Everyone makes mistakes. This statement applies both to everyday individuals, as well as those in law enforcement and the criminal justice system. When you are charged with a criminal offense, there can be serious consequences involved. You need a skilled criminal defense attorney to ensure that you receive a fair trial and your best interests are protected. If you’re specifically searching for a petty theft lawyer in LA, check out our page here.
At Hurwitz Law Group, Inc we are committed to providing our clients with the best legal representation as they proceed through the court system. Regardless of the severity of the crime you are charged with, having an experienced lawyer can greatly affect the outcome of the case and the impact that it has on your life.
Our team specializes in defending clients facing various common criminal charges, including assault, misdemeanor, DUI, and petty theft. If you need an attorney in Los Angeles who genuinely cares about your case and will work tirelessly to defend you, contact us.
When you are charged with driving under the influence, there is a lot more to worry about than just a mark on your clean driving record. If found guilty, you may lose your license, receive a fine or even face years of jail time regardless of whether or not the incident involved a vehicular accident resulting in injury or death. Our team will provide you with legal advice as well as legal representation to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.
Altercations between individuals are not all that uncommon. When people are placed in a position where they feel they need to defend their honor or protect themselves against bodily harm, they may resort to physical violence. Without all the facts, an individual may be sentenced harshly simply for becoming entangled in an unexpected situation. Our legal team will make sure that your side of the story is heard. We have defended clients against charges of domestic violence, assault, and battery.
Your life changes forever when you are convicted of a sex crime. Not only do you face the potential for years of incarceration, but once released you will spend the rest of your life labelled as a sex offender. This can severely limit your options when it comes to housing and employment, as well as irreparably damage your reputation. Unfortunately, false accusations can and have destroyed the lives of many innocent people. If you are being charged with a sex crime, it is important for you to find a criminal defense attorney who will be able provide you with a proper defense so that you do not fall victim to malicious accusations.
Theft crimes can include everything from embezzlement to grand theft auto. Often, the monetary value of the stolen property will determine whether you face a misdemeanor or felony charge and, consequently, influence the severity of the punishment and/or fines that you will face. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you better navigate the complex legal system and secure a more favorable outcome.
Upon being arrested, many people find themselves in a panicked and frightened state. This is not always the best time to make important decisions that can affect you for the rest of your life but it is crucial that you maintain the presence of mind to contact a lawyer before anything else takes place. Although you may be feeling desperate, you need to be selective about who you want representing you in the courtroom. The skill, experience, and professionalism of your criminal defense attorney can play a large role in determining the outcome of your case. There are several things that you should be looking for when you are considering a lawyer. PS. Are you wondering if you can lose your medical license due to a domestic violence charge in California? We’ve got the answer.
Many criminal defense lawyers specialize in handling specific types of cases such as DUIs or domestic violence offenses. Ideally, your attorney should have extensive experience defending clients who have been charged with crimes similar to yours. They will have a deeper knowledge of that particular area of law and will be better prepared to help you with your case. It is important to ask questions and learn more about an attorney to make sure they are the person you want defending you.
You need to have full faith in your criminal defense attorney and their ability to build a strong case for you. If you find that your attorney is consistently late, unprepared, unavailable, or otherwise unprofessional and unreliable, you have the option to walk away or look for someone else to represent you. There is little reason to believe that a lawyer will be dependable inside a courtroom if they do not show professionalism outside of one.
Often, a persuasive argument hinges on the eloquence of the speaker as much as it does on the facts they are presenting. There are many reasons why communication is such an important skill to look for in a criminal defense attorney. Not only do you want someone who is articulate with their words arguing in your defense, but you also want a lawyer who can clearly explain or discuss the details of your case with you in plain, simple language that you can understand. There will be times when you need to make a decision regarding how to proceed with your case, and it is important that your attorney is able to effectively communicate any important information to you that could influence your decision.
