This 52 session program may be order as a part of a sentence for a domestic violence conviction.
In California, crimes of domestic violence result in a range of consequence. If you harm or threaten to harm a current or former intimate partner (such as a spouse or someone you share a child with), you may be sent to jail, required to pay a fine, and even have to give up your right to own firearms. In addition, a judge may order you to complete a Batterers’ Intervention Program (BIP) as a condition of your probation.
As a criminal defense attorney in Santa Ana, CA can explain, a domestic violence conviction in California will result in a sentence of at least 3 years of probation. As a condition of probation, a judge will require a person convicted of this type of rime to complete a Batterers’ Intervention Program. This is a 52-week class where members meet once every week for 2 hours at a time. All classes must be completed within 18 months of the order granting probation. Throughout the program, participants are allowed only 3 absences; those absences are only authorized for good cause. In addition, a person who is sentenced to participate in this program must pay for it themselves. The cost will depend on the individual’s financial status.
The purpose of a BIP is to stop domestic violence. It focuses on three things: (1) the causes of domestic violence; (2) the impact of abuse on victims; and (3) changes that offenders must undergo so that they do not continue to abuse their partners. It involves both an educational and counseling component, with lectures, classes, group discussions, and one-on-one counseling sessions.
Under California law, a BIP must include:
- An intake where the individual learns about the types of domestic abuse and techniques to stop them;
- Strategies to hold the individual accountable for their abusive behavior;
- Programming that looks at the impact of abuse on children;
- Periodic progress reports; and
- A final evaluation
All attendees must sign a confidentiality agreement before attending, and cannot be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs when attending.
Importantly, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all BIPs are now being conducted online. If you are currently in a BIP, contact your provider for instructions on how to attend virtually.
The BIP will be ordered in any domestic violence case where the individual is sentenced to probation. In other words, if you are convicted of a crime of domestic violence and sentenced to probation, then you must complete BIP as part of your probation. Domestic violence crimes include offenses such as domestic battery and corporal injury on a spouse or intimate partner.
If you are sentenced to attend a BIP and fail to do so, you will be in violation of your probation. The court may then modify, revoke, or change its sentencing order so that you are required to go to jail or prison for your offense and pay fines.
At the Chambers Law Firm, we represent individuals who have been charged with all types of crimes, including those related to domestic violence. If you are facing a criminal offense in California, contact our firm today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free consultation with a criminal defense attorney in Santa Ana, CA.
