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San Luis Obispo Domestic Violence Lawyer

Fight Your Charges

Domestic Violence

Posted by William Aron | Jun 17, 2022

San Luis Obispo Domestic Violence Lawyer

When police officers have sufficient reason to believe that domestic violence may occur between current or former marital partners, family members, cohabitants, or couples, they have a duty to intervene. However, what may seem like signs of domestic violence may just be a heated situation that arose from miscommunication or unresolved problems. These circumstances may trigger feelings of frustration and anger, causing words and actions between the involved parties to be overblown and misinterpreted.

If you or a loved one is wrongly accused of domestic violence in San Luis Obispo, it’s imperative to have an intelligent attorney who has dealt with a broad array of domestic violence charges on your side. A permanent criminal record containing domestic violence charges may negatively affect your personal character and future endeavors. The San Luis Obispo domestic violence defense lawyers at the Aron Law Firm may strategically prepare your case to defend your rights and fight any charges you may face.

What Does Domestic Violence Entail Under California Law?

California law defines domestic violence as the intentional or reckless use of threat, intimidation, or physical force on an intimate partner. An intimate partner may refer to any of the following:

  • Current or former spouses
  • Current of former fiancés or fiancées
  • Cohabitants
  • Serious domestic partners
  • Relatives through blood
  • Birth parent of the alleged abuser’s child or children

Perpetrators of domestic violence may cause physical, emotional, or sexual harm to victims, including repeated acts of stalking, physical aggression, sexual demands, and dominance. 

Unfortunately, in some instances, people make false claims of domestic violence out of spite or as leverage in complicated divorce and child custody battles. In such cases, it may be to your advantage to work with a diligent domestic violence defense lawyer in San Luis Obispo who may help construct a strong defense to potentially reduce or eliminate your charges. Our firm’s steadfast focus is on moving our clients’ cases toward a favorable conclusion. Through personalized defense and transparent counsel, our team is accessible to you when you need it.

Crimes That Fall Under the Umbrella of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is an all-encompassing term that covers various crimes classified by the relationship status of the victim and the accused. Depending on the extent of the perpetrator’s behavior, numerous types of transgressions may lead to domestic violence charges.

California Penal Code outlines the following offenses that constitute domestic violence:

Any one of these offenses may result in significant restrictions on your life if you are convicted. The proficient San Luis Obispo domestic violence defense lawyers at the Aron Law Firm may research the facts of your case and present compelling evidence to mitigate your charges in order to get you the lowest possible punishment. Having our exceptional legal advocates in your corner means you won’t have to face these challenges alone.

Potential Penalties for Domestic Violence Charges in San Luis Obispo

Domestic violence is an act that is not taken lightly in San Luis Obispo. Depending on your particular circumstances and whether you bear a prior criminal record, you may face felony or misdemeanor criminal charges. Generally, penalties for a misdemeanor domestic violence offense include:

  • Civil fines
  • Up to six months in county jail
  • A no-contact order with the victim
  • A minimum of 40 hours of community service
  • A 52-week court-ordered domestic violence intervention program

Unlike misdemeanors, sentences for felonies are not as straightforward. Felony penalties may involve a combination of punishments—relatively similar to that of a misdemeanor, but with heftier fines and longer prison confinement. Domestic violence charges may have profound consequences on your ability to see your children, maintain suitable employment, and sustain a positive image with family, friends, and your respective community.

Trusted San Luis Obispo Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers

Guidance from an experienced San Luis Obispo domestic violence defense lawyer with comprehensive knowledge of California law may help you effectively navigate your charges. At the Aron Law Firm, we understand that legal concepts are often overwhelming and confusing. Our savvy defense attorneys may thoroughly and personally explain what you may expect from the entire process. When the stakes are high, the Aron Law Firm may set you on the path toward a better place.

Led by former Deputy District Attorney William M. Aron, our legal team is composed of dedicated thought leaders in the field of domestic violence defense. Collectively, we work to build an appropriate defense strategy for your specific situation—one that’s tailored to your goals. Our approach to legal representation is aligning our legal strategy with what’s going to deliver the best solution. Call our office today at (805) 892-6488 or fill out an online contact form to schedule a confidential case evaluation right away. 

