Arrested or accused of domestic violence in Glendale? You’re facing serious criminal charges that can result in jail time, hefty fines, permanent restraining orders, loss of gun rights, deportation for non-citizens, and a criminal record that will follow you for life. California domestic violence laws are strict, and Glendale prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively even when the alleged victim wants to drop charges. The consequences of a domestic violence conviction extend far beyond the courtroom, destroying careers, custody rights, professional licenses, and personal reputations.
At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we understand that domestic violence allegations are often more complex than they appear. False accusations, mutual combat situations, self-defense incidents, and misunderstandings are common in these emotionally charged cases. Our experienced criminal defense team has successfully defended hundreds of clients against domestic violence charges throughout Los Angeles County, including Glendale. We know how to challenge weak evidence, expose false allegations, and build aggressive defense strategies that protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.
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Domestic violence remains a significant concern in Glendale and throughout Los Angeles County. According to the California Department of Justice Criminal Justice Statistics Center[1], domestic violence-related calls to law enforcement vary widely across California counties. While the City of Glendale Police Department[2] does not publicly disclose specific domestic violence call numbers due to victim confidentiality and ongoing investigation concerns, data shows that intimate partner violence affects communities throughout the region.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[3] reports that in California, 34.9% of women and 31.1% of men experience intimate partner violence or stalking in their lifetime. These statistics demonstrate that domestic violence affects millions of Californians regardless of gender, though women remain disproportionately victimized. In Los Angeles County specifically, Los Angeles County Domestic Violence Council data[1] indicates that 20% of women and 13% of men aged 18 and over report being physically or sexually abused by an intimate partner.
According to Kidsdata.org research[1], after falling steadily between 2000 and 2013, domestic violence call rates in California have leveled off in recent years, ranging between 6.0 and 6.4 calls per 1,000 adults statewide. However, county-level data continues to vary widely, from fewer than 3.5 calls per 1,000 adults to more than 20 per 1,000 in 2023. Los Angeles County saw an average of 36 homicides related to intimate partner violence annually in one recent five-year period.
The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence[4] reports that California law enforcement received 166,890 domestic violence-related calls in 2019 alone. These calls represent only reported incidents—experts estimate that only about 45% of all intimate partner violence incidents are reported to police, meaning the true scope of the problem is significantly larger than official statistics suggest.
Domestic violence doesn’t only affect direct victims. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence[5] reports that 1 in 15 children in the United States are exposed to intimate partner violence each year, with 90% witnessing the violence firsthand. In California, 40% of domestic violence incidents reported to law enforcement involved children present at the scene, creating trauma that can lead to long-term emotional, cognitive, and behavioral issues.
California law encompasses numerous domestic violence-related offenses, each carrying serious criminal penalties. Our experienced defense attorneys handle all types of domestic violence cases in Glendale, including:
California Penal Code § 273.5 prohibits willfully inflicting corporal injury resulting in a traumatic condition upon a spouse, cohabitant, fiancé, dating partner, or co-parent of your child. This is the most commonly charged domestic violence offense and can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or felony. Felony convictions carry 2, 3, or 4 years in state prison, while misdemeanor convictions result in up to 1 year in county jail. The prosecution must prove that you willfully inflicted physical force on the alleged victim and that this force resulted in a traumatic condition—any injury, whether internal or external, including minor bruises.
Penal Code § 243(e)(1) makes it illegal to use force or violence against an intimate partner, even if no visible injury results. This is always charged as a misdemeanor, carrying up to 1 year in county jail. Unlike corporal injury charges, domestic battery does not require proof of injury—any unwanted touching constitutes battery if done in a harmful or offensive manner. This includes pushing, shoving, grabbing, or any physical contact, no matter how minor it may seem.
Criminal threats charges arise when you allegedly threaten to kill or seriously injure someone, causing them to fear for their safety. When made against an intimate partner, this becomes a domestic violence offense. Criminal threats can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony. Felony convictions carry 16 months to 3 years in state prison and count as a “strike” under California’s Three Strikes Law. The threat must be specific, immediate, unconditional, and must actually cause sustained fear in the alleged victim.
When domestic violence occurs in the presence of children, prosecutors often add child endangerment charges under Penal Code § 273a. This statute prohibits willfully causing or permitting a child to suffer unjustifiable physical or mental suffering. Child endangerment can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on whether the child was placed in danger of great bodily harm or death. Felony convictions carry 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison and can result in loss of custody rights.
