Every day, people get arrested for domestic violence after having an argument with their spouse. Many people accused of domestic violence have no prior criminal record. The district attorney may try to take advantage of this by offering a plea bargain in which the accused avoids jail time. It is important to retain an experienced southern California domestic violence attorney who knows the law to help you with your case before you consider accepting a plea bargain and entering a guilty plea.
One of the reasons why it is important to seek the help of an experienced domestic violence attorney is so that you can fully understand all of the consequences you face if you are convicted of this crime. Not only do you face potential jail time and expensive fines, you could be subject to penalties that will impact you for the rest of your life, including losing your right to own or possess a firearm.
Domestic Violence Penalties
A conviction for domestic violence can result in up to 364 days in county jail and $2,000 in fines. Many times, the district attorney will offer you a plea bargain if you are accused of domestic violence.
If you agree to a plea bargain, you are essentially agreeing to plead guilty to the crime you are accused of in exchange for the recommendation of a lighter sentence. For instance, a plea agreement may stipulate that you do not have to serve any additional jail time, you will complete a 52-week batterer’s program, pay a fine and be on probation for three years.
However, the guilty plea will also come with some additional not-so-obvious consequences. If you enter a guilty plea, you will never be able to possess a firearm in California and in most other states. Many accused persons are so excited to avoid a jail term, they do not take the time to consider the lifetime ban before they accept a plea of guilty in a domestic violence case.
Consult with a Southern California Domestic Violence Attorney
An experienced domestic violence attorney can use several valid defenses to beat a charge of spousal abuse. It would be a major error in judgment to consider entering a plea of guilty without first consulting with a knowledgeable domestic violence attorney. Your attorney can review the police reports and compare those reports to your written statement, explaining what happened during the domestic dispute. Your domestic violence lawyer may be able to uncover a winning defense just by reviewing these reports.
In a high percentage of cases, the alleged victim of domestic violence does not wish to prosecute. He or she is embarrassed about the situation and thus does not wish to testify. If the district attorney decides to proceed with the case, these factors can be helpful to your defense and can even lead to the case being dismissed.
Our Domestic Violence Attorneys at Wallin & Klarich Can Help You Now
It is critical that you speak to an experienced domestic violence lawyer immediately if you have been accused of domestic violence. At Wallin & Klarich, our skilled and knowledgeable defense lawyers have been successfully defending clients accused of domestic violence for more than 35 years. Let us help you now.
With offices in Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, Victorville, West Covina, Torrance, Los Angeles and San Diego, the skilled domestic violence attorneys at Wallin & Klarich can help you no matter where you are located.
Call us today at (888) 280-6839 for a free telephone consultation. We will be there when you call.
