San Bernardino & Riverside Domestic Violence

Hundreds of women, men, and children become victims of domestic violence each year.  Domestic violence exists when in a relationship (e.g., married couples, roommates and others living with one another) one party causes bodily injury, threatens, stalks, harasses, and/or sexually abuses the other.  Domestic violence truly covers a wide range of abuse.  The Women’s Aid federation defines domestic violence as “physical, psychological, sexual or financial violence that takes place within an intimate or family-type relationship and forms a pattern of coercive and controlling behavior.” 

Under California’s domestic violence laws, any threatening or violent act, even if the accused abuser did not intend to harm or compromise the safety of the victim, may be grounds for prosecution under said statutes.  In emergency situations, victims of domestic violence can obtain an immediate restraining order, forbidding the abuser from coming in contact with them physically, on the telephone, and/or being within a certain distance of their home, place of work, school, etc.  Domestic violence may be classified as a misdemeanor or felony.  Depending on the severity of the case and the injuries sustained by the victim, the prosecutor can charge the abuser with a felony which could result in potential jail time.  It is important to note that if a suspected abuser is arrested for domestic violence and even if the victim does not wish to have the abuser arrested, he or she can still be prosecuted by the District Attorney’s office.  In some instances, especially when it comes to spousal abuse, the prosecutor will just move forward with the criminal case even if the alleged victim refuses to go to court.  

Consequences of Domestic Violence
Depending upon whether or not the victim files for a restraining order, there are a number of outcomes that can result in a domestic violence case.  If the alleged abuser is charged with a misdemeanor, he or she may be subjected to abiding by a restraining order, including having to move out of the residence where he or she resides with the alleged victim.  In addition, if convicted, the abuser could be sentenced to having to perform community service, pay fines, and/or a jail sentence of up to six months.  If the alleged abuser is charged with a felony, then in addition to most likely having to abide by a restraining order, he or she faces various fines, community service, and a jail sentence that can range anywhere from three months in a county jail up to 3 years in a state prison. 

San Bernardino/Riverside’s Leading Family Law Domestic Violence Attorney
At the San Bernardino/Riverside Family Law Office of Michael R. Young, APC, we have helped thousands of domestic violence victims obtain restraining orders and get the protection they need.  We understand that domestic violence disputes most often cause a great deal of psychological, emotional, and financial stress.  We do everything within our power to lessen this stress by providing unparalleled compassionate, yet aggressive legal representation.    

If you feel you are in danger and need to file for a restraining order, contact the San Bernardino/Riverside Family Law Office of Michael R. Young, APC today!