Domestic violence is one of the most serious charges you can face in Panorama City. This is because it has wide-reaching implications and collateral effects, even for a misdemeanor. If convicted, you should be facing a firearms ban, jail time, thousands of dollars in fines, and a difficult-to-escape criminal record. To protect your freedom, you need an experienced Panorama City, CA, criminal defense attorney.
Domestic violence is different from regular violent crimes because of the status of the alleged victim: If it was your spouse, dating partner, co-parent, or someone you used to date and/or live with, you can face special domestic violence charges like domestic battery or corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant.
Our domestic violence defense team will defend your rights and challenge the prosecution's narrative. We will listen to your story, build a defense around it, and keep you informed about updates to your case — and we're ready to get started today.
If You Were Just Arrested, Do This Now:
- Politely decline to answer questions.
- Reach out to a lawyer (you can contact us around the clock): (800) 755-5174.
- Obey any protective order, and don't contact the alleged victim.
On this page:
- An outline of the key domestic violence statutes in Panorama City, CA
- 7 key steps to take if you're accused
- What happens after a domestic violence arrest in Panorama City, CA
- The intersection between domestic violence, restraining orders, and custody cases
- Penalties, probation, and collateral consequences
- What you need to be aware of if you're not a U.S. Citizen
- Diversion, reductions, and expungement
- What happens if the alleged victim won't testify
- 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
- FAQs
If you've been accused of a crime, act fast. Call our criminal defense lawyers at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online today 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 Panorama City?
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 no-contact orders, Family Code § 6211 sets rules and standards. In addition to current and former romantic partners, it includes close family members. Because of these dual sets of definitions, you can face a domestic violence restraining order without an underlying criminal charge.
There are three main things that the prosecution must prove in order for you to be convicted:
- You willfully touched the alleged victim in a harmful or offensive way (and, specifically for inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, that the contact caused trauma);
- You were not protecting yourself, nor another person; 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: Purposely hurting a current or former romantic partner that causes a particular physical injury: examples include broken bones and concussions.
- Misdemeanor or Felony: Wobbler—could be a misdemeanor or a felony
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
In addition to a domestic violence charge, you could face any of the below related violent crime charges:
- Criminal Threats (PC § 422): Scaring someone by indicating that you intend to cause them harm. If convicted as a felony, this falls under California's three strikes law.
- Dissuading a Witness (PC § 136.1): Trying to stop someone from reporting a crime, cooperating with police, or testifying, including asking an alleged victim to "drop the charges."
- Damaging a Phone Line or Phone (PC §§ 591, 591.5): Cutting or disconnecting a phone line, or breaking a cell phone—in a domestic violence case, this could be allegedly keeping the supposed victim from calling for help.
- False Imprisonment (PC § 236): Restraining someone or keeping them from leaving, such as blocking a doorway.
- Assault With a Deadly Weapon or Force Likely to Cause Great Bodily Injury (PC § 245(a)): Attacking someone with excessive power and/or a weapon that can seriously hurt them.
- Stalking (PC § 646.9): Repeatedly following or harassing someone and making a credible threat that puts them in reasonable fear for their safety.
- Restraining Order Violations (PC § 273.6): 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): Abusing or neglecting someone 65 or older, or a dependent adult, such as an elderly parent.
- Sexual Battery (PC § 243.4): Whether for sexual gratification, arousal, or abuse, touching another person's intimates when you were not allowed to.
- Revenge Porn (PC § 647(j)(4)): Trying to hurt another person emotionally by sharing nude, sexual, or otherwise intimate pictures of them, when intended to be private, without their permission.
How to Handle Domestic Violence Allegations in Panorama City, 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:
- 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.
- Don't hold back when speaking with your defense attorney — they need to know the full story.
- Don't interact with the supposed victim — if they reach out to you, ask your lawyer how to respond.
It's critically important for you to make the right decisions now. Our phones are ready 24/7 if you have any questions: (800) 755-5174.
Panorama City's high-density apartment living and diverse communities near the Sepulveda Basin create distinct patterns in domestic violence allegations, with many cases originating from disputes in neighborhoods along Van Nuys Boulevard. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley appear at the Los Angeles Superior Court, Van Nuys Courthouse, applying strategies informed by the San Fernando Valley's specific legal landscape.
What Happens After a Domestic Violence Arrest in Panorama City, CA?
Many people don't know what to expect after being arrested for domestic violence. Here's what typically happens after an arrest in Panorama City, 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 Interview: While under arrest, the police may ask you about the incident. 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). Your attorney can argue for your release at that hearing.