Elder abuse charges apply when the alleged victim is 65 years or older, or is a dependent adult aged 18-64 with physical or mental limitations. This can involve physical abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, or abandonment. Depending on the circumstances, elder abuse can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. Felony convictions carry 2, 3, or 4 years in state prison, with enhanced penalties if the victim suffers great bodily injury.
Stalking involves willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly following or harassing someone and making credible threats that cause them reasonable fear for their safety. According to the CDC[6], 40% of stalking victims are stalked by a current or former intimate partner. Stalking can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony. Felony stalking convictions carry 16 months to 5 years in state prison, particularly if you violated a restraining order or have prior stalking convictions.
Intentionally violating the terms of a domestic violence restraining order is a separate criminal offense. This includes contacting the protected person, going near their home or workplace, or failing to comply with any other order conditions. First violations are typically charged as misdemeanors carrying up to 1 year in county jail. However, repeat violations or violations involving violence can be charged as felonies with up to 3 years in state prison.
False imprisonment charges arise when you allegedly restrain, detain, or confine someone against their will. In domestic violence contexts, this often involves accusations of preventing a partner from leaving during an argument. False imprisonment can be charged as either a misdemeanor (up to 1 year in county jail) or felony (16 months to 3 years in state prison) depending on whether violence, menace, fraud, or deceit was involved.
When domestic disputes involve damaging property—breaking phones, punching walls, destroying belongings—prosecutors may file vandalism charges in addition to other domestic violence offenses. Vandalism is a “wobbler” offense charged as misdemeanor or felony depending on the amount of damage. Damage exceeding $400 can be charged as a felony carrying 16 months to 3 years in county jail.
The consequences of a domestic violence conviction in Glendale are severe and far-reaching. California imposes harsh penalties for domestic violence offenses, and the collateral consequences often prove more devastating than the criminal sentence itself.
Misdemeanor domestic violence convictions typically result in up to 1 year in county jail, though judges may impose probation instead of custody in some cases. Felony convictions carry 2, 3, 4, or more years in state prison depending on the specific offense and any enhancements. Even first-time offenders with no criminal history can be sentenced to custody, particularly if injuries are visible or if weapons were involved.
California Penal Code § 1203.097 requires anyone convicted of domestic violence to complete a minimum 52-week batterer’s intervention program. These classes meet once per week for one year and cost $400 to $500. The classes cover topics including anger management, domestic violence dynamics, victim empathy, and healthy relationship skills. Failure to complete the program constitutes a probation violation that can result in jail time.
Upon conviction, judges routinely issue criminal protective orders prohibiting contact with the victim for up to 10 years. These orders can require you to move out of a shared residence, stay away from the victim’s home and workplace, and have no contact whatsoever—even if the victim wants to reconcile. Violating these orders results in additional criminal charges. Restraining orders also appear in background checks, making housing and employment more difficult to obtain.
Domestic violence convictions trigger a 10-year firearm prohibition under California law. You must immediately surrender all guns and ammunition and cannot purchase, possess, or own firearms during the prohibition period. Felony convictions result in a lifetime gun ban under both California and federal law. This prohibition applies even if your job requires firearm possession, such as law enforcement or military service.
For non-citizens, domestic violence convictions carry devastating immigration consequences. Most domestic violence offenses qualify as crimes involving moral turpitude or crimes of domestic violence under federal immigration law. Convictions can result in deportation, denial of naturalization applications, inability to adjust status to permanent residency, and permanent inadmissibility to the United States. Even lawful permanent residents who have lived in the U.S. for decades can be deported for a single domestic violence conviction.
Domestic violence convictions can destroy professional careers. Many licensed professions—including law, medicine, nursing, teaching, real estate, accounting, and law enforcement—require background checks and good moral character. A conviction will likely result in license denial, suspension, or revocation. Teachers can lose their teaching credentials, healthcare workers can lose medical licenses, and attorneys face disbarment proceedings.
California Family Code § 3044 creates a rebuttable presumption that awarding custody to a parent convicted of domestic violence within the previous five years is detrimental to the child’s best interests. This means you will likely lose custody rights and face supervised visitation only. Even after the five-year period, judges consider domestic violence convictions when making custody determinations. Your relationship with your children may be permanently damaged.
