Being arrested for domestic violence in Los Angeles California is enough to completely turn your life upside down. The first few days after a domestic violence arrest are critical in terms of gathering evidence, interviewing potentially helpful witnesses, and preparing a strong defense against the charges. Consider hiring an experienced Los Angeles Domestic Violence Lawyer right away, as you definitely need one.
The California Penal Code makes it illegal to physically attack or otherwise threaten an “intimate partner” of the accused. This can include: Spouses, Domestic partners, Individuals who are dating or previously dated, Individuals residing together, Parents and Children. Ultimately, domestic violence refers to situations where the abused individual and their abuser are related closely, whether it is through blood or marriage.
What qualifies as domestic violence in California?
According to domestic violence/abuse laws in Los Angeles, California, there are a variety of different actions that qualify as domestic abuse. In addition to intentionally or recklessly harming (or attempting to harm) someone, the Los Angeles domestic violence law also says an action is domestic violence if it involves: Sexual assault. Threatening someone or making them unreasonably afraid that they or another individual will be severely hurt. Behavior like stalking, harassing, threatening, hitting another person, disturbing another individual’s peace, or destroying personal property
In many cases, domestic violence involves some sort of physical abuse. It’s important to note that physical abuse does not just refer to hitting – it can involve other harmful behavior like kicking, pushing, shoving, throwing things, or pulling hair. It can also refer to intentionally scaring or following another person, or the act of preventing someone from coming or going freely. California law also classifies physical abuse against family pets as domestic violence.
However, abuse does not have to be physical in order to be considered domestic violence. In fact, many domestic violence cases involve verbal abuse, as well as emotional or psychological trauma. The most important thing to remember about domestic violence is that someone does not have to be hit in order to be a victim.
The links below provide more detailed information about the main domestic violence crimes in California, including the most common types: 273.5 PC and 243(e)(1) PC.