Long Beach Domestic Violence Lawyer

A domestic violence charge in California can upend your entire life. Beyond the immediate threat of jail time and fines, a conviction can cost you your job, your professional licenses, and most painfully, your relationship with your children. California prosecutors take domestic violence charges seriously and move aggressively, which means the moment you are accused, you need an experienced domestic violence attorney in your corner.

Hurwitz Law Group helps people facing domestic violence charges in Long Beach and throughout Southern California get the strong criminal defense they deserve. Our legal team is well-versed in California law, has a proven record of successful outcomes, and is fully committed to protecting your rights, your family, and your future.

Call us today for a free consultation at 323-274-1869.

Why Choose Hurwitz Law Group for Your Long Beach Domestic Violence Case?

Domestic violence cases are emotionally charged, legally complex, and move fast once charges are filed. You need a Long Beach domestic violence lawyer with the experience and determination to stand between you and the serious penalties the prosecution is seeking.

Hurwitz Law Group brings years of experience handling domestic violence cases throughout Long Beach and the greater Los Angeles area. Our attorneys include former prosecutors who know exactly how the other side builds its cases, giving us a significant advantage in developing your defense.

We are recognized among California lawyers for our legal specialization in criminal defense and have been acknowledged by the National Trial Lawyers for our commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes. Walk-ins are welcome, and we offer free consultations so you can get answers right away.

Call us at 323-274-1869.

What Is Considered Domestic Violence Under California Law?

Under California law, domestic violence involves abuse or threats of abuse directed at a spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, dating partner, fiancé, or the parent of a shared child. Abuse includes physical abuse, emotional harm, threats, and harassment.

Domestic Battery

California Penal Code § 243(e)(1) defines domestic battery as the willful and unlawful use of force or violence against an intimate partner. Physical injury is not required. The prosecution only needs to show that the defendant willfully touched the alleged victim in a harmful or offensive way. Domestic battery is a misdemeanor, but a conviction still carries jail time, fines, and mandatory counseling.

Corporal Injury to a Spouse or Cohabitant

California Penal Code § 273.5 makes it a crime to willfully inflict a traumatic condition on a spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, or the parent of a shared child. Unlike domestic battery, this charge requires proof of a visible or internal physical injury. It is a wobbler offense that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the severity of the injury and the defendant's prior criminal history.

Who Qualifies as a Protected Person Under California Law?

California's domestic violence laws protect current and former spouses, cohabitants, dating partners, fiancés, and anyone who shares a child with the accused. This broad definition means charges can arise from conflicts involving a wide range of family and intimate relationships.

What Happens After a Domestic Violence Arrest in Long Beach?

The legal process moves quickly after a domestic violence arrest, and each step carries serious consequences for your case and your personal life. Here is what typically happens:

1. The Arrest and Booking Process: Police in California are generally required to make an arrest when responding to a domestic violence call if probable cause exists, even if the alleged victim does not want to press charges. You will be taken for booking, which includes fingerprinting and photographing.
2. Emergency Protective Orders: The responding officer can issue an Emergency Protective Order at the time of arrest; it takes effect immediately and lasts up to 7 days. This order may prohibit you from contacting the alleged victim or from returning to your home.
3. Arraignment and Bail Proceedings: Your arraignment typically occurs within 48 hours of your arrest. Bail may be set based on the nature of the alleged abuse, your criminal history, and the perceived risk to the alleged victim.
4. Criminal Protective Orders: The judge may issue a Criminal Protective Order that remains in effect for the duration of your case and potentially up to 10 years after a conviction. Violating such orders is itself a criminal offense.

What Are the Penalties for Domestic Violence in California?

The penalties for a domestic violence conviction depend on the specific charge, the severity of the alleged abuse, and your prior criminal history. Even a first-time conviction carries consequences that can follow you for the rest of your life.

Penalties for Domestic Battery

Under California Penal Code § 243(e)(1), domestic battery is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail, fines of up to $2,000, probation, and a mandatory 52-week batterer's intervention program. A conviction creates a criminal record that affects employment, child custody, and professional licensing.

Penalties for Corporal Injury to a Spouse

Under Penal Code § 273.5, a misdemeanor conviction can result in up to one year in county jail, while a felony conviction carries a potential state prison sentence of 2, 3, or 4 years. Both carry significant fines, probation, and mandatory counseling. Prior domestic violence convictions can result in enhanced penalties.

Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction

Beyond jail time and fines, a conviction creates a permanent criminal record, costs you the right to own firearms, and can be used against you in child custody proceedings. For non-citizens, it can trigger deportation or bar you from obtaining citizenship.

Common Defenses to Domestic Violence Charges

Being charged with domestic violence does not mean you will be convicted. Hurwitz Law Group pursues every viable defense on your behalf.