A domestic violence conviction creates a permanent criminal record visible on background checks. Most employers conduct background checks, and many automatically disqualify applicants with violent crime convictions. Government jobs, positions requiring security clearances, and careers in education, healthcare, and finance typically become unavailable. Current employment may be terminated, particularly for jobs requiring professional licenses or bonding.
Landlords routinely conduct background checks and can legally refuse to rent to individuals with domestic violence convictions. Public housing programs often exclude applicants with violent crime convictions. Finding housing becomes extremely difficult, particularly in competitive rental markets like Glendale and Los Angeles County.
Beyond legal consequences, domestic violence accusations and convictions carry severe social stigma. Relationships with friends, family, and community members often suffer. Your reputation in professional and personal circles may be permanently damaged. The “domestic abuser” label follows you indefinitely, affecting dating relationships, friendships, and business partnerships.
Understanding the scope of domestic violence in Glendale and Los Angeles County provides important context for defendants facing charges. The statistics demonstrate both the prevalence of intimate partner violence and the aggressive response from law enforcement and prosecutors.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[6], approximately 10 million people experience domestic violence annually in the United States. This translates to 20 people every single minute facing physical abuse, sexual violence, or stalking by an intimate partner. Women represent 73% of all domestic violence victims, with lifetime prevalence rates of 41% compared to 26% for men.
In California specifically, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence[5] reports that 34.9% of women and 31.1% of men experience intimate partner violence or stalking during their lifetimes. More than 37% of California women have experienced physical violence by an intimate partner at some point in their lives. California law enforcement received 166,890 domestic violence-related calls in 2019[4], representing just the reported incidents.
Los Angeles County data reveals the local impact of domestic violence. According to Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reports[1], there were 46,548 reported domestic violence incidents in the county in 2019. Of these incidents, 12.6% involved a weapon and 23.5% resulted in injury to the victim. Among adults aged 18 and over in Los Angeles County, 20% of women and 13% of men reported being physically or sexually abused by an intimate partner.
The Los Angeles County Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-978-3600) experienced significant call volume increases during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to ABC7 Los Angeles reporting[7], the LA County Department of Public Health’s Domestic Violence Council Hotline saw increases every month of 2020 compared to 2019. The biggest spike was in May 2020, when calls tripled from May 2019. By December 2020, calls were still 32% higher than the previous year. The Los Angeles Police Department also reported a 16% increase in domestic violence calls for service in April 2020 compared to April 2019.
Domestic violence has deadly consequences. According to Shelter from the Storm[8], an average of 124 women per year are murdered in California at the hands of an intimate partner, and 45% of these victims were in the process of separating when killed. In 76% of cases involving a history of violence, family, friends, or co-workers were aware of the abuse before the homicide occurred. In one out of five cases, a person other than the primary victim—often a child—was severely injured or killed when the murder of the woman took place.
Children are frequently exposed to domestic violence. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence[5] reports that 1 in 15 children in the United States are exposed to intimate partner violence each year, with 90% witnessing the violence firsthand. In California, 40% of domestic violence incidents reported to law enforcement involved children present at the scene. Nearly 7% of high school students in the Los Angeles Unified School District reported experiencing physical dating violence.
Firearms significantly increase the lethality of domestic violence. According to California domestic violence shelter data[5], 32.1% of women in California domestic shelters reported that their abusive partners used a gun to harm, threaten, or scare them. For this reason, California has strict firearm restrictions for domestic violence perpetrators, making it illegal for individuals convicted of domestic violence or subject to protective orders to possess firearms.
The CDC[6] notes that intimate partner violence is more prevalent among adolescents and young adults compared with older populations, making early prevention efforts particularly important. LGBTQ+ individuals face particularly high rates of intimate partner violence—over 60% of bisexual women, 54% of transgender individuals, 44% of lesbians, 37% of bisexual men, and 26% of gay men have experienced intimate partner violence at some point in their lives according to national statistics[5].
Despite these high prevalence rates, domestic violence remains significantly underreported. Experts estimate that only approximately 45% of all intimate partner violence incidents are reported to police, meaning the true scope of the problem is much larger than official statistics indicate. On average, it takes seven attempts before a victim permanently leaves their abusive partner, often due to the abuser controlling most aspects of the victim’s life and the victim lacking resources to escape.
Domestic violence charges are defendable. An experienced criminal defense attorney can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop effective defense strategies tailored to your specific situation. Every case is unique, but several common defenses frequently apply to domestic violence charges in Glendale.
