Domestic Violence Lawyer Palm Desert, CA

• Home
• Domestic Violence Lawyer
• Domestic Violence Lawyer Palm Desert, CA

You never thought it would come to this. Maybe it was a verbal fight that turned physical. Perhaps your hand slipped by mistake. Or it could even be a false accusation. Now, you could lose your house, your children, your freedom, and even more. But you're not alone. Your criminal defense attorney in Palm Desert, CA will fight for your rights.

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 Palm Desert 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.

On this page:

• Charges that count as domestic violence in Palm Desert
• Important steps to take if you've been accused of domestic violence in Palm Desert, CA
• What to expect if you're arrested for domestic violence
• The intersection between domestic violence, restraining orders, and custody cases
• Penalties, probation, and collateral consequences
• The intersection between domestic violence charges and immigration law
• Strategies to mitigate the penalties
• What happens if the alleged victim doesn't cooperate
• Defense options that may apply to your case
• The different steps we take in building a defense
• Why our law firm is ready to be your domestic violence defense attorney
• Frequently asked questions

If you've been accused of a crime, get help now. Contact our criminal defense lawyers at (800) 755-5174 or use our contact form today for a free, confidential consultation.

Reviewed by Attorney David S. Chesley, October 2026. California criminal defense since June 2005, SBN 236611.

---

What Is a Domestic Violence Charge in Palm Desert?

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 no-contact orders, you need to be aware of Family Code § 6211. It extends the definition to include parents, grandparents, children, and siblings This means that a domestic violence restraining order has different standards than a domestic violence criminal conviction.

In criminal court, domestic violence is most often charged as one of two crimes: domestic battery or corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant. To convict you of either one, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:

• You made physical contact with the alleged victim, causing harm or offense (and, for corporal injury, that the contact resulted in a "traumatic condition");
• Special defenses like self-defense do not apply; AND
• The alleged victim False into a protected individual category as described in California Penal Code § 13700.

Domestic Battery

• Statute: PC § 243(e)(1)
• What it means: Touching someone forcibly, violently, or offensively — so long as the alleged victim is a current or former romantic partner.
• Misdemeanor or Felony: Misdemeanor

Inflicting Corporal Injury on a Spouse or Cohabitant

• Statute: PC § 273.5
• What it means: Intentionally causing a "traumatic condition" to a current or former romantic partner—examples include sprains and bruises.
• Misdemeanor or Felony: Wobbler—can be charged either way

The Key Distinction: 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 Alongside 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): 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 taking away 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): 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): Acting in violation of a restraining order issued by the court.
• Child Abuse (PC § 273d): Willfully inflicting cruel or excessive physical punishment or injury on a child, sometimes charged when a child is hurt during a domestic incident.
• Elder Abuse (PC § 368): Abusing or neglecting someone 65 or older, or a dependent adult, such as an elderly parent.
• Sexual Battery (PC § 243.4): With a sexual motive, touching another person's privates without permission.
• 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.

---

What to Do if You've Been Accused of Domestic Violence in Palm Desert, CA

What you do now can make all the difference for your future. Don't miss any of the below steps if you want to maximize your chances of a positive outcome:

1. Exercise your right to remain silent. That includes with friends, family and on social media.
2. Request an attorney.
3. Request bail and/or release without bail.
4. If you were issued a restraining order, follow every rules.
5. Collect any evidence that could be relevant to your case.
6. Don't hold back when speaking with your defense attorney — they need to know the full story.
7. 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.

It's critically important for you to make the right decisions now. Our domestic violence defense attorneys are ready for your call, day and night: (800) 755-5174.

Palm Desert's affluent neighborhoods and resort lifestyle near the Shops at Palm Desert create distinct patterns in domestic violence allegations, with many cases originating from disputes in luxury condominiums along El Paseo. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley appear at the Riverside County Superior Court, Palm Desert Courthouse, applying strategies informed by Riverside County's specific legal landscape.

---

What Happens After a Domestic Violence Arrest in Palm Desert, CA?

Many people don't know what to expect after being arrested for domestic violence. These are the steps you'll typically take after an arrest in Palm Desert, CA:

1. Arrest: After a domestic violence call, an officer who arrives on scene will evaluate the situation and can make an arrest based on probable cause. This does not mean they have to have witnessed the alleged attack — they can make an arrest just for suspecting that an attack took place (PC § 836(d)).
2. Booking: During booking, the jail will take down your basic information, collect your things, and fingerprint you.
3. 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.
4. Interrogation: Police may try to question you in custody. While you should be respectful, you should not answer any questions without a lawyer present.
5. Bail and Release: Many domestic violence charges mandate that there is a bail hearing before you are released. Your attorney can argue for your release at that hearing.
6. 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. If you're in custody, you must generally be arraigned within 48 hours, not counting Sundays and holidays (PC § 825). In addition to hearing the charges, it's common for judges to issue a protective order against you in domestic violence arraignments.
7. Pretrial Stage: Your attorney reviews discovery, investigates, files motions, and negotiates with the prosecutor while preparing for trial.

