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HOW CAN A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CONVICTION IN CALIFORNIA AFFECT MY LIFE?
(0) Comment |Last Updated on: 3rd June 2023, 09:26 pm
The Severe Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction in California
Domestic violence is a serious and heartbreaking offense that carries severe long-term consequences if convicted. In California, domestic violence ranks as one of the most common and heavily punished convictions under criminal law provisions. Whether your case is a misdemeanor or felony, there are several devastating outcomes to expect from a domestic violence conviction in California.
Financial Hardships
Upon conviction, the financial strain on the offender’s life becomes increasingly apparent due to ordered domestic violence therapy courses, community labor or service, and specific fines that are imposed. These expenses can accumulate and turn into unbearably expensive burdens borne by the offender.
Protective Orders
Typically, protective orders are imposed after domestic violence convictions, prohibiting any contact between the defendant and victim. The stay-away order facilitated by a criminal protective order may range from five to ten years from the date the defendant was convicted. If both parties intend to continue their relationship despite this order’s imposition, it can disrupt family dynamics and create a heartbreaking situation, especially if they share minor children.
Loss of Gun Rights
California state laws place strict limitations or loss of firearm rights relating to domestic violence convictions. Any domestic violence felony conviction attracts a lifetime firearm ban extending beyond firearms-related items like ammunition-feeding devices. Even with a domestic violence misdemeanor conviction, it is common for offenders in California to face ten-year firearm bans, differentiating them from most other misdemeanor convictions irrelevant to owning or possessing guns.
Immigration Consequences
Non-American citizens convicted of domestic violence crimes in California may face deportation proceedings as it is considered an act involving moral turpitude. This conviction can lead to a denial of re-entry into America, subjecting them to removal from the country and being denied citizenship, naturalization, and immigration benefits.
Expungement or Reduced Charge
Domestic violence conviction in California has a significant effect on defendants’ lives. Nevertheless, relief options like expungement process reduction of felony-level cases to misdemeanor pursuant to Penal Code Section 17b can be explored for first-time offenders who avoid jail time and perform well on probation. These options can help to reverse the negative consequences. However, some of these consequences are permanent.
Consult With A Domestic Violence Attorney
Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers can provide crucial guidance for all aspects involving a domestic violence conviction in Los Angeles County, including employment consequences. Defendants charged with domestic violence should retain experienced criminal counsel to evaluate their case while focusing on protecting their rights for the best possible outcome in the case.
In conclusion, it is essential to understand that domestic violence convictions carry severe and life-changing long-term consequences and can significantly affect your life. Therefore, if you face such charges or know someone facing them, it is crucial to seek legal representation from an experienced attorney who will guide you through every step of the process and protect your rights.
TABLE – Common Consequences of Domestic Violence Conviction
| Consequences | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Financial Hardships | Ordered domestic violence therapy courses, community labor or service, and specific fines can accumulate and become unbearably expensive burdens. |
| Protective Orders | Stay-away order facilitated by a criminal protective order may range from five to ten years, disrupting family dynamics and prohibiting contact between the defendant and victim. |
| Loss of Gun Rights | Lifetime firearm ban for felony convictions and ten-year firearm bans for misdemeanor convictions. |
| Immigration Consequences | Possible deportation proceedings, denial of re-entry, removal from the country, and being denied citizenship and immigration benefits. |
| Expungement or Reduced Charge | Relief options for reversing the negative consequences, especially for first-time offenders who avoid jail time and perform well on probation. However, some consequences are permanent. |
About the Author:
Alan Eisner has been practicing criminal law for over 28 years in Los Angeles County. He is the Managing Partner of Eisner Gorin LLP, a top-rated criminal defense law firm located at 1875 Century Park E #705, Los Angeles, CA 90067. Contact for consultation at (310) 328-3776.