Unfortunately, false domestic violence accusations are common. Allegations arise from anger, revenge, jealousy, desire to gain advantage in custody battles, immigration motivations, or attempts to force someone out of a shared residence. Accusers fabricate stories or greatly exaggerate minor incidents to achieve their goals. We thoroughly investigate the accuser’s motivations, interview witnesses, obtain text messages and emails, review social media posts, and expose inconsistencies in their story. Character evidence showing the accuser’s history of dishonesty or manipulation can be crucial to proving false accusations.
California law allows you to use reasonable force to defend yourself or others from imminent harm. If you were protecting yourself from an attacking partner, you have a valid self-defense claim. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were not acting in self-defense. We gather evidence showing you were the actual victim, including your injuries, defensive wounds, witness testimony, and the accuser’s history of violence. Many domestic violence cases involve mutual combat where both parties were aggressors—establishing that you acted defensively can result in dismissed charges.
Many domestic violence allegations involve accidental injuries during heated arguments. If someone fell, bumped into furniture, or was injured during an accident rather than through intentional force, you did not commit domestic violence. The prosecution must prove you willfully inflicted injury—accidents do not constitute domestic violence. Witness testimony and physical evidence showing the injury was accidental can defeat the charges.
The prosecution bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In many domestic violence cases, the only evidence is the alleged victim’s statement with no corroborating witnesses, physical evidence, photographs, or medical records. One person’s word against another is insufficient for conviction when we cast doubt on their credibility. If the prosecution cannot meet its burden of proof, the charges must be dismissed or a not-guilty verdict returned.
Many domestic violence incidents involve mutual combat where both parties were aggressors. If you and your partner were both fighting and both committed battery against each other, you may not be guilty of domestic violence. California law does not provide a clear “mutual combat” defense, but evidence of mutual aggression can convince prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges, or convince juries that you were not the primary aggressor.
Corporal injury charges under Penal Code § 273.5 require proof of a “traumatic condition”—a visible injury. If the alleged victim has no injuries, no bruises, no marks, and no medical documentation, the prosecution cannot prove this element. Domestic battery charges under Penal Code § 243(e)(1) don’t require injury but carry lesser penalties. We challenge the prosecution’s evidence and argue for dismissal when no traumatic condition exists.
If police violated your constitutional rights during the investigation or arrest, any evidence obtained must be suppressed. Common violations include questioning you after you invoked your right to remain silent or right to an attorney, conducting an illegal search of your home without a warrant or probable cause, arresting you without probable cause, or coercing confessions through threats or false promises. We file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, often resulting in dismissal of charges when key evidence is excluded.
In cases involving multiple people or chaotic situations, police sometimes arrest the wrong person. Witnesses may have incorrectly identified you, or the actual perpetrator may have fled while you remained at the scene. Alibi evidence, witness testimony, and physical evidence can prove you were not the person who committed the alleged acts.
In many cases, alleged victims recant their accusations after emotions cool and they regret calling police. They may provide sworn statements that the allegations were false, exaggerated, or that they lied due to anger or intoxication. While prosecutors can proceed without victim cooperation, recantations significantly weaken their case and often lead to dismissed charges or favorable plea agreements. We work with victims who wish to recant to document the truth and present it to prosecutors.
Understanding the criminal process helps you prepare for what lies ahead. Domestic violence cases in Glendale follow a specific procedural path from arrest through trial or resolution.
California Penal Code § 836 requires law enforcement to make an arrest when they have probable cause to believe domestic violence occurred, even if they didn’t witness the incident. Officers typically interview both parties separately, photograph any injuries, and make an arrest decision based on who they believe was the primary aggressor. After arrest, you’ll be transported to the Glendale Police Department or Los Angeles County jail for booking.
At the scene, officers may request an Emergency Protective Order (EPO) from a judge requiring you to stay away from the alleged victim for 5-7 days. These orders are issued based solely on the officer’s request without your input. Violating an EPO results in immediate arrest and additional charges.
For most misdemeanor domestic violence charges, bail is set at $20,000 to $50,000 according to the Los Angeles County bail schedule. Felony domestic violence charges typically carry bail of $50,000 to $100,000 or higher. You must post bail or remain in custody until your arraignment, which must occur within 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays). An experienced attorney can argue for reduced bail or release on your own recognizance.