- Filing Decision and Arraignment: While you're in custody, the police report is sent to the district attorney's office for review. In the City of Panorama City, CA, domestic violence charges are typically prosecuted by the local district attorney. 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. Arraignments are sometimes combined with bail hearings, in which case you'll be informed of the charges, asked to make a plea, informed of your bail requirements, and possibly issued a new restraining order.
- Trial Preparation: 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?
Often, you could be restricted from going home. The restraining orders often filed in domestic violence cases can keep you out of a shared dwelling while the case is pending. That's true even if the alleged victim wants you back. Breaking a protective order, even with their consent, can have a major, negative impact on your case. If the alleged victim does reach out to you, speak with your attorney before responding or going to meet them. They can advise you on the best way to move forward without hurting your chances in court.
Domestic Violence, Restraining Orders, and Custody
It's normal for a domestic violence charge in Panorama City, CA, to also result in battles related to custody and/or restraining orders. 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: 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): It's difficult to fight a criminal protective order, but arguable even harder to fight a DVRO. These are filed in family court, not in criminal court, and are defined in Family Code § 6345. The key thing for you to be aware of is the initial hearing, which typically occurs about three weeks after the incident and initial filing. You may not be given notice of this order, making it even harder to fight. If granted, these orders can last up to 5 years on an initial run, and a further 5 years (or even lifetime) if renewed.
Domestic Violence Accusations and Custody Cases
A domestic violence charge, even without a conviction, can seriously impact a child custody case. Family Code § 3044 instructs family court officials to automatically presume that giving custody to a parent who recently committed domestic violence is not in the child's best interest. Here are some key distinctions:
- The family court will make its own determination, rather than relying on criminal court outcomes.
- In addition to current and former romantic partners, the court will also look at possible violence committed against children in the relationship.
- A previously issued DVRO can be used as justification for denying custody.
Your attorney should be someone familiar with these aspects of family court in addition to the ins and outs of criminal court.
You're fighting an uphill battle, but it's not impossible. The judge will weigh factors such as:
- 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
- Whether there have been any further acts of domestic violence
Domestic Violence Penalties in Panorama City, CA
Without your Panorama City, 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. Talk with your Panorama City, CA, domestic violence attorney about the penalties you are actually facing.
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 52-week batterer's intervention program
- A minimum $500 payment to domestic violence programs (the court can reduce or waive it if you can't pay)
- Community service
- Removal of any guns
- No new law violations
You may have heard of a California law restricting probation to a maximum of two years (AB 1950). Under current law, this does not apply to domestic violence cases.
Collateral Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction
On top of the criminal penalties, a domestic violence conviction in Panorama City, CA, can lead to:
- Loss of Firearm Rights: A misdemeanor domestic battery conviction brings a 10-year California firearm ban (PC § 29805) and a lifetime federal ban (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9)). A misdemeanor PC 273.5 conviction on or after January 1, 2019, is a lifetime ban under California law, and any felony is a lifetime ban.
- Immigration Consequences: You could face removal, denial of a green card, and/or rejection of citizenship applications. Learn more in the immigration section below.
- Custody: Family court will not look favorably upon your conviction.
- Long-Term Protective Orders: 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: 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
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)
- A judicial finding that you broke a protective order (regardless of whether or not you were convicted of a crime for it)
You could also face deportation or other immigration consequences if your conviction falls into the category of crimes involving moral turpitude. Each immigration case should be treated as unique, as the specifics of your criminal conviction can affect how immigration court treats you.
Because our firm practices both criminal defense and immigration law, our criminal defense team and Panorama City, CA, immigration attorneys can work together to pursue a resolution that protects your status where possible. Never accept a plea in a domestic violence case without immigration advice. If you're already facing removal, learn about cancellation of removal.
Diversion, Reductions, and Clearing Your Record
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): 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): If you are a current or past member of the United States armed forces, and were charged with a misdemeanor, military treatment court may offer a problem-solving focus, rather than a punishment focus.
- Reduction to a Misdemeanor (PC § 17(b)): A felony PC 273.5 conviction can be reduced to a misdemeanor, either at sentencing or after probation.
- Expungement (PC § 1203.4): After you complete probation, you can generally petition to dismiss the conviction. Expungement helps with most private employers, but it doesn't restore gun rights and doesn't erase the conviction for immigration purposes.
What if the Alleged Victim Doesn't Want to Testify?
Your case may have started with the alleged victim calling the police and making a report against you in the heat of the moment. If emotions cooled down, they may realize they made a mistake and ask to take back their accusations. Having the alleged victim on your side is a big help, but it will take more to beat the charges:
- The state can move forward with the case regardless of the alleged victim's wishes. Ultimately, the alleged victim is not the one you're fighting the criminal case against — instead, it's the state of California. If the prosecutor thinks they have a strong enough case without victim testimony, they may choose to move forward with the charges anyway. The constitutional legality of evidence becomes paramount at this stage, and your attorney will have to evaluate everything on a case-by-case basis.
