what kind of lawyer do get when arrested for domestic battery

by Charity Hagenes 5 min read

Full Answer

Can a lawyer still practice if charged with domestic battery?

Yes, a lawyer can still practice. The Bar will determine what, if any, punishment is due. Also, domestic battery allegations are often not true. You hear it all the time among lawyers "everyone is entitled to due process--except lawyers".

Why might a prosecutor feel the evidence of a domestic battery?

A prosecutor may also feel the evidence of a domestic battery is insufficient because the victim’s credibility is suspect 5. For example, the victim may have a history of the following: Making false accusations in the past, or

When do you have to go to court for domestic battery?

When a person is charged with domestic battery, he or she must be brought before a judge. That might be the next morning, or it might mean the day after that.

Can a defense attorney write a rejection letter for domestic battery?

Compelling Reject Request Letter Written By Attorney Anytime after the defendant has been arrested or has been charged with domestic battery, the defense attorney can submit a letter to the prosecutor.

Is domestic battery a felony in Indiana?

Domestic battery constitutes a class A misdemeanor, which carries penalties of up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine. This offense level doesn't require that any bodily injury result. Shoving, pulling hair, jabbing, or other types of angry touching are criminal acts.

Is domestic battery a felony in Kansas?

Domestic battery starts as a class B person misdemeanor conviction. An offender faces 48 hours to six months in jail, plus a $200 to $500 fine. A second conviction in five years carries a class A person misdemeanor penalty, punishable by 90 days to one year in jail and a $500 to $1,000 fine.

What is the sentence for domestic violence in California?

A felony domestic violence offense can lead to up to 5 years in state prison. Probation could also be as long as 5 years. There is a minimum of 3 years of probation as a state requirement in all cases of felony domestic violence.

How do I get a domestic violence case dismissed in California?

Contact an experienced domestic violence attorney. A knowledgeable DV attorney can be critical in getting a charge dropped because he/she can: try to directly persuade a prosecutor to drop a charge, cast doubt on an accuser, highlight conflicting evidence, and.

How long does domestic violence stay on your record in Kansas?

Kansas has really tough criminal statutes but they do authorize expungement of certain criminal offenses and domestic battery is one of them. Usually it is going to be three years after the time that the person closes their case, which usually is at the conclusion of probation.

What is aggravated domestic battery in Kansas?

Aggravated domestic battery (Kansas Statute § 21-5414(b) )– defines aggravated domestic battery as an alleged offender knowingly impeding the normal breathing or circulation of the blood by either blocking the nose or mouth of a person, or applying pressure on the throat, neck or chest of a person (either is commonly ...

Do first time domestic violence offenders go to jail in California?

Most first-offense domestic violence charges won't include any jail time, but rather probation with certain conditions. However, an exception of course would include cases where the victim sustained significant injuries.

How much is the bail for domestic violence in California?

Under California Penal Code Section 273.5 PC, felony domestic violence convictions can be punished by up to 4 years in state prison and fines. Bail for felony domestic violence charges usually ranges from $10,000-$50,000 and up depending on the severity of the crime, criminal history, and risk to the victim.

How long does domestic violence stay on your record in California?

If you were convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence, there is a 10 year prohibition from the state of California under Penal Code § 12021 c 1. Obtaining an expungement does not reinstate firearms rights.

What is felony domestic violence in California?

Felony domestic violence in California is a domestic crime committed with aggravating factors. Aggravating factors can include: Violence resulting in bodily injury. Violence or threats of violence involving the use of a deadly weapon.

How long does the DA have to file charges in California?

For most misdemeanor crimes, the prosecution must file charges within one year from the date the offense was allegedly committed. If the crime is a felony, the prosecution generally has three years to file charges from the date the offense was allegedly committed.

What is exculpatory evidence?

Evidence, such as a statement, tending to excuse, justify, or absolve the alleged fault or guilt of a defendant.

What do police do when they think you're the bad guy?

Police have one job, and it’s to “get the bad guy.” When they think you’re the bad guy, they’ll do what they can to get you to confess to domestic battery.

Do you have to have an attorney?

That right is guaranteed to you by the U.S. Constitution. Your lawyer will be there to preserve your other rights and help ensure you get a fair trial in court. He’ll also check that the police did everything legally when they arrested you, and that they didn’t trick you into making a confession or anything like that.

Have You Been Arrested for Domestic Battery?

