Sex offender management through the Department of Justice: How a registered sex offender convicted of stalking his or her intimate partner in California will be tracked

Domestic violence laws, in California, apply to all crimes committed against one’s intimate partner. Intimate partners are defined as heterosexual or same-sex partners that have children together, are living together, are married, divorced, dating or formerly dating. It therefore follows that if an individual harasses or follows and threatens his or her intimate partner with the intent of placing that partner in fear for his or her safety, he or she will be charged with stalking as a domestic abuse crime. If convicted, absent any aggravating factors or specific prior convictions, he or she will face up to one year in jail and up to a $1,000 fine if the charge was handled as a misdemeanor or up to one year in prison if the charge was treated as a felony. In addition to several additional penalties, the defendant may be ordered by the court to register as a sex offender if the court determines that the stalking was motivated by sexual desire or gratification.

Once an individual has been ordered to register as a sex offender and prior to being placed on probation or released from jail or prison, he or she will receive written notice about how to register. The Department of Justice (DOJ) receives a copy of that notification as well so that it knows who is required to register and can ensure that he or she promptly does so.

Sex offenders must update their personal information yearly, within five days of their birthday. If, however, a registered offender changes his or her name or moves after a scheduled update, he or she must notify his or her local law enforcement agency within five days. Transients (people who do not have a permanent legal address) and those labeled “sexually violent predators” will be required to update their information more frequently.

Local law enforcement agencies pass the offender’s information on to the Department of Justice’s Violent Crime Information Network. The information is then stored and maintained and, under certain circumstances, posted on the Internet for public viewing. The Department of Justice updates their database daily, based on the information it receives from its reporting law enforcement agencies, and keeps track of each individual’s reporting date and of any violations that he or she committed with respect to keeping those dates.

The Office of the Attorney General at the Department of Justice operates a website, which may be found at www.MegansLaw.ca.gov. Once the DOJ has an individual’s information, it will be available for public viewing on that website. Depending on the specific sex crime that the individual committed, his or her full address and other relevant information or his or her zip code and other relevant information will be accessible. However, about 25% of all registered sex offenders will not appear on the website because they committed “less serious” sex offenses and therefore may legally be excluded from public disclosure.

Sex offender management is one of California’s priorities. California was the first state to enact sex offender registration laws and is one of the toughest on its offenders. This state also leads the way in protecting victims of intimate partner abuse and in holding their assailants accountable. With such severe penalties facing an individual charged with stalking his or her intimate partner, it is critical that the accused hires a skilled criminal defense lawyer immediately upon an allegation. The outstanding attorneys at the Kavinoky Law Firm have successfully defended countless individuals charged with D.V. stalking because they are familiar with and understand all of the evidentiary issues and defenses that are relevant to this crime. One’s freedom, family and reputation are too important to trust to an inexperienced attorney. Click here for a free consultation and for the best representation.

Aggravating Factors with Criminal Threats

An individual who willfully threatens to commit a crime against his or her intimate partner can be charged with making criminal threats. Under California domestic violence law intimate partnerships include couples who are straight or gay, who may be married or divorced, have children in common, are living together, or who have dated at any time.

Criminal threats are in part defined as crimes that may result in death or serious bodily injury to a partner, either by verbal, written or electronic communication. Whether or not the defendant has an intention to actually carry out the threat is irrelevant to this offense if the partner is reasonably in fear for his or her own safety or for the safety of his or her family.

This charge may be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony, punishable by up to one year in the county jail or state prison. It is important to note that the threat, on its face and under the circumstances, must be so clear, unconditional, immediate and specific so as to convey to the partner that the threat could be immediately executed, even if the defendant doesn’t actually intend to carry out the threat.

Certain “aggravating factors” may prompt the court to impose additional sentencing if the suspect is found guilty of the crime. This is simply another reason why the accused should always hire an experienced attorney when charged with a crime. The skilled criminal defense lawyers at The Kavinoky Law Firm have experience in defending California domestic abuse cases. They are familiar with this special area of the law and will both aggressively defend the charges and do their best to keep all penalties to a minimum by arguing the injustice involved in imposing additional penalties.

Two aggravating factors are commonly alleged in a criminal threats charge. The first deals with injury. If the defendant is convicted of this crime and his or her intimate partner was significantly or substantially injured as a result of the charged incident, the defendant will serve three to five years in prison in addition to any other prison time that the judge orders.

The other aggravating factor that may affect any criminal case is the defendant’s prior criminal history. Before a judge imposes punishment upon a convicted defendant, he or she will consider any past criminal conduct that is on the defendant’s record. While this specific crime doesn’t have a section that states that a prior conviction for the same offense will automatically result in more severe punishment, prior convictions of any kind will likely affect the sentence that the judge issues.

An experienced lawyer who is familiar with the intricacies of domestic violence laws and, more specifically, criminal threats will attempt to persuade the court to either reduce any mandatory prison time in the interests of justice and/or may propose alternative sentencing as another option, based on the facts and circumstances of the individual case.

Before the court sentences a convicted defendant, it will hear from both parties as to whether there were any mitigating or aggravating circumstances that it should consider. When the prosecution presents aggravating circumstances, the court will generally impose the strictest available penalty unless a good defense attorney is able to dissuade it from doing so. When aggravating circumstances exist, it is critical that the accused contact an attorney who has the knowledge and skills to effectively convince the court that to add an additional sentence would be against the interests of justice. The attorneys at The Kavinoky Law Firm have successfully defended countless individuals who were facing intimate partner abuse charges.

