Agoura Hills Domestic Violence Lawyer

Agoura Hills Domestic Violence Attorney

Domestic violence accusations are serious and can carry severe penalties, including incarceration, hefty fines, and possibly loss of child custody. Navigating these charges can be overwhelming and feel daunting. An Agoura Hills domestic violence lawyer understands the implications of these charges and is here to help.

An experienced Agoura Hills violent crimes attorney knows how to work with the facts of the case to craft a solid defense.

How We Can Help

With over twenty years of experience as a domestic violence lawyer, James E. Silverstein is passionate about providing the proper defense for these situations. He is here to help you navigate the complex legal system and work toward a favorable outcome.

He is well-versed in California’s domestic violence laws and understands how they apply to your specific situation. Having worked with countless types of domestic violence cases, he knows how to collect evidence and work with witnesses to create a defense strategy.

Domestic Violence Laws in California

One in every three women has experienced domestic violence in some form, and contrary to popular opinion, men can also be victims of domestic violence. Because this is such a serious issue, California defines domestic violence broadly, and its penalties can be severe. Domestic abuse may include:

• Intentionally or recklessly causing bodily harm
• Sexual assault
• Threatening serious bodily harm or injury
• Harassing
• Disturbing the peace, which could be harming the emotional or mental well-being of the other individual
• Destroying property
• Stalking
• Isolating the individual
• Controlling finances
• Monitoring where they go via technology

The law applies to spouses or ex-spouses, people who live in the same place or used to, the parents of their child, or a dating partner. It’s a felony to cause corporal injury to someone, even if it isn’t visible harm.

Domestic Violence Penalties

If there is an allegation of abuse, law enforcement officers are allowed to immediately arrest the perpetrator if they have probable cause. A first-time offense could be qualified as a misdemeanor, which may result in time in jail and a fine. If there is a prior conviction, it’s possible to get a longer jail sentence, a larger fine, and be ordered to pay restitution.

Domestic violence felonies have much harsher penalties, including longer prison sentences and harsher fines. They can dramatically affect employment after you’re released from prison.

Individuals with a restraining order for domestic violence are also not allowed to own or possess a firearm while the order is in effect. Those convicted of a misdemeanor for domestic violence are also not allowed to own a gun for ten years after the conviction. Those convicted of domestic violence felonies face a lifetime ban from owning or possessing firearms.

Having a domestic violence lawyer on your side can dramatically improve your outcome.

Hire a Domestic Violence Lawyer

If you are facing domestic violence allegations, it’s vital to hire a domestic violence lawyer. They can help you investigate the charges, interview witnesses, and develop possible defense strategies. Some of those strategies might be:

• A lack of evidence: This is the most common strategy. Sometimes, the accuser’s story doesn’t line up. If there isn’t enough evidence, then the case could be dismissed.
• Wrong suspect: Providing an alibi or other type of proof that you weren’t in the vicinity when the abuse took place is one possible defense.
• False allegations: Sometimes, people make false allegations for a variety of reasons, including if there is a child custody case or if they’re feeling spiteful because of a divorce or breakup.
• Self-defense: Having to protect yourself or someone else from abuse might be a possible defense, especially if the response was in proportion to the threat.

Why Hire a Domestic Violence Lawyer?

Depending on the circumstances, there might be other possible defenses. A domestic violence lawyer can listen to your side of the story and help you understand what your options are. They are skilled at:

• Investigating the accusations
• Interviewing witnesses
• Compiling evidence
• Crafting a solid defense strategy
• Negotiating a plea agreement
• Represent their clients at the Chatsworth Courthouse on Penfield Avenue, which is one of the closest courthouses to Agoura Hills, or any other courthouse in the Los Angeles area
• Appealing the conviction

You are not alone. Contact the Law Offices of James E. Silverstein to find out how we can help.

FAQs About Agoura Hills, CA Domestic Violence Law

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer for Domestic Violence?

The cost to hire a domestic violence lawyer varies depending on the complexity of the case and the reputation of the lawyer. Having a skilled lawyer on your side who understands the complicated legal system surrounding domestic violence is important to help you fight the charges. The more complex the case, the more investigation is required, which takes time and money, but it is necessary to create a solid defense. Speak to us to find out how we can help you.

Why Do Most Domestic Violence Cases Get Dismissed?

There are many reasons why a domestic violence case might be dismissed. One of the biggest is the lack of evidence. If the evidence doesn’t corroborate the story or if there isn’t enough, the case may be dropped. Other reasons might be that the accuser isn’t working well with the prosecution, or the report was a mistake. If the accuser has a history of making false accusations, that might also be a reason to dismiss the case.

Can I Be Sued for Domestic Violence in California?

It is possible to be sued for domestic violence in California. This is a way to seek justice outside of the criminal justice system. An alleged abuser takes on civil liability as well if they are responsible for violence against someone else. Beyond physical and emotional trauma, there can be financial difficulties as well. If someone can’t work or has hefty medical bills as a result of the abuse, they can file a claim against you to receive damages.

What Is the Ideal Defense Against Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence allegations are taken seriously, but there are possible defenses. One might be claiming that someone else was responsible for the abuse. Another could be that the allegations are false, perhaps made out of spite because of a divorce or child custody case. Self-defense is a proper defense as well, especially if you had to protect yourself during the altercation. The strongest defense is a lack of evidence for the abuse.

Contact the Law Offices of James E. Silverstein

With over twenty years of experience, James E. Silverstein is skilled at defending those who have been accused of domestic violence. He’s handled many of these cases, and he understands what it takes to collect evidence and represent those who are facing domestic violence charges.

Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help you.