Judges routinely issue no-contact orders at arraignment prohibiting all contact with the alleged victim, even if you live together and share children. These orders remain in effect throughout the case and often for years after conviction. Violating no-contact orders results in immediate arrest and additional criminal charges. If you share children, you may need family court orders establishing custody and visitation that don’t violate the criminal court’s no-contact order.
The arraignment is your first court appearance, where you’ll be formally advised of the charges and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Your attorney will receive initial discovery materials from the prosecution. Most defendants plead not guilty to preserve all defense options. The judge may modify bail and will issue or extend protective orders at this hearing.
After arraignment, your attorney will obtain full discovery including police reports, witness statements, photographs, medical records, 911 calls, and body camera footage. We conduct our own investigation, interview witnesses, obtain favorable evidence, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Pretrial proceedings may include motion hearings to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or litigate other legal issues.
Most domestic violence cases resolve through plea agreements rather than trials. Your attorney will negotiate with prosecutors to secure the best possible outcome—reduced charges, dismissed counts, diversion programs, reduced sentencing recommendations, or favorable probation terms. Factors influencing negotiations include the strength of the evidence, the severity of injuries, your criminal history, and the alleged victim’s cooperation. The decision to accept a plea offer is always yours, but an experienced attorney can advise you on the risks and benefits.
Some first-time offenders charged with misdemeanor domestic violence may be eligible for diversion under Penal Code § 1001.70. Successful completion of diversion programs results in dismissed charges with no conviction on your record. However, eligibility is limited—you cannot have been convicted of domestic violence in the previous seven years, cannot have used a weapon or inflicted great bodily injury, and the alleged victim cannot oppose diversion. Diversion typically requires completing the 52-week batterer’s intervention program and other conditions.
If negotiations fail or you reject plea offers, your case proceeds to trial. You have the right to a jury trial where 12 jurors must unanimously agree on your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Trials typically last 2-5 days depending on complexity. The prosecution presents its case first, calling the alleged victim, police officers, and any other witnesses. Your attorney cross-examines prosecution witnesses and presents your defense, which may include your testimony, alibi witnesses, expert testimony, and evidence supporting your defense theory. After closing arguments, the jury deliberates and returns a verdict.
If convicted by plea or trial verdict, the court will schedule a sentencing hearing. The probation department prepares a presentence report including your criminal history, personal background, and sentencing recommendations. Your attorney presents mitigating evidence, character references, and arguments for reduced sentencing. Judges consider the probation report, victim impact statements, and arguments from both sides before imposing sentence. Sentences can include jail or prison time, probation, fines, restitution, protective orders, domestic violence classes, and other conditions.
If convicted after trial, you have the right to appeal within 60 days of sentencing. Appeals challenge legal errors made during trial—improper jury instructions, erroneous evidentiary rulings, prosecutorial misconduct, or constitutional violations. Appeals review whether the trial court correctly applied the law, not whether you were actually guilty.
When facing domestic violence charges in Glendale, the attorney you choose can make the difference between conviction and acquittal, between prison and freedom. Tu Defensor Criminalista provides the aggressive, experienced defense you need to protect your rights and your future.
Our attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of domestic violence cases throughout Los Angeles County, including Glendale. We understand California’s complex domestic violence laws, know how to challenge weak evidence and false accusations, and have a proven track record of favorable outcomes including dismissed charges, not guilty verdicts, and reduced sentences. We’ve handled everything from simple domestic battery to serious felony charges with great bodily injury allegations.
We know how Los Angeles County prosecutors handle domestic violence cases. They pursue charges aggressively even when alleged victims want to drop the case. They routinely file protective orders, seek high bail amounts, and recommend jail time. Understanding their approach allows us to develop effective counter-strategies, negotiate from strength, and protect your rights throughout the process.
We leave no stone unturned in building your defense. Our team conducts independent investigations, interviews witnesses, obtains favorable evidence, reviews all police reports and recordings, challenges inconsistencies in the alleged victim’s story, and identifies every weakness in the prosecution’s case. This thorough preparation positions us to achieve the best possible results.
We understand that false domestic violence accusations are common and know how to prove them. We’ve successfully defended numerous clients falsely accused during custody battles, divorce proceedings, immigration situations, and cases motivated by revenge or manipulation. We know how to expose the accuser’s motives, document their dishonesty, and prove your innocence.