If you’ve been arrested for domestic battery – or if you think you’re about to be – call us immediately at 847-920-4540. You can also contact us online for a free case review if you’ve already been arrested.

What to do when you are arrested for domestic battery?

When you get arrested for domestic battery charges, avoid answering questions posed by the police or media without an attorney. Such a decision is helpful because it prevents you from making any statements that might be self-incriminating. Police might also attempt to twist or misinterpret your comments to make you guilty. Similarly, the press can also take your accounts out of context and insinuate that you harmed the victim. Reports from the media might influence the judges or jury's opinions and rule in favor of the plaintiff.

How can a domestic violence attorney help you?

A domestic violence attorney can help you in filing a legal motion, which is a formal request for the court to take any action that is within the confines of the law. Request the judge to dismiss the case because the used evidence was unlawfully obtained. The attorney also files legal motions to restrict the liability of the defendant.

Why Hire a Skilled Attorney?

Getting a favorable outcome, such as a dismissed case or reduced charges requires a skilled presentation by an experienced attorney. A domestic violence attorney can assist you in doing the following:

What to do if you live with an alleged victim?

In case you and the alleged victim live in the same residence, plan alternative living arrangements as fast as possible. The move assists in preventing issues such as false accusations that you attempted to violate their rights. If the court orders a no-contact directive, then it is best to relocate residence immediately. This also entails not contacting any third parties to engage the victim.

How does domestic violence start?

The prosecution of domestic violence commences when the alleged victim contacts the police and accuses another person of committing a domestic battery crime. The victim functions as the primary witness in many cases. The police then write a report with statements from the involved parties and any available witnesses. This report is then forwarded to the district attorney, who determines whether to file formal charges or to drop the case. The prosecutor decides whether to pursue the case by assessing all the facts of the case and deciding whether there is sufficient evidence to convict you of domestic violence. If the prosecutor identifies that there is adequate evidence, then you will likely be charged with domestic battery.

What is plea bargaining in California?

Plea bargaining entails an out of the court agreement between the criminal defense attorney and the prosecution to end the case and concludes with the defendant pleading guilty or nolo contendere. In return, he or she gets a reduced sentence or lesser charges. Many cases of domestic battery in California conclude with a plea agreement. Most that proceed to trial are the ones in which one side would not accept the plea, or the defendant believes that the prosecutor cannot prove the case.

How long can a domestic battery case be filed in California?

It is also helpful, especially when the defense witnesses are not available any longer and when the defendant's memory might be limited. Under California law, misdemeanor offenses, including domestic battery, have a one-year statute of limitations.

What happens if a prosecutor files a domestic battery charge?

Once a prosecutor (a lawyer for the state) picks up the domestic battery charges and files them, it’s out of your control.

What can a private criminal defense lawyer do?

A private criminal defense lawyer can find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case that may lead to dismissal or having the charges reduced. Private criminal defense attorneys may have resources that can help with your defense. They can hire expert witnesses to provide evidence in critical aspects of the case.

What is public defender?

Public defenders are government employees who often have large caseloads. These legal professionals are often overworked and underpaid. They may not intend to, but their busy caseloads may leave them with limited time to prepare their cases and leads them to make mistakes.

Can a person with no money afford a public defender?

If he or she can’t afford one, then a public defender can help. Public defenders are only available to people who don’t have the money to hire a criminal defense attorney.

Can a criminal defense attorney hire a private investigator?

Or, they can hire private laboratories to test the evidence. A criminal defense attorney can also secure a private investigator to search for crucial evidence that will aid in your defense. Private lawyers also have a team of personnel that can help with the case.

Raymond F. Haselman

Yes, a lawyer can still practice. The Bar will determine what, if any, punishment is due. Also, domestic battery allegations are often not true. More

Anthony Bettencourt Cameron

You hear it all the time among lawyers "everyone is entitled to due process--except lawyers". In This case we have one of the magical areas where lawyers actually retain stuff like the presumption of innocence. Rest assured our disciplinary system knows all about this case and will review it upon completion.

Cheryl Ann Powell

Yes, a lawyer generally gets to practice while going through a domestic battery case. One is innocent until proven guilty. It might take a couple of years to deal with such a case. After that case is over or while it is pending, a complaint may be made to the ardc.

Judy A. Goldstein

Too many questions and no way to answer. A lawyer gets disbarred only after a complaint has been filed and the complaint goes to hearing. Then the recommendation is brought to the Supreme Court for determination. Until such time as an attorney is disbarred, the attorney is entitled to practice law too many questions and no way to answer.