It is likely that you will need to be in contact with your criminal defense attorney on a regular basis for the duration of your case. Aside from their professional qualifications, experience, skills, and expertise, the situation can be much less stressful if you find a lawyer whose personality is a good fit for you. Your lawyer should be someone you generally get along well with and feel comfortable around. They should genuinely care about your case and show personal concern regarding the outcome of your case.
… An emergency room teeming with patients who all need your attention NOW.
… The death of a pediatric patient and the subsequent meeting with the parents you hoped would never be.
… An Intensive Care Unit filled with patients who could die at any time in the middle of your double shift. By the way, for a Los Angeles criminal lawyer, check out our dedicate page here.
Being a medical doctor, no matter where you practice or the type of medicine you practice, can be amazingly stressful. Though our doctors are the professionals with whom we entrust our lives, oftentimes, we think of them more as individuals who went into their field because they could handle whatever health crises came their way, with super human emotional strength and medical expertise. It is important to remember that doctors are in fact people, just as human as those they treat day in and day out. They may be the best of the best, but anger, frustration and impulse control are issues all of us deal with, medical degrees and skill sets notwithstanding.
Domestic abuse, also referred to as domestic violence (DV) is defined by California law, as violence or harm that occurs between individuals who are legally married, live together, have lived together, or share offspring. Under the law, domestic violence also covers any acts of aggression between siblings, parents, children, and people with whom you live. The law stresses that intent is one of the defining factors of domestic abuse. For example, it is not considered abuse should you slap someone unintentionally as you grab for something on a high shelf. Slapping them with what you grabbed intentionally however, is in fact, abuse. In short, DV describes damages that are willfully inflicted upon a victim with whom you live or have lived, in which bodily harm results.
According to Business and Professions Code Section 2236, convictions of any type of crime, whether a felony or misdemeanor, are subject to disciplinary action by the Medical Board of California. However when it comes to domestic abuse, an arrest may not warrant such action.
A very important point to consider is that hiring a diligent law firm such as the Hurwitz Law Group, Inc could eliminate the concern of disciplinary action by the medical board by combatting charges before they are even filed. The Hurwitz Law Group, Inc has been able to intervene on behalf of its clients by preventing charges from being filed by law enforcement officers—thus preventing the charges from reaching the prosecution altogether. Once the charges are filed, of course, it is completely up to the prosecutor as to how the proceed—and the word of your spouse of partner will have little weight on this decision.
If charges are filed, and the prosecution does carry out a case against you, it must be determined, according to California State Law if an arrest should lead to the revocation of a doctor’s license. It will be taken under consideration as to whether the behavior for which the accused was arrested for significantly relates to their duties and qualifications as a medical doctor. Because there are so many nuanced particulars involved in determining what happened and what should happen, it is vital that you work with a skilled domestic violence attorney who will vigorously analyze the issues involved in the arrest, and how to protect yourself and the medical license you worked so hard to attain.
If you have been arrested for domestic violence, it is critical that you secure an attorney who will fight for you, and provide you with legal support that results in the best of possible outcomes. This is why The Hurwitz Law Group, Inc is the advocate you need in your corner. With a targeted concentration in cases like this, you are guaranteed to receive devoted representation and counsel you can trust. If you are a medical doctor and have been arrested or accused of domestic violence in the Los Angeles area, you are urged to contact The Hurwitz Law Group, Inc today.
Healthcare professionals, especially nurses, are characterized as compassionate and responsible individuals who put effort into caring for those who are enduring challenges related to their health. We often think of nurses and other medical professionals as hard working people with hearts of gold, but even the most caring and qualified individuals make mistakes from time to time. Whether they are taking care of terminally ill patients, sick kids or the elderly, or an influx of emergency room visitors, nurses have a lot on their plates. Often, recognition of a nurse’s talent is overlooked and shifts are extended due to staff shortages. [For a great read, check out our article, Consequences for DUI Under 21! here].
While nurses have access to medications that are patient- designated, stress and drug availability can be a lethal combination for some. The California Board of Nursing recognizes the risks of this combination of stress and drug availability, and has created a drug and alcohol intervention program designed specifically for registered nurses.
