Dublin Domestic Violence Attorney
Defending Individuals Facing Domestic Violence Charges in Alameda County
If you or someone you know has been arrested for some type of domestic violence crime in the Tri-Valley area, many aspects of your life may be at risk. Domestic violence cases often involve both criminal and civil legal actions. As a result, you could be facing serious criminal penalties along with a restraining order that can put you out of your home and drastically impact your life and family relations. Beyond this, you may end up with a permanent criminal record and the loss of any professional license or security clearance you hold pertaining to your career.
A domestic violence charge commonly begins with a 911 call to your home where police officers who respond must make an arrest when they suspect an incident has occurred. An arrest can be made based on the statements your accuser makes at time which can be false, misleading, or exaggerated. These cases often revolve around family and relationship problems stemming from breakups, divorce, child custody battles, and retaliatory behavior.
At such a life crisis, you owe it to yourself to take charge of your defense by finding competent and committed legal representation. At The Law Office of Christopher A. Lamiero, you can bring your case to a former prosecutor who has built valuable professional relationships throughout the legal industry and whose experience in criminal law spans decades. Our Dublin domestic violence attorney is known for the respect he commands and for the integrity he brings to every defense case undertaken.
Are you facing a domestic violence charge in California? Call The Law Office of Christopher A. Lamiero today at at (925) 259-3337 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our domestic violence lawyer in Dublin!
What Is Domestic Violence in California?
Domestic violence in California refers to a pattern of abusive behavior between individuals with close relationships. It encompasses various forms of abuse, such as physical, emotional, psychological, or sexual abuse. Domestic violence is not a single crime but a descriptive phrase for many offenses. It involves criminal behavior directed at someone with whom you have a close domestic, familial, or romantic relationship.
The following individuals can be affected by domestic violence:
- Spouse or ex-spouse
- Cohabitant (someone you live with)
- Parent or child
- Someone with whom you have had a child
- Current or former dating partner or fiancé(e)
Types of Domestic Violence Crimes in California
Crimes directed against these individuals can include:
- Assault
- Battery
- Stalking
- Criminal threats
- Violation of a restraining order
- Child abuse
- Elder abuse
- Child endangerment
- Child neglect
- Corporal injury
- Damaging a phone line/device
- Aggravated trespassing
- Posting harmful information online
- Distributing sexual photos of the alleged victim
What are the Penalties for Domestic Violence in California?
In California, the penalties for domestic violence can vary depending on the case's specific circumstances, the offense's severity, the defendant's criminal history, and other factors. Domestic violence is taken seriously, and the state has implemented laws to protect victims and hold offenders accountable. Here are some potential penalties for domestic violence offenses in California:
Misdemeanor Domestic Violence:
- Up to one year in county jail
- Fines up to $2,000
- Probation
- Mandatory completion of a batterer's intervention program
- A restraining order or protective order
Felony Domestic Violence:
- Imprisonment in state prison for up to several years, depending on the severity of the offense
- Higher fines, potentially reaching thousands of dollars
- Probation or parole
- Mandatory completion of a batterer's intervention program
- A restraining order or protective order
Enhanced Penalties:
- The penalties can be more severe if the defendant has prior convictions for domestic violence or related offenses.
- The use of a deadly weapon during the commission of domestic violence can lead to enhanced penalties.
If you are a teacher, nurse, pharmacist, pilot, realtor, or other career professional holding a professional license, your license may be revoked leading to a loss of employment. If you are a noncitizen, you may be subject to deportation, denial of a status upgrade or visa, or other immigration consequences. Finally, a conviction will result in a permanent criminal record which can hinder future employment, career advances, housing opportunities, and more.
Criminal Defense FAQ
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What is a Defense Attorney?
A criminal defense attorney is a lawyer who specializes in defending individuals, businesses and organizations accused of committing a crime. They have the knowledge to understand the laws and legal procedures related to criminal cases. A criminal defense lawyers strives to protect their client's rights and build a strong defense case against all charges.
Defense attorneys use a variety of methods to help their clients, including research and investigation, interviewing witnesses, filing motions, plea bargaining with prosecutors and advocating in court for their clients. They may also advise clients on how best to prepare for trial and present evidence that could prove innocence or legal mitigating factors. In some cases, they also negotiate with prosecutors in order to get reduced or dropped charges for their clients. As experienced professionals, criminal defense attorneys look for any weaknesses in the government's case and make sure that every aspect of the law is being followed.
By hiring an experienced lawyer, you can be rest assured knowing that your rights are protected throughout the legal process and that you will receive sound advice to help you navigate your case.
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Should I Accept a Plea Agreement?
Most criminal cases resolve through plea deals. A plea bargain allows you to accept the penalty for a lesser offense, often keeping more serious charges off your record. Whether a plea will benefit you depends on your situation, but no one should accept a plea deal from someone who is not guilty of the crime.
Having a lawyer to counsel you on your best options is critical if you hope to avoid agreeing to a deal that is not in your best interests.
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Will I Lose My Professional License if I Am Convicted of a Felony?
While California has passed a law prohibiting employers from asking about an applicant’s criminal history before making a job offer, this does not mean a conviction on your record will not affect your career opportunities. Many professional licensing boards have restrictions on eligibility for those who have criminal convictions.
Depending on the type of license you hold and the circumstances of your case, a conviction may negatively affect your professional future. Having an attorney on your side can improve the chances of avoiding a career-ending conviction.
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Why Do I Need an Attorney?
After your arrest, you should waste no time seeking the counsel of an attorney who is familiar with California laws and the courts in Alameda County, Northern and Central California. You will be facing skilled prosecutors whose goal is to convict you.
Your defense attorney will have the resources to construct a defense that will give you every possible advantage to avoid a conviction of the most serious charges you face. Even a misdemeanor conviction can negatively affect your life for years. I will work to prevent that from happening.
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What Should I Do Next?
Your first step after your arrest should be to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. Police and investigators should not continue questioning you once you have asked for a lawyer. When you obtain legal representation from Attorney Christopher Lamiero, our firm will protect your rights and help you make the right decisions throughout the legal process.
Call (925) 259-3337 or use our online form to obtain legal counsel from an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Dublin, CA. Se habla español.