California’s Domestic Violence Penalties

The California court system treats domestic violence as a very serious offense. The penalties and punishments can be severe. If you have been charged with domestic violence, it is in your best interest to hire a Sacramento DUI attorney to protect your legal rights.

In California, domestic violence cases are handled by a specific domestic violence unit consisting of special prosecutors who only handle these types of cases. The prosecutor assigned to your case has the discretion of choosing whether to prosecute the domestic violence as a misdemeanor or a felony.

The potential sentencing and penalties will ultimately depend on whether the prosecutor decides to charge you with a felony or a misdemeanor domestic violence.

If the prosecutor decides to charge you with a felony domestic violence charge, your sentencing will include:

• 52 hours of domestic violence counseling
• 40 hours of community service
• No contact order with the victim
• Fines
• 3 months to 3 years in prison

If the prosecutor decides to charge you with a misdemeanor domestic violence charge, your sentencing will include:

• 52 hours of domestic violence counseling
• 40 hours community service
• No contact order with the victim
• Fines
• Up to 6 months in jail

Regardless of how you are charged, the penalties and sentencing associated with domestic violence are severe.

If you are facing domestic violence charges in California, it is in your best interest to immediately hire Sacramento DUI attorney Param Pabla to defend you during this difficult time. To schedule a complimentary consultation, please call (916) 285-7900.