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If you are accused of physically attacking your spouse, ex-spouse, partner, or a cohabitant in your home, you will likely be charged with domestic battery under California Penal Code 243(e)(1). Domestic battery is the most common form of domestic violence, and even though it's only a misdemeanor ...

Under California law, the basic act of using force against an intimate partner qualifies as domestic violence (domestic battery, to be exact)—even if that partner is unhurt. However, when that use of force does cause injury, it qualifies as a corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant under Califo...

"Revenge porn" is the term used to describe the distribution of sexually explicit images or videos without the consent of the person depicted in them. This can be done with the intent to harm, humiliate, or embarrass that person. In California, revenge porn is charged as a crime under Penal Code ...

If you are charged with domestic violence in California, you face several potential consequences even before you are convicted of a crime. You may have a protective order against you; you may lose custody or visitation rights of your children, at least temporarily. But most profoundly, domestic v...

California has strict laws and penalties when it comes to domestic violence. In fact, simply being accused of domestic violence can have serious repercussions for your life, even if the accusation is patently false. But if the evidence against you is compelling and the charges are particularly se...

California's rape penalties are steep. If you're convicted of rape under California Penal Code 261 PC, you will face mandatory prison time, fines up to $10,000, and lifetime registration as a sex offender. But what if your spouse accuses you of rape? Could you still face the same steep penalties ...

In 2020, California's State Legislature passed a measure known as SB 1141, which amends the state's Family Code to include “coercive control” of an intimate partner as a form of domestic violence. On January 1, 2021, the new provision went into effect. This law significantly expands the definitio...

As with many parts of the country, domestic violence is an ongoing problem in Fresno, CA, and throughout the Central Valley. The good news is that domestic violence victims have a lot of options when it comes to getting help. The bad news: they don't always know how to tap into these resources, a...

If you're facing a volatile family situation or had a contentious or violent relationship with a spouse or dating partner, you may know that people can use technology against you. Those with access to your electronic data may use your phone to stalk, threaten, or coerce you. But technology can al...

Domestic violence is a serious issue across California and the U.S. But when we think of family violence, many immediately think of the stereotype: a large man beating up a smaller, defenseless woman. However, it's been hard to miss the recent sensational case that defies stereotypes about domest...

When we think about traumatic brain injury or TBI, we often think of NFL players after years of taking hard hits in the game or soldiers after concussive injuries from war. But in reality, many more people suffer from TBIs each year, some without even realizing it. In fact, domestic violence can ...

Millions of people saw the 2014 video of former Baltimore Ravens quarterback Ray Rice assaulting his then-fiancé in an elevator in an Atlantic City elevator. The video prompted the Ravens to release Rice, who never played in the NFL again. In another decision that rocked the sports world, Major L...

In California, anyone convicted of or pleading guilty to a domestic violence charge must complete a court-ordered treatment program lasting 52 weeks. The “Batterer Intervention Program” (BIP) includes group counseling to prevent domestic violence recurrence in the home. While there is much debate...

If you're facing a domestic violence charge in the Fresno area, it's important to understand what may come with a conviction, aside from jail time and a fine. Under California law, anyone convicted of domestic violence must also attend a 52-week domestic violence counseling program known as a “Ba...

Domestic violence is a serious matter in California. If you're facing a charge, you undoubtedly understand that a conviction can have serious consequences. But you may be wondering how prior convictions can affect the possible penalties you'll face for a domestic violence conviction. This article...

Family violence is a serious problem in California, just as it is across the U.S. Many of us have the general idea that “domestic violence” is limited to violence between married partners or couples that live together. But domestic violence can happen in families and people living in the same hou...

The State of California has some of the strictest gun control laws in the nation—especially when it comes to those with a criminal record, and especially when it comes to domestic violence crimes. It can be a very unwelcome surprise to be arrested because you've been accused by your spouse or par...

Being convicted of a domestic violence crime can have a lasting impact on your life. Even if you are able to avoid jail time through probation, your custody and visitation rights may be affected, and you'll now have a criminal record, which can impact your ability to get a job, rent a home, or ob...

If you're facing multiple domestic violence charges, or you've been convicted of a domestic violence charge in the past, you may be worried about how these past convictions can affect the charges you're facing right now. Your penalties for domestic violence offenses can increase if you have prior...

If you're facing domestic violence charges in California, you're undoubtedly worried about what can happen if you're convicted. You may also be wondering why you're facing multiple charges and the difference between felony and misdemeanor domestic violence charges. This article will discuss some ...

Domestic violence is a serious issue, and California law enforcement officials treat it seriously. Our state policies that encourage police to arrest someone for domestic violence may go a long way to protecting legitimate victims. But if you are unjustly accused of domestic violence, California ...

If you are arrested for domestic violence in the State of California, chances are you'll be charged with one of two crimes: domestic battery (California PC 243(e)(1)) or domestic violence causing corporal injury (California 273.5). There is often a bit of confusion around the differences between ...

The question of whether domestic violence “runs in the family” is a hot-button topic for many reasons. On the one hand, some who commit domestic violence would like the blame to fall on some outside factor rather than taking responsibility for their actions. On the other hand, those victimized by...

Being accused of domestic violence can upend your life in many ways. If a protective order is issued, you could be forced to leave your home and change your routine to avoid contacting your partner. If convicted of criminal charges, you could face fines and jail time. And unfortunately, domestic ...

If you're facing a domestic violence charge in California, or if you've already got one on your record, you're undoubtedly concerned about how long a conviction will follow you. Police and prosecutors aggressively seek domestic violence convictions. In many cases, when police are called to a dome...