Can You Go Home After a Domestic Violence Arrest?

Often, not right away. Protective orders are commonly used against people alleged to have committed domestic violence, keeping the supposed offender away from the supposed victim and their home. That's true even if the alleged victim wants you back. Violating the order, whatever the circumstances, 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

Palm Desert, CA, domestic violence cases often overlap with restraining orders and custody disputes. The intersection between the criminal case, restraining order, and custody battle is difficult for anyone to handle, but the right defense attorney will guide you through all of them.

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

A domestic violence accusation can become the hinge of a child custody case. The custody battle can run in parallel with the criminal case, so you could lose custody even before you reach an outcome on the related criminal charges. At the same time, these cases will affect each other — be sure to work with an attorney who knows how to navigate both criminal court and family court to beat the presumption of abuse.

You're fighting an uphill battle, but it's not impossible. The judge will look at:

• What they think will be the best environment for the child
• 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
• The recency of the alleged incident

---

Domestic Violence Penalties in Palm Desert, CA

Without your Palm Desert, 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

*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. Talk with your Palm Desert, CA, domestic violence attorney about the penalties you are actually facing.

Domestic Violence Probation

It's common for domestic violence plea deals to result in probation, rather than jail time. Mandatory probation conditions are set in PC § 1203.097:

• A minimum period of 3 years
• A criminal protective order protecting the alleged victim
• Completion of a 52-week batterer's intervention program
• Generally, a $500 payment to domestic violence programs is required, but the court can waive it in cases where the alleged offender cannot pay
• Community service
• Surrender of any guns
• No new law violations

Collateral Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction

In addition to jail time and fines, your Palm Desert, CA, domestic violence conviction can lead to the following:

• Loss of Second Amendment 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 lead to deportation or block a green card or citizenship. See the immigration section below.
• Custody: Family court will not look favorably upon your conviction.
• 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: If a conviction appears in background checks, it can become a hurdle to future job applications.
• 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, as defined in U.S. federal law
• A court finding that you violated the parts of a protective order that protect against threats of violence, repeated harassment or bodily injury, even without a separate criminal conviction for the violation

Some domestic violence offenses can also be treated as crimes involving moral turpitude, which carry their own immigration consequences. 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 a noncitizen, you don't just need a criminal defense law firm. You need an immigration lawyer who can help you understand the potential impacts of these charges. Plea deals that seem appealing on the surface can have hidden immigration consequences — an attorney can help you make an informed choice.

---

Diversion, Reductions, and Clearing Your Record

A domestic violence arrest doesn't have to end in a permanent conviction. Standard misdemeanor diversion under PC § 1001.95 is not available because the law expressly excludes domestic violence and stalking charges. But depending on your case, other options may include:

• Pre-Filing Intervention: Before charges are filed, your attorney can present evidence to the prosecutor and argue that the case shouldn't be filed at all, or should be filed as a lesser charge.
• Mental Health Diversion (PC § 1001.36): 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): 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): 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, but it rarely ends the case on its own:

• Prosecutors can sometimes proceed without the alleged victim. 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.
• Prior incidents can come in. Due to Evidence Code § 1109, the prosecution can use evidence of prior alleged domestic violence acts (typically within 10 years) in your current case.
• They can compel your spouse to testify. Normally a spouse can refuse to testify against the other, but that privilege has an exception for crimes against the spouse (Evidence Code § 972(e)).

Be Careful: Reaching out to the alleged victim is never a good idea, especially if there is a restraining order in place. If they reach out saying that they want to recant, tell your attorney ASAP. Your attorney can lawfully present the alleged victim's account, 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. Some cases are best defended using procedural errors, like pointing out rights violations. Others hinge on actual innocence, such as a false accusation. Still others may be built around intent, if the alleged victim was hurt accidentally.

Here is a breakdown of some common strategies and when they are applicable:

• 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: 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: Both domestic battery and corporal injury require a willful act. Accidental contact, like bumping someone while trying to leave, is not domestic violence.
• No Traumatic Condition: 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: As discussed above, it's not possible for the supposed victim to drop criminal charges. However, if they recant, that can create a major hole in the case against you, which your defense attorney can exploit.
• Reasonable Doubt: Sometimes the strongest defense is showing that the prosecution's evidence doesn't prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Alibi: When available, an alibi shows you could not have committed the alleged offense.
• Constitutional Violations: When a procedural error occurred that goes against your rights, our team will argue for evidence to be thrown out and charges to be dropped.