Even with this program, some nurses get behind the wheel of a car while drunk or high anyway. When this happens, the years of training, internships, and working towards professional licensure can be irreparably damaged in one fell swoop. The Florence Nightingale Pledge, also known loosely as the nurse’s oath, declares that nurses will not cause intentional harm or knowingly provide drugs or substances that may be deemed dangerous. A nurse who is intoxicated and operating a motor vehicle is not adhering to the nurse’s oath.
So what is a nurse charged with a DUI to do?
Things get trickier and more complex if nurses are found guilty for DUI. For starters, nurses must report only convictions, not arrests, to the California Board of Registered Nurses (BRN). A conviction of a DUI charge in the State of California is considered (at least) a misdemeanor; misdemeanor and felony (subsequent DUI’s may fall into this category) convictions must be reported to the nursing board.
The results of being convicted with a DUI may include a revocation of one’s nursing license. Such behavior falls under the professional codes of conduct dictated by the BRN. Additionally, the law recommends revocation of a nursing license if the use of drugs or alcohol poses a danger to oneself or others, and impedes the ability to practice nursing safely. A revocation may be stayed after a nurse serves three years probation, but the damage caused by losing one’s license for even three years remains considerable.
Fortunately, there are conditions the Board of Nursing may consider in order to alleviate the consequences. When your circumstances will be taken under consideration, your overall disciplinary and criminal records will be considered, as will the potential harm to oneself or the public that may or may not have been involved in the course of driving a car while under the influence.
Because the ramifications of a DUI charge for a registered nurse can be far-reaching, affecting both your personal and professional journeys, it is crucial that you enlist the support of an DUI attorney who will aggressively advocate for your rights. Call The Hurwitz Law Group, Inc to help you strategize a way to navigate your DUI conviction while keeping your professional goals in mind.
Becoming an American citizen is a dream shared by many individuals, hailing from many different countries across the world. People choose to immigrate to the United States for so many reasons, including freedom, prosperity, and the promises of democracy.
Becoming a citizen is a lengthy process that requires dedication, money, and the desire to remain in the United States legally. Unfortunately, there are thousands of individuals who do not have the resources to become citizens, or perhaps are afraid of being discovered for entering illegally in the first place. In short, regardless of the country one has chosen to leave and how they originally entered America, becoming a US citizen is quite the undertaking. [For a great read, check out our article, Consequences for DUI Under 21! here].
What does having good morals have to do with becoming a United States citizen, though? Well for one thing, the US would ideally like to help immigrants who not only follow the laws of the land, but encourage others to uphold the same tenets respectfully and decently. Driving while under the influence of any type of mind altering drug however, can threaten your ability to become a US citizen, both because it is against the law and because putting others’ lives at risk contradicts the very concept of being a citizen with “good character and morals.”
As with many things in life, the answer to this question really depends. Mitigating factors include how many times you have been charged for driving under the influence, whether or not you are on probation for a DUI charge, and how willing the court is to adjust your probation period, since you cannot file for citizenship if you are on probation. Another significant factor in determining one’s eligibility for citizenship is whether or not you caused bodily harm during your DUI.
It is important to note that illegal or undocumented citizens in California, based on laws passed in 2015, can become legally licensed drivers, in spite of their non- citizenship or illegal status. The flip side of this dictates that said license holders can also be arrested for DUI’s. Undocumented citizens brought up on DUI charges that prove felonious may ultimately lose the privilege of filing for citizenship now or in the future, and could, depending on the nature of their crime, get them deported.
The laws surrounding citizenship are detailed and predicated on a host of “what if” situations. Additionally, the risks of being forced to go “back home” are odds many immigrant hopefuls do not wish to take. Because citizenship laws are so intricately intertwined with driving laws, it is to your greatest benefit that you secure with experienced attorney in immigration and vehicular law, and knows how the two interface.