What happens if the police call to a home?

This comes as a surprise to many people. If the police are called to the home and there is an allegation of domestic violence, they will arrest the accused. It does not matter that the victim did not want him or her arrested, but just called the police to get that person out of the house.

What happens if a victim testifies against a defendant?

If the victim appears in court and wants to testify against the defendant, the case will either be set down for a trial or the defendant, through his attorney, will negotiate with the prosecutor to plead guilty in exchange for a lighter sentence.

Can a defendant take another date to contact the victim?

If they believe it is a serious allegation they may take another date to try to contact the victim. Or, if the defendant gave a written statement to the police admitting to the crime and they have other evidence such as other witnesses, physical evidence, or pictures of the injuries, they can still proceed with the case.

Can you post bond at the police station?

The first court appearance will be a bond hearing in front of a judge. Many people are surprised to learn that they cannot post bond at the police station like all other misdemeanors. When a person is charged with domestic battery, he or she must be brought before a judge.

Can a complaining witness come to court?

At this hearing, the complaining witness must come to court and the state will generally subpoena him or her. Should the complaining witness not come to court, the State MIGHT dismiss the case at this time. I say might because, again, it is the State’s case. They do not have to dismiss it.

Why is domestic battery evidence insufficient?

A prosecutor may also feel the evidence of a domestic battery is insufficient because the victim’s credibility is suspect 5.

What does it mean to successfully prosecute a domestic violence case?

Successfully prosecuting a defendant for domestic violence means that the prosecutor must prove each element of the offense by the standard of beyond a reasonable doubt.

What do prosecutor decisions need to make?

Prosecutors need to make decisions regarding how to file or proceed with a case based on the evidence.

Why do people drop criminal cases?

A major reason for dropping any criminal case is the insufficiency of the evidence.

Who reviews statements made by the defendant and victim?

A prosecutor will review any statements made by the defendant and victim. In some cases, a victim will make a verbal statement that is noted by police followed by a written one that will contain inconsistencies that an experienced defense attorney will exploit to challenge the veracity and credibility of the victim.

Does lack of visible injuries mean domestic battery?

The lack of visible injuries does not necessarily mean that a domestic battery did not occur and is not required in order for a defendant to be charged with domestic battery. All the prosecutor needs in order to charge you is evidence of a harmful or offensive touching.

Can touching a battery cause injury?

For simple domestic battery, the touching need not have caused a visible injury or pain; only that it was offensive.

What happens if you don't have an attorney on a battery charge?

The most likely scenario is when someone gets jail time as a first offender, for a battery, or an assault charge. Quite often, someone will get a copy of a probable cause statement that is part of an arrest report. They conclude that is all the information there is. Normally, there should be an incident report, an offense report, possibly a supplemental report, and in addition, witness statements, which should include body camera evidence from all the agencies that participated in this crime.

What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

A defense lawyer can protect a client’s legal interests when they have been charged with a first offense battery, or assault charge, and any surprises that may arise in court. Finally, only with a skilled criminal defense lawyer will someone find themselves getting the best possible negotiated settlement. Quite often with first offense cases, we bypass diversion entirely, because it is too burdensome, and we focus on a negotiated dismissal, so when everything is over, there is a dismissal which paves away for a much quicker expungement of the criminal record, as well as presenting an unexpected jail sentence.

What Is The Punishment For Assault And Battery With A Deadly Weapon?

The punishment for assault and battery with a deadly weapon is going to depend on a number of factors. First, one of the most important factors is whether it is an assault, or a battery, because the two are very different. Think of a simple assault as a swing and a miss, whereas a simple battery is a swing and a hit. A battery is when someone makes contact on another person. The deadly weapon can be anything from a baseball bat, to a firearm. Anyone charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon is looking at a felony charge, and depending on the type of deadly weapon; they involve mandatory minimum prison time. Someone charged with an aggravated battery with a deadly weapon is looking at mandatory prison time.

Why do people plead no contest?

Most people want to plead no contest, or guilty on their first court date, in order to get it over with minimal cost involved. The problem is when someone commits this crime; there are aggravating factors in their case, even if it is not true. They may find themselves in a position where they plead no contest, or guilty, and then after they have entered that plea of no contest, or guilty, the state gives a recommendation, and this may be the first time that someone gives that recommendation. Another scenario is that the person who is claiming to be the victim no matter what the state recommends, shows up in court, and asks for jail time. This puts a lot of pressure on any judge.