. Others may depend on an alibi that shows you weren't there at the time. And others concede that someone was hurt but dispute intent or who started it.
Here are defense strategies our domestic violence attorneys may use in your case:
- 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: In some cases, the alleged offender accidentally hurt the alleged victim. This typically does not reach the bar of "domestic violence."
- No Traumatic Condition: For a PC 273.5 charge, the prosecutor must prove the touching caused an injury. Where an injury is minimal, unexplained, or existed beforehand, that can mean a reduction to misdemeanor battery or a dismissal.
- Alleged Victim Recants: While the alleged victim cannot drop the criminal charges, their recantation can prove valuable as a part of your defense.
- Reasonable Doubt: Sometimes the strongest defense is showing that the prosecution's evidence doesn't prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Alibi: A solid alibi is an invaluable defensive tool — it will present an alternative narrative protecting you against the supposed wrongdoing.
- Constitutional Violations: If police violated your rights during the investigation, we challenge the evidence and file motions to suppress it.
How the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Defends Domestic Violence Charges in Ontario, 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: Everything starts with a free, confidential case review.
- 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.
- Guidance During Questioning: If police want to question you, we'll handle that contact and advise you on how to respond.
- Defense Investigation: Our team will listen to your story and look for any additional evidence.
- Strategy Development: After reviewing the evidence, we'll build a defense strategy tailored to your case.
- Pretrial Motions: Motions give us a chance to challenge evidence and push for charges to be reduced or dismissed.
- Plea Negotiations: We use our experience with how Ontario, 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 Ontario, CA
Our firm has over 50 years of combined courtroom experience. When you need a defense attorney in Ontario, we're ready to take your case.
When you work with us, you're getting:
- Former district attorneys on our team that can draw on their experience on the other side of the courtroom.
- Local courtroom experience from a team that services counties across all of California.
- Combination criminal defense and Ontario immigration services, so that you can get tailored advice on how your charges will affect your immigration status.
- Available 24/7, because arrests can happen at any time.
- History of success. 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.
Past performance does not predict future results.
Ontario, CA Domestic Violence FAQs
Will a first-time domestic violence conviction in Ontario, 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. If you are given probation, it will include several terms, including the following: at least 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.
Is domestic violence a felony in Ontario, CA?
Whether or not a domestic violence conviction is a felony depends on the exact charge. While domestic battery can only be charged as a misdemeanor, inflicting corporal injury could be either a misdemeanor or a felony. 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) is different in that the touching resulted in a traumatic injury, such as a bruise. It is also different in that it can be charged as a felony, at the prosecutor's discretion.
Can the victim drop domestic violence charges in Ontario, CA?
No. Regardless of what the supposed victim wants, only the prosecutor can dismiss them. In Ontario, CA, that is the local District Attorney or, for many misdemeanors, possibly a city prosecutor. 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. 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 Ontario 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.
What diversion options are available for a domestic violence charge in Ontario, 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, some defendants may qualify for mental health diversion under PC 1001.36, and current or former service members charged with a misdemeanor may qualify for military diversion under PC 1001.80. These can be great options for eligible individuals, who can avoid a domestic violence conviction on their record.
Can a domestic violence conviction be expunged in Ontario, CA?
Typically, yes. After you complete probation, you can generally petition to dismiss the conviction under PC 1203.4, and a felony PC 273.5 conviction may also be reduced to a misdemeanor under PC 17(b). An expungement does not completely erase the conviction, however — it will still be visible to law enforcement agencies and prosecutors. However, it can help with future housing and employment applications.
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 Ontario, 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 Ontario 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 pc 273.5 charge be reduced to a misdemeanor in Ontario?
Yes. Because PC 273.5 is 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?
Strictly obey every condition, even if the alleged victim contacts you. Protective orders are a standard part of domestic violence cases, and a violation can bring new charges and hurt your criminal case. Your defense lawyer can fight for the order to be lifted or modified to be a "peaceful contact" order.
Fight Against Your Domestic Violence Charge in Ontario, CA, With an Expert Defense Attorney
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.
We also aid with the following legal services in Ontario, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Drug Charges Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Call an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or get in touch online to schedule a confidential consult with a domestic violence lawyer in Ontario, CA.
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