The Hurwitz Law Group, Inc understands how golden the dream to live legally in the US is for so many individuals. The Hurwitz Law Group, Inc also understands that everyone, regardless of their status, deserves quality legal representation. If you are applying for citizenship or are in process of gaining legal status and are facing DUI charges, you need to call The Hurwitz Law Group, Inc today.
Real Estate is not just about selling properties that make the dreams of families come true. Although helping families and individuals find the perfect homes is quite the morale booster for all involved, there is a lot of dealmaking, negotiating, connecting to clients meaningfully, and socializing that goes on as well. As realtors keep the needs and wants of sellers, buyers, banks, and loan officers in mind, there are a lot of pieces to the process a real estate agent goes through for every deal. [For a great read, check out our article, Consequences for DUI Under 21! here].
However, making deals, securing sales, and establishing a good name for yourself in the community and industry is not only about the property you wish to sell. You need to be a people person and a rapport builder. Many times, building those relationships happens over good food and good wine.
What happens when you have wined and dined too much before getting behind the wheel of a car? More importantly, what happens to your real estate license if you are charged with driving under the influence?
A real estate license regulated and monitored by the California Bureau of Real Estate (BRE) is awarded to professionals who have demonstrated competence in their ability to sell property. Under California State Law, however, a real estate license can be revoked if you’re convicted of particular types of criminal activity such as felonies that are sufficiently related to your ability to do your job. The law seems to very purposefully demarcate the law broadly, as almost anything could be considered “sufficiently related” by the BRE.
You may be wondering how a DUI charge could impact your duties as a real estate agent, especially if you are not generally driving clients from house to house. If the BRE interprets your DUI conviction in a way that this wasn’t just a one-time poor choice, but that you have a serious, ongoing problem, you may be facing serious consequences such as license revocation. While a single DUI conviction may not prove that you have a habitual substance abuse problem, multiple convictions can certainly paint that type of picture.
While the California Bureau of Real Estate cannot rescind your license if you are arrested for a DUI, a conviction has the potential to lead to revocation. If you are found guilty of driving while under the influence, this will be reported to the Department of Justice (DOJ), who will then notify the California BRE.
Why does the Department of Justice get involved? Your fingerprints will already be on file from when you received your real estate license. The system is set up to maintain checks and balances in order to protect the public from wayward real estate agents.
If you have been charged with driving under the influence and are concerned about how it may impact your ability to maintain your real estate license, contact The Hurwitz Law Group, Inc. The firm focuses in representing clients facing DUI charges that threaten their real estate license or even the existence of their agency. Hurwitz Law Group, Inc will aggressively defend you while also working to protect your integrity. We understand the impact a DUI charge may have on your professional trajectory. Contact our DUI Attorney today for a free consultation so that we can begin working to protect your license as soon as possible.
Remember adolescence, when we thought we were invincible and smarter than everybody else? A time when you thought you knew what you wanted, were completely oblivious to what you needed, and life was just about having fun? Many teenagers seem to have few cares in the world, but having fun is certainly high on the priority list. [PS. For a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney, check out our page here].
Though not everyone’s adolescence is necessarily idyllic, no matter where you raise your teen or under which conditions, he or she is bound to to make poor decisions—at least sporadically. The experience of raising a teen can seem like mitigating a repercussion minefield of youthful mistakes, while counseling him or her on how ensure that such lapses in judgement are not perpetuated into adulthood.
Some mistakes are funny in retrospect, but others are much more serious. Sometimes the mistakes of our youth have long-lasting consequences that can embarrass, hurt, or harm not only ourselves, but our families, friends, and sometimes even strangers. Many times, the most unfortunate mistakes can happen in the best homes to the brightest kids with the most devoted parents.
What is a parent to do when their otherwise good kid decides to take a joyride after drinking at a party he or she swore was alcohol-free and supervised by adults? In time, you will likely be able to look back and be grateful that the incident did not end up worse. But in the moment and the immediate aftermath, you will have a great deal to account for.