- Your record can be examined. California Evidence Code § 1109 sets special conditions which allow prosecutors to use evidence from old domestic violence cases in the current case (generally going back up to 10 years).
- 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.
Neither you nor anyone acting for you should ask the alleged victim to stay away from court, which can be charged as dissuading a witness. Your attorney can lawfully collect the recantation from the victim, file motions against other forms of evidence, 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 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: Some domestic violence charges arise from false accusations, often during a breakup or custody dispute. We investigate the accuser's motives and challenge their credibility.
- Self-Defense or Defense of Others: Perhaps you did harm your partner, but were justified by a real, perceived threat.
- 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: 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: 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
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:
- Free Case Review: Before building your defense, we offer a free review of the charges against you.
- Bail and Protective Orders: If you are not offered release by the court, we'll argue for lower bail and challenge any protective orders.
- 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 Panorama City, 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: 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 Panorama City, CA
Our firm has over 50 years of combined courtroom experience. We've been judges, prosecutors, and police officers, and we know where common weaknesses are in the state's cases.
Our Panorama City defense team can offer you:
- Former district attorneys on our team with firsthand knowledge of how domestic violence cases are charged and negotiated.
- Local courtroom experience that we can leverage in our negotiations before trial.
- Combination criminal defense and 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.
- 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.
Every case is unique — examples used above are not necessarily representative of future case results.
Panorama City, CA Domestic Violence FAQs
Will I go to jail for a first-time domestic violence offense in Panorama City, CA?
It's possible to go to jail for a first-time offense, but not guaranteed. Probation is a common outcome for first-time offenders when there was no major injury. Jail is still possible, and a conviction usually comes with mandatory domestic violence probation terms: 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 a domestic violence conviction in Panorama City, CA, a felony?
It can be. 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 can also be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
What is the difference between domestic battery (PC 243(e)(1)) and corporal injury (PC 273.5)?
Domestic battery (PC 243(e)(1)) includes an intentional, nonconsensual form of physical contact that hurts or offends a current or former romantic partner. It does not matter whether or not an injury was caused. Corporal injury (PC 273.5) is 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 Panorama City, CA?
No. Regardless of what the supposed victim wants, only the prosecutor can decide not to pursue the case. 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. For police to make an arrest, they only need probable cause — not to witness a crime occurring or observe an injury. In fact, they are required to make an arrest in domestic violence cases if there is probable cause.
Am I allowed to go home after release from a domestic violence arrest?
Often not right away. Police commonly obtain an emergency protective order, and the criminal court usually issues a criminal protective order at arraignment that can require you to stay away from the alleged victim and the shared home. Violating either order is a separate crime, even if the alleged victim invites you back. Your attorney can ask the judge to modify the order, for example, to allow peaceful contact.
Will a domestic violence charge affect my immigration status?
It can. Under federal immigration law, a conviction for a "crime of domestic violence" and a court finding that you violated certain terms of a protective order are both separate grounds for deportation, and some domestic violence offenses are also treated as crimes involving moral turpitude. 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 Panorama City, CA?
Typically, diversion is not an option in Panorama City domestic violence cases, because PC 1001.95 specifically excludes these case types (as well as many sex offenses). That said, depending on your background and circumstances, you might have other options. For example, PC 1001.80 provides current and former U.S. military personnel a diversion option for certain offenses (including some domestic violence charges), if they are suffering from specific, often service-related, challenges. 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 Panorama City, CA?
Typically, 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.
Can I lose my firearm rights for a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction?
Outside of special circumstances, yes. 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. Domestic violence restraining orders and protective orders also require you to give up your firearms while they are in effect.
How long does a domestic violence case take in Panorama City, CA?
You should expect your case to take at least a few months, possibly over a year to resolve. If you are in custody, you must generally be arraigned within 48 hours, not counting 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 domestic violence charge be reduced to a misdemeanor in Panorama City?
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 should I do 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. Protective orders are a standard part of domestic violence cases, and even if the alleged victim reaches out to you, 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.
Get Help From an Expert Panorama City, CA, Domestic Violence Lawyer
We are prepared to fight against domestic violence charges in Panorama City — whatever you've been accused of, you shouldn't have to go through this process alone.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley also offers the following legal services in Panorama City, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Drug Charges Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Contact a lawyer at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online to schedule a free consultation with a domestic violence lawyer in Panorama City, CA.
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