People frequently associate domestic violence with a specific type of crime: a guy striking a woman. This is not at all true. In actuality, both men and women can be victims of domestic violence and can also commit acts of violence against other people. It is also true that a wide range of other offenses are classified as domestic violence. Read on to learn more, and if you have been charged with any form of domestic abuse, call Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088.
Physical Abuse of a Spouse (or Cohabitant)
Corporal injury to a spouse can occur when someone intentionally causes visible harm to their spouse or another intimate partner, such as an ex-spouse, ex-boyfriend/girlfriend, or the parent of their child. It can be minimal, like a little bruise or swelling, or it can be serious, like fractured bones and the victim entering into a coma.
It can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the facts of the case, mostly on the severity of the injuries. Convictions can result in fines of up to $6,000 and/or up to four years in prison.
Domestic Battery
This offense is sometimes compared to inflicting corporal injury on a spouse because it is essentially a scaled-down version of that charge. When someone illegally touches or strikes another person in a way that could be seen as violent, it is always a misdemeanor. The fundamental distinction is that the culprit just needs to have used force or aggression; there is no requirement for tangible proof of an injury.
Abuse of Children
A charge of child abuse involves inflicting physical harm on a juvenile. This can involve anything from major, potentially fatal injury to a parent punishing their child. While California law permits a parent to spank their child, the state considers it abuse if there is any mark left. Child abuse is a felony or misdemeanor that carries a maximum six-year prison sentence.
Child Neglect and Child Endangerment
Domestic violence includes both child endangerment and child neglect, both of which are crimes that can be brought even if a child was not physically harmed. Allowing a child in your care to suffer harm or be placed in a dangerous environment is known as endangering them. As you can see, this definition is rather nebulous. Neglect is when a child in your care is not given the essential care.
You require the services of an experienced criminal defense lawyer if you have been accused of any of these crimes. Chambers Law Firm is where you found that person. Contact our offices right away at 714-760-4088 to ask for a free case examination.