If your child has a valid, legal driver’s permit and is at least 15 and a half years old, he or she is of legal driving age in the state of California. But, if your child is under 21 with a valid California State permit or license, the fact that they were drinking and driving is problematic to say the least.
The penalties for underage drinking may involve fines and community service as well as the suspension of a permit or license. The penalties for driving while under the influence of alcohol, depending on how many times you have offended, range from license suspension to jail time.
The State of California is strict when it comes to underage drivers operating a motor vehicle while drunk, due to the State of California’s Zero Tolerance Law on the treatment of this dangerous behavior. The laws are so strict, in fact, that a mere 0.01% Blood Alcohol Count (BAC) is enough to declare a driver who is under 21 years of age incapacitated. Under the Zero Tolerance Law, drivers who are under 21 can lose their driving privileges for one year if their BAC is 0.01% or higher or if they refuse to let the arresting officer perform a (preliminary alcohol screening) PAS test, and/or if they submit to the PAS test but fail.
If your BAC is 0.05% or higher, you may be subject to fines and participation in a court mandated alcohol education course as well as suspension of your license. Lastly, if your Blood Alcohol Count is at 0.08% or higher, your child may be subject to the consequences of a standard of age DUI where the minor will be tried as an adult and subject to the same sentencing standards.
An underage DUI can cause your minor child’s license to be suspended for at least a year and remain on their permanent driving record for years. Because colleges require that you disclose criminal history in the application process, your child may lose educational opportunities at institutions of higher learning because of their underage DUI. Employers are also allowed to ask about criminal histories, so your child may miss out on job opportunities as they begin to start building their career.
All kids want to have fun, but it is incumbent upon every child and their parents to ensure that said fun is not harmful or dangerous to themselves and society. Underage drinking, particularly while driving, is a game teenagers cannot win. As parents and caretakers, we owe it to our children and society to raise responsible, present and sober drivers. On the same thread, there are many instances where the facts of a given case are misconstrued and the facts of your child’s DUI case requires an advocate to present such details in a clear and concise manner to the court.
Even the best kids get into trouble. If your teen has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, you need legal assistance and a representative who will aggressively advocate for your child and your family. When you need an DUI attorney who is committed to navigating DUI matters, call the Hurwitz Law Group, Inc for a free consultation. We will help you sort through your options and determine your best legal course of action based on the unique circumstance of your case.
No matter who you are, where you live, or with whom you reside, everybody gets angry. The stresses of life weigh on our shoulders and sometimes feel insurmountable. Childcare, employment, finances, health, and the political climate, are just some of the issues many of us struggle with from time to time. Unfortunately for some, there are moments when tensions rise, and frustrations are difficult to contain. None of us want things to escalate, but when they do, they have to be addressed.
Have you read our newest article, Am I Going to Lose my Job Over a DUI Arrest?
According to California state law, domestic abuse or domestic violence can occur between parties who are or have been married, live or previously lived together, or had or have children together. Domestic abuse can also occur between siblings, parents and children, partners, and anyone with whom you share your residence. The law states, throughout its subtexts and definitions, that intent is key. If you have fallen on to someone and slapped them as you landed, that is not considered domestic abuse. If you knowingly and intentionally slapped them, it is.
Domestic violence pertains to actions inflicted upon a victim that result in bodily hard where the aggressor and victim share one or more of several familial and/or romantic relationships. Such intimate relationships, whether current or former, may include: those where the victim is the aggressor’s spouse, cohabitant, fiancé(e), someone with whom the offender has or had an intimate relationship or engagement, or one where the victim is the parent of the aggressor’s child.
Domestic violence does not only hurt the alleged perpetrator or victim in the moment, but affects every aspect of their lives, as well. If you are accused of willfully or intentionally trying to harm someone with whom you live, there is a possibility that you will lose your job. Many jobs have codes of conduct that look unfavorably upon violent or aggressive behavior, even when such behavior occurs outside of work. It is important to remember too, that everything we do or are involved in, exists now and forever, online. Even if you do not disclose to your employer that you have been arrested or accused of DV, they may find out anyway. Whether or not to disclose such information if you are not legally bound to, can be a very difficult decision.