We regularly appear in Glendale courts and have established relationships with local judges and prosecutors. This familiarity allows us to anticipate how cases will be handled, understand judicial tendencies, and negotiate more effectively on your behalf. Our knowledge of local court procedures is invaluable in navigating your case efficiently.
You’re not just another case number to us. We provide personalized attention to every client, keeping you informed throughout the process, explaining your options clearly, and ensuring you understand what to expect at each stage. You’ll have direct access to your attorney, not just support staff. We return calls promptly and answer your questions thoroughly.
We proudly serve Glendale’s diverse community with fluent Spanish and English legal services. Our bilingual attorneys and staff ensure that language is never a barrier to receiving quality legal representation. We can communicate with you, your family, and witnesses in the language you’re most comfortable with.
We’re passionate about protecting constitutional rights and ensuring fair treatment under the law. We challenge every rights violation, hold law enforcement accountable when they overstep their authority, and fight aggressively to protect your freedom, your reputation, your custody rights, your immigration status, and your future opportunities.
No. Once police arrest you and prosecutors file charges, the decision to proceed belongs to the government, not the alleged victim. Victims cannot “drop charges”—only prosecutors can dismiss cases. California law allows prosecution without victim cooperation using other evidence such as 911 calls, police observations, photographs of injuries, and witness statements. However, cases become much weaker without victim cooperation, and prosecutors may be more willing to negotiate favorable resolutions when victims recant or refuse to testify.
Exercise your right to remain silent. Do not explain, justify, or try to talk your way out of the situation—anything you say will be used against you. Politely decline to answer questions beyond providing your identification. Do not consent to searches of your home, vehicle, or phone. Request an attorney immediately. Contact Tu Defensor Criminalista at (888) 315-3326 as soon as possible—early intervention gives us the best opportunity to protect your rights and build your defense.
No. Violating a protective order or no-contact order results in immediate arrest and additional criminal charges, regardless of whether the alleged victim initiated contact or wants to reconcile. You must strictly comply with all protective orders even if you believe they’re unfair. Your attorney can request modification of protective orders through the court, but you cannot violate them under any circumstances.
Likely. California Family Code § 3044 creates a rebuttable presumption that awarding custody to a parent convicted of domestic violence within the previous five years is detrimental to the child’s best interests. Courts typically award custody to the other parent and limit you to supervised visitation. Even after five years, judges consider domestic violence convictions when making custody decisions. Protecting your parental rights is a critical reason to fight domestic violence charges aggressively.
No. California law prohibits firearm possession by anyone subject to a domestic violence protective order or convicted of domestic violence. Misdemeanor convictions trigger a 10-year gun ban, while felony convictions result in a lifetime prohibition. You must immediately surrender all firearms and ammunition. Violating these prohibitions results in additional felony charges carrying mandatory prison time.
Self-defense is a complete defense to domestic violence charges. California law allows you to use reasonable force to protect yourself from imminent harm. If you were the actual victim defending yourself from an attacking partner, you should not be convicted. We gather evidence of your injuries, defensive wounds, the accuser’s history of violence, and witness testimony to prove you acted in self-defense. Many domestic violence cases involve situations where both parties were aggressive—establishing that you were defending yourself can result in dismissed charges.
Timelines vary significantly. Misdemeanor cases often resolve within 3-6 months through plea agreements. Cases that go to trial typically take 6-12 months. Felony cases generally take 6-12 months if resolved by plea, or 12-18 months if proceeding to trial. Complex cases involving multiple charges or serious allegations can take longer. Early retention of an experienced attorney can expedite favorable resolutions.
Yes, severely. Most domestic violence offenses qualify as crimes involving moral turpitude or crimes of domestic violence under federal immigration law. Convictions can result in deportation, denial of naturalization, inability to adjust status, and permanent inadmissibility. Even lawful permanent residents who have lived in the U.S. for decades can be deported for a single conviction. Non-citizens facing domestic violence charges need experienced attorneys who understand both criminal law and immigration consequences.
If you’ve been served with a Domestic Violence in Glendale, time is running out. Don’t face this crisis alone. Contact Tu Defensor Criminalista immediately for a free, confidential consultation about your case.
Attorney Armando Josué Cespedes is rated 5.0 on Avvo, with 34 five-star reviews from clients praising his dedication, professionalism, and results. Many note how his trial skills and attention to detail led to reduced charges or outright dismissals.
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