Accusations of domestic violence in California are taken very seriously by prosecutors and law enforcement. There are special victim units and prosecutors dedicated exclusively to the prosecution of domestic violence.

Punishment for domestic violence depends on a number of factors including: (1) seriousness of the offense, (2) existence of any injuries, and, (3) prior criminal history. A person convicted of domestic violence can face up to one year in jail, if charged as a misdemeanor, or 2-4 years in prison, if charged as a felony. In California, most prosecutors and Judges insist on some amount of jail time even for misdemeanor offenses that do not involve physical injury. Additional consequences include a mandatory 52-week Batterers Program, restraining/protective orders, fines, and a permanent mark on one’s record that may affect employment opportunities, state licensing, and carry severe immigration consequences including deportation for non-citizens.

Domestic Violence Defense Attorney, Debra S. White

Los Angeles domestic violence defense attorney Debra S. White understands that when defending against allegations of domestic violence, justice demands a fierce defense. This is because over zealous and/or inexperienced prosecutors have a tendency to overcharge crimes and demand harsh penalties that do not accurately reflect the offense. And sometimes what appears to police to be a domestic battery is really an accident or an act of self-defense. Many prosecutors also fail to recognize false allegations of domestic violence until it is too late, if at all.

Ms. White has extensive experience defending against allegations of domestic violence in courts throughout Southern California. She develops successful defense strategies by meticulous case preparation, skillful negotiation, and sharp trial skills. Ms. White is compassionate toward her clients and works closely with them to learn how to best defend them. Her results speak for themselves.

False Allegations of Domestic Violence

A mere accusation of domestic violence can be enough to convince a prosecutor to charge a crime without any physical evidence. Los Angeles and Ventura criminal defense attorney Debra S. White knows this all too well as demonstrated in the case of her client, Louis Gonzalez, III. Mr. Gonzalez was falsely accused of horrific acts of torture, rape, and attempted murder by the mother of his son in an effort to gain custody. Ms. White and her team fought relentlessly to expose the accuser for her lies and obtained a dismissal of all charges at the Preliminary Hearing. This story was featured in the Los Angeles Times and can be read by visiting the following link: A Man’s Nightmare Made Real.

Ventura Courts and Ventura County prosecutors unfortunately are not the only ones with a tendency to prosecute alleged crimes merely because someone said it happened. This happens in Los Angeles County and in courthouses throughout California and the United States on a daily basis.

False accusations of domestic violence demand aggressive and serious representation. Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer Debra S. White is a true fighter with the experience, reputation, skill, and knowledge of the law needed to defend against charges of domestic violence and expose false accusers.

Can Domestic Violence Charges Be Dropped?

Charges of domestic violence cannot be dropped simply because the accuser does not want to “press charges.” Even if the accuser recants and denies being a victim of domestic violence, they have little or no power to prevent the prosecutor from filing the case or pursuing a conviction once an arrest is made. Once a case is presented to the District Attorney or City Prosecutor for filing, it is up to the prosecutor whether to file charges.

Representation Before Charges are Filed

Charges of domestic violence cannot be dropped simply because the accuser does not want to “press charges.” Even if the accuser recants and denies being a victim of domestic violence, they have little or no power to prevent the prosecutor from filing the case or pursuing a conviction once an arrest is made. Once a case is presented to the District Attorney or City Prosecutor for filing, it is up to the prosecutor whether to file charges.

Know The Lawyer You Hire

Finding the right criminal defense lawyer can be a daunting task. With the advent of the internet and modern technology, websites and paid-for advertising puts hundreds, if not thousands of lawyers at your fingertips. Ms. White recommends that when you take the following steps to ensure that you hire the right lawyer:

• When you contact a law firm, be careful of any legal advice from a non-lawyer.
• Ask for a consultation from the lawyer you might hire. Most criminal defense lawyers offer free initial consultations.
• If possible, meet with the attorney you intend to hire in person.
• Make sure that the lawyer you hire is the same person who will actually represent you and not an associate you have never met.
• Do your homework. Research the attorney. Are they legally licensed to practice law in California? The State Bar of California's Member Search will tell you if there has been any disciplinary action against the attorney.
• Check for any client reviews about the attorney. What do others have to say about this attorney? Beware of fake testimonials and internet marketing ploys!
• Interview the attorney. How long have they been a criminal defense lawyer? What is their experience in handling these types of cases? Do they have any trial experience with these cases? What is their success rate? Are they available to take your case? Will someone else work on this case?
• Is it better to hire an attorney who is a former prosecutor? It is a misconception that former prosecutors make better defense attorneys. An experienced criminal defense attorney usually has more experience dealing with prosecutors and Judges in more courthouses than a former prosecutor who usually works in one office and one courthouse or courtroom. Moreover, attorneys who become prosecutors are usually pro-prosecution, and not defense-oriented. When a prosecutor decides to "switch sides" are they doing it because they are true defenders who want to fight for the rights of the accused? It is our experience that the best criminal defense attorneys have not only extensive legal knowledge, experience, and skill that is required to effectively and successfully represent a criminal defendant but are defense-minded people who are truly compassionate about helping their clients and zealously defending their rights.

The lawyer you hire does make a difference.

Contact Ms. White today for a free initial confidential consultation at 818-609-1800. We are available to take your call 24/7.