For those seeking employment, a charge of domestic abuse can easily quash any potential job opportunities. Positions in healthcare, childcare, or teaching are as good as ruled out, as are jobs in law enforcement or the judicial system.
Those already employed are likely to struggle with job retention.if they are charged. If, for example, you are charged and work in security, you will no longer be allowed to carry a firearm. If you work with the person who accused you of domestic violence, an order of protection will be issued and therefore, make it impossible to go to work.
If you are fired from, for example, a healthcare position that requires the achievement and maintenance of professional licensure, you may not be able to keep your job, renew your license, or ever apply for a new one in the same field. Careers that require professional licensing look negatively upon individuals who have even an accusation of domestic violence on their record.
If you are charged with domestic violence, you must secure a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney who will aggressively fight for your rights and help you achieve the best legal outcome. That is why you need to contact the The Hurwitz Law Group, Inc. We have successfully defended individuals who have been accused of domestic abuse and will work closely with you to make sure that you are well represented and given your legal due. If you have been accused of domestic abuse in the Los Angeles area, call The Hurwitz Law Group, Inc today.
The truth of the matter is that while this is a valid question and one that you will absolutely need to know the answer to: it really all depends. It depends on: who your employer is, the terms of your employment, how long you have been employed, what number offense this is, if you have prior arrests or convictions on record, with whom you work (e.g. are you a school teacher or healthcare worker?) and a host of other issues. PS. The first person you need to call if you get arrested is an Los Angeles DUI attorney.
First things first: It is up to your employer, including those serving in governmental positions, to determine whether or not you should be terminated for having a DUI arrest on record. Because a DUI is not considered a violent crime—and is a rather common occurrence in the State of California—there is indeed a chance that you will be able to maintain your employment. However, your employer still reserves the right, no matter what agency you work for, to make that decision, one way or another.
Something important to understand is that a DUI arrest is not, on its own, grounds for termination or dismissal. If you are convicted of driving while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any other mind- altering substances however, the rules of the game are likely to change.
Your employer cannot fire you if you have been arrested under suspicion of DUI. He or she may terminate you after a conviction has been secured, though they may be less- forgiving about negative behaviors they would like to see stopped if you have only been arrested. Employers most certainly do not want to be sued for wrongfully terminating an employee, which is ultimately good news for the arrested employee.
As mentioned previously, the nature of your job and the populations with whom you work may have significant influence on your employer’s final decision. If, for example, you are a commercial truck driver, even an arrest can be career- ending. Truck drivers must demonstrate that they are safe behind the wheel and that others on the road are equally safe when they are. Driving while under the influence flagrantly violates these requirements so much so, that it does not matter if you were driving a personal vehicle at the time of the arrest, or your commercial truck. In addition, you may have to seriously consider changing fields, as it is likely that no commercial trucking company, or any company that requires its employees to drive, will feel safe with you driving one of their vehicles while representing their company.
Up for consideration, beyond your current employment, is professional licensure. Nurses and other healthcare professionals’ licenses are subject to revocation, again, based on the nature of their jobs and the poor judgement they displayed when being arrested for being under the influence. In California, a DUI arrest can make it impossible to become a Medicare or MediCal (Medicaid) provider. In short, you could lose your job, your ability to get paid, and the license that would have enabled you to seek employment in your field.
| Will I lose my job if I… | ||
|---|---|---|
| … was convicted but not arrested? | NO | Consult with your employer |
| … am a healthcare worker? | POSSIBLY | You may lose your professional license |
| … drive for a living? | YES | You may need to consider field |
| … am convicted? | PROBABLY | This is up to your employer to decide |
The silver lining to DUI cases in California, if you will, is that in the absence of black and white laws, there remains the possibility that you will be able to keep your job. Regardless of what happens after your arrest and even if it results in a conviction, the very first thing you must do is contact an DUI attorney that understands the laws and will help you through this entire process. Sometimes people get nervous and at other times, they simply do not know what to do, whom to call, and how to proceed.
