Los Angeles Domestic Violence Lawyer

Domestic Violence Attorney in Los Angeles

If you are accused of domestic violence in California, you may face criminal charges even if the alleged victim does not want to press charges. This decision is not in the hands of the victim but is rather decided by the prosecuting attorney.

What does this mean? It means that when law enforcement responds to a call involving a domestic dispute, they may make an arrest and the arrestee may face criminal charges even if the victim does not want this to happen. A small argument can be blown out of proportion in this way, resulting in criminal proceedings and excessive penalties if a conviction is reached.

Immediately contacting a Los Angeles domestic violence defense attorney is the most important thing you can do if you have been arrested for or accused of this offense. The relative ease with which law enforcement may make an arrest and the prosecution may press charges make domestic violence cases difficult to deal with if you do not immediately retain legal counsel. You may face questioning by law enforcement and may find that you are facing formal charges even if the alleged victim changes his or her mind or does not want to move forward with a case. A competent lawyer can protect your Constitutional rights from the moment you are arrested, protecting you in the face of questioning by law enforcement and working to ensure that you are not charged with a crime you did not commit. If formal charges are filed, your attorney can protect your rights inside and outside of the criminal courtroom.

Spousal Abuse
Perhaps one of the types of abuse most commonly associated with domestic violence is spousal abuse. This refers to violence between spouses or ex-spouses and may include physical abuse, sexual abuse or emotional abuse of virtually any kind. The victim need not have suffered visible injury for an alleged offender to face criminal charges, and it will not be up to the victim to determine whether to press charges. This decision will lie solely in the hands of the prosecuting attorney. At our Los Angeles criminal defense firm, we recognize just how serious spousal abuse can be. We also recognize the danger of false allegations and how these may affect not only the accused but real victims of domestic violence, making their claims second guessed because of the number of false or exaggerated claims that occur with startling regularity. We are therefore committed to protecting the legal rights of those accused of abusing a spouse or ex-spouse. Click here to read more about spousal abuse.

Defense for Domestic Violence Charges in Los Angeles

A Los Angeles domestic violence defense lawyer at Okabe & Haushalter may be able to help you if you are facing accusations or charges involving domestic violence or domestic abuse. We defend clients throughout all of Los Angeles, including Bel Air, Bellflower, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Burbank, Century City, Corona Del Mar, Costa Mesa, Culver City, El Segundo, Gardena, Glendale, Harbor City, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Hollywood, Huntington Beach, Inglewood, Laguna Beach, Lawndale, LAX Airport, Lomita, Long Beach, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Marina Del Rey, Mar Vista, Newport Beach, North Hollywood, Orange County, Pacific Palisades, Palos Verdes, Pasadena, Playa Del Rey, Playa Vista, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, San Pedro, Santa Monica, San Fernando Valley, Seal Beach, Silver Lake, Torrance, Van Nuys, Venice, Ventura County, Westchester, West Hollywood, West Los Angeles. Our offices are conveniently located in Redondo Beach and Beverly Hills.

As defense attorneys, we have seen many cases involving false allegations or exaggerated accusations by alleged victims and witnesses. Sometimes, accusations of spousal abuse, spousal rape or child abuse are made in an act of anger, revenge or in an attempt to gain child custody in the case of a separation or divorce.

At our firm, we believe in our clients’ innocence and fight to assert their rights and protect their freedom even in the face of serious domestic violence, child abuse or shaken baby syndrome charges. Our lawyers understand that law enforcement, prosecuting attorneys and even the judge and jury may be biased against an individual charged with domestic violence simply because of the startling and violent nature of these crimes. They may unknowingly or automatically side with the “victim,” even when no foul play has actually occurred.

Los Angeles Domestic Violence Defense Attorney

By consulting a Los Angeles domestic violence defense attorney at our firm, you can gain an understanding of what you are up against. If you choose to work with our firm, we can get started right away in defending your rights. This includes defense against restraining orders and orders of protection, should one be filed against you, as well as experienced and aggressive legal counsel through the entire criminal court process.

The penalties for a domestic violence or spousal abuse conviction may include up to 4 years in state prison, along with fines of up to $6,000. The penalties are even harsher for a child abuse conviction.

Don’t take any chances with your future and your freedom. Contact a Los Angeles domestic violence defense lawyer today.