Ventura Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers

Under California state law, domestic violence is violence against any current or former spouse, current or former girlfriend or boyfriend, a person you live with or anyone you have a child with. Depending on the circumstances, it can also be called spousal battery, family violence or domestic abuse. But no matter what you call it, the penalties for domestic violence are serious. Those accused of domestic violence in Ventura face time in jail or prison, high fines, 52 weeks of anger management classes and restrictions on their right to use a gun. With so much at stake, it pays to get the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Wallin & Klarich can help. Over more than 30 years of practicing criminal defense law in Southern California, we have defended hundreds of clients accused of domestic violence and related crimes. Thanks to our experience, we know there's more than one side to every domestic violence story. Unfortunately, police officers who've seen too many battered spouses often make bad assumptions based on nothing more than the gender or visible injuries of the accuser. In fact, California law requires officers to make an arrest if they see a visible injury, regardless of what the "victim" wants. Under those circumstances, many defendants guilty of nothing more than a loud fight find themselves charged with domestic violence.

Ventura Domestic Violence Defenses

Prosecutors in California may choose whether they prefer to charge domestic violence as a misdemeanor or as a felony. You're more likely to be charged with a felony, carrying several years in prison, if it's a repeat offense or police could see a serious injury. A misdemeanor charge is more likely to get you probation or up to a year in county jail. But that's just the beginning of the story. Lawmakers eager to crack down on domestic violence have also made it illegal for anyone convicted of domestic violence to use a firearm for several years after conviction, and require attendance at a year of anger management classes. A felony conviction could be a "strike," subjecting you to much higher sentences than usual. And if you're involved in another court case, especially family court, a domestic violence conviction could hurt your case.

How Wallin & Klarich Can Defend You

When a Ventura domestic violence case depends completely on the testimony of the victim, Wallin & Klarich can often build a strong case. Many of the reasons couples fight are also reasons for one person to lie or exaggerate about domestic violence. When child custody is an issue, a false domestic violence accusation can give one side the upper hand. When there's cheating or a breakup, the motivation may simply be revenge. And some accusers aren't reliable because of their mental health problems, drug or alcohol abuse or history of deception. The experienced Ventura domestic violence lawyer at Wallin & Klarich can look through the background of the case thoroughly to find these and other motivations your accuser might have for hiding the whole truth.

At Wallin & Klarich, our Ventura domestic abuse defense lawyers approach each case with the belief that we could easily be defending one of our own family members. After more than 30 years of defending domestic violence and related crimes throughout Southern California, we understand the stress and turmoil a domestic violence charge can cause in our clients' lives. That's why we're committed to always being available when our clients call: seven days a week, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. To schedule a free evaluation of your case, contact Wallin & Klarich today by filling out our confidential online consultation form or call 1-866-440-4578. We promise to be there when you call.