The Hurwitz Law Group, Inc focuses on DUI defense in Los Angeles. The Hurwitz Law Group, Inc has an excellent track record in defending DUI and related cases and should most definitively be the first call you make post-arrest.
Call Hurwitz Law Group, Inc today for a free consultation on your DUI charge.
In life, things are often not what they seem, no matter how black and white or obvious they appear. A known TV personality is in fact fond of saying that even a pancake has two sides, because frankly, we cannot know what the truth is based on allegations, suspicions, or guesses. This can be particularly difficult to remember when the situation at hand is high pressured, wrought with emotion, or includes pain. [PS. Read our newest article here: Am I Going to Lose my Job Over a DUI Arrest?]
The media would have us believe, as do some very sad statistics, that domestic abuse is most often perpetrated against women by men. Despite the numbers and the very real stories many women and men share however, domestic abuse can only be defined as such in a court of law and not that of public opinion. No one can determine guilt outside a court and that is why you need to know your rights before you step into the courtroom or enter a plea.
So what do you do if the cops have been called to your home, the scene is chaotic, and emotions are running high? The one thing you most definitely should not do is admit guilt or wrongdoing. Period. Despite the intensity of the situation, it is in your best legal and long term interests to stay silent. Even the most avid television watcher knows that anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law, so do not fuel the side that may be against you.
Let’s take a step back from the situation, perhaps freeze frame it and look at it as an outsider. Can you determine, knowing only what you see before you, if anyone was hit? Can you determine who was hit? Are you familiar with the players, their history or the lens through which you are viewing them? Chances are high that the answers to all of those questions is no. And if it turns out that what looked like an obvious display of domestic abuse, was in fact a matter of self defense in which the “perpetrator” was in fact the victim, a guilty plea could, in short, unfairly ruin your life.
Even if, for example, you admit that you got caught up in the heat of the moment and struck your spouse, that is not anything you should share without representation or on a whim. If you feel you did the wrong thing and want to make amends with your partner, you need to do so within the confines of the law. An outright admission of guilt will make it quite difficult for you to ultimately enjoy even the possibility of achieving a more positive outcome.
Furthermore, it is pretty common for accusers to file for orders of restraint against the alleged abuser. However, in certain cases, the police who have been called to the scene can request an emergency protective order (EPO) based on what they determine will serve the situation and parties involved best. Again, it is crucial to understand that the moment at which the police arrive to your home is likely to be one of utter turmoil and disarray, where “he said, she said” abounds. Why give the authorities even more reason to get an EPO that will restrict access to your home and loved ones if it is simply not necessary?
Your innocence or guilt will not, nor should not be decided at the moment of accusation or arrest. The police know that and it is wise that you, as the accused, know that too. The person who has called 911, as well as the individuals who feel victimized, threatened, or hurt cannot be expected to know this. It is likely that they will be excited and impulsive in their reactions and statements. In fact, they may be ready to indict you in your living room! Mercifully, that will not happen, but it is up to you, even in the midst of bedlam, to maintain whatever composure you have and not say a word. No admission of guilt, no confession of misinterpreted deeds, and no acceptance of a fate you are unsure of.
If an allegation of domestic abuse has been filed against you, you need a reliable domestic violence defense attorney on your side. The Hurwitz Law Group, Inc concentrates in domestic violence defense cases in LA, having helped many clients achieve a positive outcome per their circumstances. Remember that it is is possible to prevent charges from being filed in these cases, so it is crucial that you hire an attorney immediately. The sooner from the time of arrest that you contact an attorney—the better the chance will be that you are able to prevent charges from being filed.
Call Attorney Hurwitz immediately for a free consultation and for the best chance of avoiding court and/or reaching a favorable result.
