Military families experience significant stress, including worries about injury and the emotional strain of separation. In addition, the stress of combat leaves many veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health concerns. All this can put military families under strain, and this could lead to conflict in their households. Unfortunately, if a fight leads to a domestic violence accusation,…
Domestic Violence
Can an alleged victim drop a domestic violence charge?
In any relationship, tempers may flare, and people may do things in the heat of the moment that they later regret. Those regrets may lead someone to recant their statement in a domestic violence case. If your partner or ex wants the charges against you dropped, does that mean that the charge will be dropped? In California, only the prosecutor…
How long are restraining orders valid?
If your partner or ex accuses you of domestic violence and requests a protection order, that order can significantly limit your freedom and opportunities while they are valid. An order may require you to stay away from your family. It may prevent you from owning any firearms or ammunition or move out of the home you shared with your partner. Any…
How much does financial stress contribute to domestic conflict?
Financial strain can put everyone in a household under stress. When that stress escalates, it can lead to arguments, fights and even accusations of domestic violence. What should Californians know about the link between financial strain and conflict in their homes? Studies indicate a link between financial strain and household conflict. Unsurprisingly, strained finances can be a major factor in…
Can your social media posts lead to a domestic violence conviction?
Social media is an important part of the lives of many people today. However, the same sites that allow you to connect with friends and stay in touch with family could threaten your rights and freedom if you face domestic violence charges. The things you post on social media could be considered abuse or harassment, or the court could view…
Could domestic violence charges impact your parental rights?
At the end of a marriage, tempers may run high. You may find yourself getting into arguments more often, and those arguments may become more severe. Divorce can relieve this tension, but if your spouse accuses you of domestic violence as a result, you may find your parental rights limited. What impact can accusations of domestic violence have on your…
Can you be convicted of domestic violence if you were defending yourself?
When an argument gets heated, things can escalate quickly, and sometimes it becomes necessary to defend yourself. However, if you took physical action to defend yourself from danger, you may find yourself accused of domestic violence. Can you be found guilty of domestic violence if you were defending yourself? Can I show that I acted in self defense? In California,…
Prostitution and solicitation charges can potentially be dismissed.
After a person is arrested for prostitution or solicitation, they will likely have questions. What penalties will they face? Is it possible to protect their reputation? Will this impact their future? In some cases, diversion offers an opportunity for these charges to...
Is early termination of my probation a possibility?
A domestic violence charge can be a scary thing to face. You may have accepted a plea deal in order to avoid the potential jail time you could have faced by going to trial. But now that you’re on probation, you realize that your tarnished criminal record is creating hurdles in your ability to land a job or rent an…
Understanding false imprisonment and other wobbler offenses in California
You and your spouse are involved in a heated argument. As they reach for their keys and head for the door, you grab their arm in an effort to convince them to stay. What may seem like an insignificant gesture can actually have ramifications under California law. Such an action could lead to a false imprisonment charge. What is false…