---

How the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Defends Domestic Violence Charges in Palm Desert, 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:

1. Free Case Review: Before building your defense, we offer a free review of the charges against you.
2. Bail 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.
3. Guidance During Questioning: You deserve more than just the same advice to stay silent — we can tell you the best way to interact with law enforcement.
4. Defense Investigation: We'll look through anything the prosecution found after discovery, and conduct our own independent research/evidence review.
5. Strategy Development: Your defense should be specific to your circumstances, not a cookie-cutter tactic.
6. Pretrial Motions: Motions are a way for us to suppress evidence, challenge narratives, and even get charges dropped in some cases.
7. Plea Negotiations: During the pretrial phase, we'll reach out to Palm Desert prosecutors to negotiate positive plea deals on your behalf.
8. Trial Representation: Most cases end in a plea bargain, but you have the right to a trial — if you exercise it, we'll go to court with you.
9. 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 Palm Desert, CA

The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has defended Palm Desert, 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 Palm Desert defense team can offer you:

• Former district attorneys on our team that can draw on their experience on the other side of the courtroom.
• Combination criminal defense and Palm Desert immigration services, so noncitizen clients get advice on both before any plea.
• Emergency availability, because arrests can happen at any time.
• Reputation for delivering. Our former clients can attest to our dedication to protecting their rights.

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.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

---

---

Palm Desert, CA Domestic Violence FAQs

Will a first-time domestic violence conviction in Palm Desert, CA, result in jail time?

It's possible to go to jail for a first-time offense, but not guaranteed. If your case is charged as a misdemeanor, there's a good chance you can secure probation instead of jail time. Some of the conditions of domestic violence probation are: a minimum of 36 months of probation, a 52-week batterer's intervention program, and a protective order. To maximize your chances of avoiding jail, be sure to work with an experienced defense attorney.

Is domestic violence a felony in Palm Desert, CA?

Whether or not a domestic violence conviction is a felony depends on the exact charge. Domestic battery under PC 243(e)(1) is always a misdemeanor. Corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant under PC 273.5 is a "wobbler," which means the prosecutor can file it as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the injury, your record, and the facts. Related charges such as criminal threats, stalking, and dissuading a witness 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 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 Palm Desert, CA?

No. Regardless of what the supposed victim wants, only the prosecutor can dismiss them. In Palm Desert, CA, that is the local District Attorney or, for many misdemeanors, possibly a city prosecutor. It's always helpful to have the victim recant, as that can give your defense attorney a way to challenge the prosecution's case.

Can I be arrested for domestic violence if there is no visible injury?

Yes. 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 Palm Desert 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.

What diversion options are available for a domestic violence charge in Palm Desert, CA?

Typically, diversion is not an option in Palm Desert domestic violence cases, because PC 1001.95 specifically excludes these case types (as well as many sex offenses). 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 Palm Desert, CA?

Usually, yes. But it may look different depending on what you were charged with. A misdemeanor conviction is typically eligible for dismissal after the completion of probation, while felony corporal injury convictions can often be reduced to a misdemeanor. An expungement does not restore firearm rights, and it does not erase the conviction for immigration purposes.

Can I lose my firearm rights for a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction?

Most likely, you will lose your firearm rights. Typically, a misdemeanor conviction does not result in a firearms ban, but domestic violence charges are an exception. Due to the elevated risk factors firearms pose in domestic violence situations, both the California State and U.S. Federal governments have imposed harsh restrictions on firearm ownership for domestic violence offenders. Any domestic violence conviction will result in a lifetime federal firearms ban. California's state laws depend on the specifics of your case: A misdemeanor PC § 243(e)(1) conviction is only a 10-year California firearm ban, while a misdemeanor PC 273.5 conviction on or after January 1, 2019 is a lifetime California ban, as is any felony conviction. 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 Palm Desert, CA?

The actual timeline depends on the specifics of your case — a general range is from a few months to a year or more. If you are in custody, you must generally be arraigned within 48 hours, not counting Sundays and holidays. After being charged, the majority of Palm Desert criminal cases end in plea deals, but that can still take a long time to process — discovery, investigation, pre-trial motions, preliminary hearings, plea negotiations, and more can all drag a case out for months. If you do end up going to trial, this will further drag out your case.

Can a felony domestic violence charge be reduced to a misdemeanor in Palm Desert, CA?

Yes. Because inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant a wobbler, the state can charge it as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Your defense attorney can also advocate for reducing the charge, both with the prosecutor and with the judge.

What if I'm served with a restraining order while my criminal case is pending?

Strictly obey every condition, or you could end up facing additional charges. Most domestic violence cases include restraining orders against the alleged offender, and even if the alleged victim invites you over, you can face consequences for breaking the conditions. These orders can be challenged, though — the right defense attorney can help you make your case in court.

---

Need a Domestic Violence Lawyer in Palm Desert, CA, ASAP? Our Phones Are Available 24/7

Get help from a law firm with extensive experience fighting against clients' domestic violence charges. Get help from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.

The Law Offices of David S. Chesley also offers the following legal services in Palm Desert, CA:

• Sex Crimes Lawyer
• Immigration Lawyer
• Drug Charges Lawyer
• Theft Lawyer
• Violent Crimes Lawyer
• DUI Lawyer
• Criminal Defense Lawyer

Talk to an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online to plan a confidential case review with a domestic violence lawyer in Palm Desert, CA.