Some of the common defenses include:

• False Allegations: Domestic violence charges are sometimes filed based on fabricated or exaggerated claims made during a divorce or custody dispute. We identify inconsistencies and present evidence supporting your version of events.
• Self-Defense or Defense of Others: If you reasonably believed you or a family member was in immediate danger and used only the force necessary to protect against that threat, self-defense is a complete defense under California law.
• Accidental Injuries: Domestic violence charges require a willful act. If the alleged injuries resulted from a genuine accident rather than intentional conduct, the prosecution cannot establish the required intent for a conviction.
• Lack of Sufficient Evidence: The prosecution must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. When evidence is weak or inconsistent, we aggressively challenge it to raise reasonable doubt.
• Violations of Constitutional Rights: If law enforcement violated your rights during the arrest, search, or interrogation, we move to suppress any evidence obtained as a result of those violations.

What Evidence Is Used in Domestic Violence Cases?

Understanding what evidence prosecutors typically rely on helps your attorney identify weaknesses in their case.

Common evidence in domestic violence cases includes:

• Witness Statements: Testimony from neighbors, family members, or others who witnessed the incident or its aftermath can support or challenge the prosecution's account of events.
• 911 Calls and Body Camera Footage: Recordings of the initial 911 call and officer body camera footage capture real-time accounts of the alleged incident. We review this footage carefully for inconsistencies that support your defense.
• Medical Records and Photographs: Medical records and photographs documenting the alleged victim's injuries are frequently used to establish the nature and severity of the alleged abuse.
• Text Messages, Emails, and Social Media Evidence: Digital communications between the accused and the alleged victim are increasingly common evidence in domestic violence cases and can cut both ways depending on their content.
• Police Reports: We review every police report in detail for errors, inconsistencies, and potential violations of your constitutional rights that can be used to challenge the prosecution's case.

Can Domestic Violence Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed?

Yes, domestic violence charges in California can be reduced or dismissed in the right circumstances.

Here is how Hurwitz Law Group pursues every available avenue:

Weak or Contradictory Evidence

When the prosecution's evidence is insufficient or relies on a single witness whose credibility can be challenged, we move aggressively to have charges reduced or dismissed. If the alleged victim recants or refuses to cooperate, it can significantly weaken the case, though California prosecutors can proceed without the victim's participation.

Diversion and Alternative Resolutions

For first-time offenders or less serious allegations, diversion programs may allow you to complete counseling in exchange for having charges dismissed. We explore every possible alternative resolution to protect you from a conviction and keep your criminal record clean.

Plea Negotiations

When the evidence is strong, negotiating a plea to a lesser charge may be the best path to protecting your future. Our attorneys have extensive experience negotiating with Long Beach prosecutors to reduce charges and secure lighter penalties.

Motion-Based Defenses

We file pre-trial motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, challenge the legality of the arrest, and attack the prosecution's case before it reaches a jury. A successful suppression motion can eliminate key evidence and, in some cases, lead to a full dismissal.

How Can a Domestic Violence Conviction Affect Family Law Matters?

A domestic violence charge does not stay in the criminal courtroom. It follows you into family court and can seriously affect your relationship with your children.

Child Custody Disputes

California family courts must consider any history of domestic violence when making custody decisions. A conviction creates a presumption that awarding custody to the accused parent is not in the child's best interests, which can be very difficult to overcome without strong legal advocacy.

Visitation Restrictions

Even when full custody is not at stake, a domestic violence finding can result in supervised visitation, reduced parenting time, or court-imposed conditions on your contact with your children that remain in place for years.

Domestic Violence Restraining Orders

A domestic violence restraining order can prohibit you from contacting the alleged victim, require you to leave a shared home, restrict access to your children, and bar you from possessing firearms. Violating a restraining order carries additional criminal charges and seriously damages your position in both criminal and family court proceedings.

How a Long Beach Domestic Violence Lawyer Can Help

Facing domestic violence charges is one of the most frightening experiences a person can go through. Hurwitz Law Group provides aggressive, compassionate representation at every stage of your case.

Investigating the Allegations

We conduct a thorough independent investigation, reviewing all available evidence and uncovering facts that support your defense.

Challenging the Prosecution's Evidence

We scrutinize every piece of evidence the prosecution plans to use, from police reports and body camera footage to digital communications and medical records, looking for weaknesses and constitutional violations.

Negotiating Reduced Charges

Our attorneys have extensive experience negotiating with Long Beach prosecutors to reduce domestic violence charges to lesser offenses or secure alternative sentencing that minimizes the long-term impact on your life.

Defending You at Trial

When the prosecution refuses a fair resolution, our trial-ready attorneys present a compelling defense before a judge and jury and fight hard for every client when freedom is at stake.

Protecting Your Future and Reputation

We work to protect your professional licenses, parental rights, immigration status, and reputation throughout the entire legal process so you have the best possible chance of moving forward with your life.

Contact a Long Beach Domestic Violence Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If you are facing domestic violence charges in Long Beach or anywhere in Southern California, do not wait to get the legal help you need. Hurwitz Law Group is ready to review your case, explain your options, and fight to protect your rights and your future.

We offer a free consultation with no obligation and welcome walk-ins at our office. Call us today at 323-274-1869.