Domestic violence charges can change the course of your life. If you have faced domestic violence accusations, you may find yourself struggling to decide where to turn next.
Were you charged with domestic violence in Pasadena? A domestic violence defense lawyer in Pasadena can help you learn more about your rights and your next steps after a violent crime charge or accusation.
Domestic Violence Legal Penalties
If you find yourself convicted of domestic violence, you may find yourself facing a number of legal penalties.
Jail Time
Even threats of violence against a domestic partner or another resident of your household could leave you spending weeks in jail. More serious domestic violence charges could lead to longer jail time.
Jail time not only means an immediate loss of your freedoms, but it can also interfere with your future. Jail time can interfere with your relationships, your family, and your career, leaving you struggling to provide.
Probation
Many people convicted of domestic violence end up on probation, either instead of or following jail time. While on probation, you may have your activities monitored and limited. You may feel as though your freedoms are significantly limited during this time, leaving you struggling to live a normal life.
Fines and Fees
If you are convicted of domestic violence, you may find yourself ordered by the court to pay a number of fines, fees, and penalties. In addition to fees charged directly following a domestic violence conviction, you may have to pay for:
- Court-ordered treatment programs, including anger management or drug or alcohol rehabilitation
- Drug or alcohol testing
- Court costs
In some cases, the judge may also require you to make a donation to a domestic violence charity or organization. Furthermore, past instances of domestic violence may increase your penalties.
Community Service
During your probationary period following a domestic violence conviction, you may have to perform community service, often in specific locations determined by the court. Community service can cut into your free time and leave you without many of the personal freedoms you usually rely on.
Loss of Firearm Rights
Following domestic violence conviction, you may lose your right to own or purchase firearms. This penalty may remain in place long after other consequences have been paid.
For a free legal consultation with a domestic violence defense lawyer serving Pasadena, call (310) 896-2723
Civil Consequences of Domestic Violence Conviction
In addition to the criminal penalties you may pay for domestic violence, you may find yourself dealing with a number of civil penalties.
Order of Protection
The person who accused you of domestic violence may receive an order of protection against you. Not only does this order of protection prevent you from going around that person, but it may also limit your movements through the city, especially if you frequently travel in the same circles.
In addition, an order of protection can interfere with your ability to see other members of the family, including minor children in the custody of a spouse or former spouse who has taken out an order of protection against you.
Job Loss
In some industries or positions, domestic violence may lead to automatic job loss. In other cases, your employer may choose to terminate your employment, particularly if you spend time in jail as a result of domestic violence conviction.
Domestic violence conviction can also make it more difficult to obtain future employment since many employers will not overlook that domestic violence conviction in your past.
Difficulty Securing an Apartment or Rental Property
With a domestic violence conviction on your record, you may have a much harder time securing a place to live. Many landlords will choose not to rent to someone with a domestic violence conviction.
Pasadena Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Charged with Domestic Violence in Pasadena?
If you find yourself facing domestic violence charges, you may need a lawyer to help you navigate the challenges ahead of you. A domestic violence lawyer in Pasadena can offer many advantages over an overworked public defender, who may not have adequate time or energy to handle your case.
A Lawyer Can Help Protect Your Rights
During a domestic violence investigation and trial, you want a lawyer on your side who will protect your rights and support you as you navigate your case. An experienced domestic violence attorney can ensure that the investigation does not violate any of your rights.
A Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in Pasadena Can Help Minimize Consequences
The consequences of domestic violence charges can impact every area of your life, from your freedom to your finances. You may find yourself struggling long after a domestic violence conviction. A lawyer can help you minimize the civil and criminal consequences you may face as much as possible based on the unique conditions of your case.
A Pasadena Domestic Violence Defense Attorney Can Help Build Your Case
Representing yourself can make it very difficult to build your defense case effectively, even if you are innocent of the charges against you. A domestic violence defense lawyer can help build your defense case, including:
- Quickly obtaining all necessary materials
- Reviewing evidence presented by the victim
- Looking into police reports and other documents to ensure their accuracy
In addition, a domestic violence defense lawyer can help seek out additional evidence that could help support your case, including 911 call recordings, police body camera footage, and statements made by the victim. Then, a domestic violence defense lawyer can present that information as part of a clear, compelling case that can help protect your freedoms as much as possible.
A Lawyer Can Represent You in Court
Going to court is incredibly stressful. You need to respond quickly and handle the information thrown at you as effectively as possible. A domestic violence lawyer can ensure that you have quality representation that can support you throughout the trial if needed.
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Contact a Pasadena Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer Today
If you have been accused of domestic violence, having a domestic violence lawyer on your side can prove critical to protecting your freedoms and your rights. Contact Simmrin Law Group today to learn more about how we can support you.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form