Domestic Battery
A California domestic battery charge comes with some harsh penalties. As a misdemeanor, you will be looking at serving up to one year in a county jail, along with a potential maximum fine of $6,000.00. More so, in addition to these immediate consequences, a domestic battery charge will also bring with it numerous long-term consequences, effecting both your personal and professional life.
Los Angeles domestic violence attorney Jonathan I. Kelman, who practices exclusively in California criminal defense, will help you present your case. In fact, you have numerous defenses available to you, including that you:
- Acted in self-defense;
- The alleged force or violence was inflicted "willfully";
- You are falsely accused
Attorney Kelman’s many years of experience in defending against California domestic battery charges means he know how exactly to best use these available defenses.
How to Beat Your Los Angeles Domestic Battery Charge
According to California Penal Code section 243(e)(1), domestic battery is defined as the willfully touching of another person that is deemed either harmful or offensive. More generally, one can be charged with domestic battery when one uses any kind of force or violence against an "intimate partner". California defines intimate partner as: your spouse, cohabitant, girlfriend or boyfriend, fiancé(e) or the parent of your child.
Although technically similar to battery, when the battery is against one of the above listed intimate partners, California’s domestic violence laws kick in – making the situation more serious. Of particular concern to your case is the fact that most district attorney offices have an entire department dedicated to prosecuting cases of domestic violence. Even when the alleged victim decides not to press charges, the prosecutor will often go ahead anyways – typically seeking jail time.
Knowing this, you simply cannot "go it alone". You need a trusted partner on your side who knows the ins and outs of California criminal defense. You need Attorney Jonathan I. Kelman.
Remember, when your future is on the line, call the Law Offices of Jonathan I. Kelman at 310.286.1218 for your free initial consultation.