Domestic Violence

Posted by William Aron | Jun 9, 2022

domestic violence lawyer santa barbara

When law enforcement believes that domestic violence is present within a relationship, family dynamic, or a simple cohabitation arrangement, they are required to intervene. Frequently, feelings of frustration, anger, and embarrassment can be taken out of context and interpreted as domestic violence. It is not uncommon for unwarranted domestic violence accusations to be filed amid pending divorces or complex custody battles.

If you or a loved one is accused of a domestic violence crime in Santa Barbara, it is crucial that you contact an experienced domestic violence defense attorney as soon as possible. Having anything related to domestic violence on your record can have devastating consequences for your reputation and future. A skilled domestic violence attorney like William M. Aron at the Aron Law Firm can defend your rights and help build a robust case defending against any charges you may face.

What Acts are Considered Domestic Violence Under California Law?

You may face domestic violence charges for acts considered to be deliberate intimidation, physical assault, sexual assault, battery, or other violent behavior associated with a repeated pattern of power and control committed by family members, co-parents, and significant others or one intimate partner against the other. While the frequency and severity of domestic violence varies, it can include:

  • Threats
  • Stalking
  • Physical violence
  • Sexual violence
  • Emotional abuse

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), 32.9% of women and 27.3% of men in California experience domestic violence from an intimate partner at least once in their lifetimes.

California Domestic Violence Offenses

Under the California Penal Code, domestic violence offenses include several forms of misconduct. Because domestic violence charges are based on the relationship between the accused and the victim, several violations may be charged as domestic violence based on the behavior and involved parties.

Under California law, domestic violence offenses may include allegations such as:

Domestic Battery under PC Section 243(e)(1): A misdemeanor charge that includes the infliction of violence against a former or current spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, fiancé, intimate partner, co-parent, or cohabitant. The victim who brings forth the charges is not required to demonstrate visible injuries to file charges for domestic abuse.

Criminal Threats under PC Section 422: This offense can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony and involves willfully threatening severe harm to someone you intend to frighten, causing the victim to be afraid.

Corporal Injury to a Spouse under PC Section 273.5: To inflict “corporal injury” means to cause traumatic injury on a former or current partner or cohabitant. This criminal offense may be charged when there is visible physical harm and can be considered a misdemeanor or felony.

Child Abuse/Child Endangerment under PC Section 273(a): This offense can be charged when a parent or legal guardian willfully allows a child to be harmed or allows the child to be in a situation that risks their health or safety.

Corporal Punishment under PC Section 273(d): This domestic violence offense involves “corporal punishment” on a child, wherein the conduct is considered cruel or inhumane and causes injury. However, a parent’s reasonable discipline to a child, like spanking, is not a violation of this law and can be used as a defense for the charge.

Elder Abuse under PC Section 368: A person can be charged with this offense for physically or emotionally abusing, neglecting, financially exploiting, or endangering an older adult 65 years or older.

What are Potential Penalties for Domestic Violence Charges in California?

Domestic violence is a severe accusation in Santa Barbara. Depending on the details surrounding your case and whether you have previous criminal charges on your record, you may face either misdemeanor or felony charges.

Penalties for a misdemeanor domestic violence offense may include:

  • Fines
  • Up to six months in jail
  • A no-contact order with the victim
  • Up to 40 hours of community service
  • Up to 52 weeks of domestic violence counseling

A conviction for a felony domestic violence offense may result in the same penalties as a misdemeanor, but rather than a short-term jail sentence, you may face up to three years in state prison or possibly a much longer period of prison confinement, depending upon the specific allegations. Domestic violence cases are complex and often involve one person’s testimony against another. If you encounter any of these accusations, it is essential that you hire a knowledgeable and experienced Santa Barbara domestic violence defense attorney immediately.

Contact Our Santa Barbara Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers

Domestic violence charges may carry severe consequences that may result in a restraining order that requires you to leave your home, denial of access to see your children, loss of employment, and a damaged reputation with your family, friends, and within your community. Additionally, a conviction may affect your right to own or carry a firearm and prevent you from specific employment opportunities.

If you are accused of domestic violence in Santa Barbara, consult a skilled domestic violence defense attorney immediately to ensure your rights are protected. Led by William M. Aron, the Aron Law Firm domestic violence defense attorneys can investigate your case in detail to build a robust defense. Mr. Aron’s experience includes experience prosecuting hundreds of criminal cases and wields his unique understanding of the evidence code to defend his clients and obtain the best outcome possible.

To speak with a domestic violence defense attorney, schedule a consultation by completing a contact form or call (805) 317-7827.