Westlake Village Abogado de Violencia Domestica

Westlake Village Domestic Violence Attorney

A charge of domestic violence can cause severe damage to your life. It can make people perceive you differently, even people you’ve known for years. The accusation alone can sometimes be enough to cause irreparable harm to you, your reputation, and your social life. You should do whatever you can to get ahead of the charge and stand up for yourself. The most effective way to do that is to hire an experienced Westlake Village domestic violence lawyer for help.

The legal team at the Law Offices of James E. Silverstein understands how difficult it can be to defend yourself against a domestic violence charge or accusation. The last thing you want is to end up with a criminal record because you didn’t take the charges seriously or failed to hire adequate legal representation. A criminal record will follow you for the rest of your life, impacting your housing options, employment opportunities, and personal relationships.

Violencia doméstica en California

Violencia doméstica can be a very serious charge to face in California. Regardless of whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, it is likely you will be facing jail time. Additionally, you could end up with a Protective Order against you that prohibits you from contacting the alleged victim, anger management classes, probation, and hefty fines. If you are an immigrant, there is also the possibility of deportation, which can be a consequence in certain extreme cases.

According to information collected by the California Department of Justice, there were over 37,000 calls to police regarding a domestic violence situation in 2023 throughout Los Angeles County. According to additional data gathered by the Public Policy Institute of California, there were over 160,000 domestic violence calls, or 18 calls per hour, throughout the entire state that same year.

If you are facing potential domestic violence charges, it can be a real strain on your mental health. You may not know what to do next or how to protect yourself. You may want to consider reaching out to a local mental health support group, such as Foresight Mental Health or Men’s Group. Talking to someone about your situation can be greatly beneficial, especially if you are surrounded by like-minded people who may be going through something similar.

Potential Defenses Against Domestic Violence Charges

When you are arrested for domestic violence, you may start to feel like your case has already ended and there’s no way to fight back. That may not be the case. Once you contact a criminal defense lawyer in Westlake Village, you can start building a defense strategy with their help. Without a strong defense, there’s virtually no chance of successfully arguing your case. Here are some of the potential defenses you may be able to claim for your case:

• False Accusations: Unfortunately, false accusations are quite common throughout the country. Falsely accusing someone of domestic violence can be a quick and relatively easy way to destroy their reputation and permanently hurt their lives. There are people out there who want to hurt others out of spite, revenge, or even just petty jealousy. If your lawyer can prove that the accusation is false, that can help your case substantially.
• Autodefensa: In California, it is legally acceptable to use a proportional amount of force to protect yourself or others. If you can prove that the actions you took were purely in self-defense, that can be enough to help your case. However, proving self-defense can be difficult, especially if the other party is seriously injured.
• Strong Alibi: When you are arrested on charges of domestic violence, one of the first things the police will likely ask you is if you have an alibi for the day in question. Your lawyer will ask the same thing. It is vital that you be totally honest with your lawyer about where you were. If you can prove that you were somewhere completely different at the time of the incident, that may be enough to have the charges dropped.

FAQs About Westlake Village Domestic Violence Law

How Much Does a Lawyer Cost for a Domestic Violence Case?

Every domestic violence case is different, with every case having its own unique factors and circumstances that make the cost of a lawyer vary. These factors will also contribute to the total amount your violent crime lawyer in Westlake Village will charge you for their services. Some of these factors include the complexity of your case, the evidence against you, and your lawyer’s own experience with similar cases.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Domestic Violence Case?

It can be difficult to tell exactly how long it will take to resolve a domestic violence case, as every case is different. Misdemeanor cases may resolve quickly, while felony cases may take considerably longer. It depends on the details of the case, whether or not the case goes to trial, and how complex the case becomes. Ultimately, each case takes as long as it needs to be finalized.

How Do I Get a Domestic Violence Case Dismissed in California?

Ultimately, it is the prosecuting attorney who has the power to dismiss a domestic violence case. There are only certain scenarios in which they may consider doing that. Some of these reasons include insufficient evidence, inconsistency of witness statements, and the absence of visible injuries. If the prosecution realizes they have a weak case that may not hold up, there is a strong chance they will dismiss the case.

How Many Domestic Violence Offenders Go to Jail?

Actually, a very small number of domestic violence offenders end up in jail. There are many different factors that may lead to a lack of jail time. Many times, if the offender pleads guilty, they may receive a lesser sentence, such as probation or community service. If their case is strong enough, they may be able to beat the charges the traditional way.

Contact a Lawyer Today

At the Law Offices of James E. Silverstein, we can help you succeed in your case. Póngase en contacto con nosotros to speak to somebody on our team about how we can help.