Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is physical violence, threats of violence, and abuse that occurs within a family or intimate relationship. Incidents of domestic violence may happen only once, or over an extended period time. Violence of this nature may occur between spouses, cohabiting couples, persons who have a child or children in common, persons in a dating relationship or who were in a former dating relationship, parents or siblings.
Domestic violence crimes can be charged as either misdemeanor or felony offenses and how the case is filed is based on the seriousness of the case and the criminal history of the the accused. Serious injury including severe cuts or broken bones will almost always result in felony charging. Being convicted of a domestic violence related offense could result in imprisonment in jail or state prison, probation, community service, court ordered counseling for, large fines, and more!
Often times domestic violence cases are treated differently than other criminal cases within a District Attorney’s office and many District Attorneys have designated Domestic Violence units with specially trained prosecutors within their offices. District Attorney’s offices are aggressively prosecuting all types of domestic violence cases even if the alleged victim did not want you arrested and does not want you prosecuted!
Due to the life-altering legal consequences that are involved, it is always in a person’s best interest to obtain the services of a criminal defense attorney who has the legal background and knowledge it takes to successfully fight domestic violence charges. Additionally, it is important that people charged with domestic violence seek guidance from a lawyer as they may be subject to the strict terms of a restraining order or an order of protection, which may prohibit them from having contact with the alleged victim or entering their own residence.
For our clients’ convenience our office is located in downtown Santa Rosa, California, just minutes from the Sonoma County Courthouse and Jail facilities. We are also accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! If you have been charged with a domestic violence related crime call the Law Offices of Evan E. Zelig, P.C. at (707) 636-3204 or toll free at (888) ZELIGLAW
