You may lose your right to bear arms and even be deported if you are convicted of domestic violence.
The state of California takes the crime of domestic violence seriously. Under California’s domestic violence laws, it is a crime to harm or threaten to harm an intimate partner, such as a current or former spouse or romantic partner. If you do harm an intimate partner, you may be charged with crimes such as domestic battery or inflicting corporal injury on an intimate partner.
These crimes carry the possibility of jail or prison time. But as a domestic violence criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles, CA can explain, they also carry a number of collateral consequences. In other words, if you are convicted of domestic violence in California, it may affect your life in ways beyond whatever court sentence is imposed.
To start, if you are convicted of domestic violence, you will have a permanent criminal record. You will also face a mandatory minimum jail time, participation in a batterer’s intervention program, and be required to pay fines and/or restitution to the victim. In addition, a domestic violence conviction may lead to:
- A restraining (protective) order
- Loss of custody and/or visitation rights
- Loss of your right to bear arms
- Immigration consequences (i.e. deportation or inadmissibility)
These consequences are far more severe than what may occur if you are convicted for a crime that does not involve domestic violence. Most apply even if you are convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence and are sentenced to probation.
For these reasons, it is critical to work with an experienced domestic violence criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles, CA who can put together a strong defense to these types of charges. There are a number of possible defenses to domestic violence cases, depending on the facts and circumstances of your case. For example, your lawyer may argue that whatever happened was an accident, and that you did not intentionally hurt your intimate partner. In some cases, your lawyer may be able to prove that the alleged victim is making a false allegation in order to gain some type of advantage. Alternatively, your lawyer may argue that you acted in self defense, or to protect someone else. For example, if your partner was raging and throwing things, putting both you and your young child at risk, you may have decided to restrain her to protect yourself and your child. In certain circumstances, this can be used as a defense to domestic violence charges.
At the Chambers Law Firm, we represent people who have been charged with all types of California crimes, including domestic violence offenses. We will aggressively advocate for you, protecting your rights and your freedom. To learn more or to schedule a consultation with a domestic violence criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles, CA, contact us today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com.