Domestic battery, which is also called “spousal battery” or “spousal abuse,” is a California domestic violence crime that applies to intimate partners. Intimate partners can be heterosexual or gay, married, divorced, living together, have children together or be dating or were formerly dating. If a person willfully and unlawfully uses force or violence upon an intimate partner, he or she can be charged with misdemeanor battery. This charge can be brought against a defendant even if he or she used the slightest force. Any unwanted physical touching could lead to a battery charge. However, if serious bodily injury results, such as broken bones, loss of consciousness or a concussion, the battery will likely be charged as a felony.

California has taken a stand on domestic abuse by becoming one of the strictest states when it comes to punishing its offenders. The consequences of a battery conviction are severe and possibly even life altering. A first-time offender faces up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine if the crime is charged as a misdemeanor or up to four years in state prison if the offense is charged as a felony. In addition, an individual with prior convictions will face even stiffer penalties.

In an effort to try to put an end to the violence, there are many programs throughout the state that offer services to educate both the victims and abusers involved in these intense, volatile relationships. The services are provided in numerous languages to people of every economic, ethnic and religious background, and target both heterosexual and homosexual individuals. If interested in pursuing self-help or if looking to help another, a caring criminal defense lawyer is a great place to start, as he or she will have these types of resources and referrals right at his or her fingertips.

Counseling for those affected by domestic violence is available to not only help the abuser deal with anger management and violence issues, but exists to help empower victims of intimate partner abuse as well. With respect to abusers, the goal of counseling is to help them learn to walk away from potentially explosive situations without resorting to violence. Services for the victim frequently include private or group therapy, vocational training, and lessons on how a victim can safely flee from a violent partner.

For the abuser, there are batterer’s classes that are structured courses designed to stop the use of physical, psychological or sexual abuse to gain or maintain control over a partner. Domestic violence statistics reveal that drugs and/or alcohol often accompnay violent incidents, and there are free Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings held throughout the state for the abuser who needs this type of help as well. Long-term, live-in facilities are also available if more intense treatment is necessary.

For the victim, there are emergency shelters throughout the state that allow victims and their children to temporarily reside in safety, keeping their identity confidential. These shelter locations are kept secret from the public to help further protect the residents. There are also many government financial assistance programs available to help the victim and his or her family get back on their feet.

Individuals affected by domestic battery can take comfort in knowing that help is available. SAFE (Stop Abuse For Everyone) is a fabulous resource, as it breaks down many categories of victims and abusers and then lists several of the state’s programs under each. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is another great resource both online and via telephone (1-800-799-SAFE). In addition, the compassionate, discreet and trustworthy attorneys at The Kavinoky Law Firm will help refer individuals to a variety of services that will meet their needs. For questions about battery, or about classes and resources available to those affected by it, please click here for a free consultation.

Punishment Associated with a California Domestic Violence Criminal Threats Conviction

Domestic violence crimes in California include all crimes in which the victim of the crime was an intimate partner of the offender. Intimate partners include heterosexual and same-sex couples that are married, divorced, living together, have children together, dated and formerly dated. As a result, making criminal threats against one’s intimate partner will be prosecuted as a domestic abuse crime.

“Criminal threats” can be charged if an individual threatens to commit a crime against his or her intimate partner that, if carried out, would result in death or serious bodily injury to that partner. This crime may be charged even if the accused didn’t actually intend to follow-through with the threat, so long as the partner believed that the threat was real and reasonably feared for his or her safety as a result. Depending on the circumstances that surround the threat, the charge may be filed as a misdemeanor or felony, punishable by up to one year in the county jail or state prison.

While imprisonment is the most severe punishment involved in a criminal threats conviction, it certainly isn’t the only penalty that the defendant faces. It is also important to keep in mind that in addition to the extra sentencing requirements that follow below, aggravating factors will most likely invite an even stiffer prison sentence.

Probation is usually offered to a defendant convicted of making criminal threats. Probation generally lasts for at least three years and, depending on whether the case was prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony, will either be formal, which means that the defendant frequently reports directly to a probation officer, or informal, which means the defendant periodically updates the court with progress reports.

When probation is imposed, there are certain mandatory terms of probation that apply to all California intimate partner abuse crimes. There are some procedural-type requirements that are usually dealt with immediately. The first requirement is that the defendant must go through the “booking process” if he or she wasn’t booked upon arrest. Booking includes being fingerprinted, photographed and entered into a criminal database. The second condition is that a criminal protective order will be issued against the offender. The restrictions imposed on the restrained individual will vary depending on the circumstances that surrounded the charged incident.

Probation also includes some conditions that are designed to both rehabilitate and punish the offender. A defendant convicted of D.V. criminal threats, who is granted probation, will be required to attend at least 52 weekly batterer’s classes for at least one year. The court will also order the accused to pay a fine payable to various domestic violence funds.

Professional licensing restrictions may also face an individual who was convicted of making criminal threats against his or her intimate partner. Depending on the defendant’s career, if he or she holds a professional license, there is a chance that it could be suspended or revoked if the licensing board feels that making criminal threats is substantially related to his or her job. Having a qualified attorney to help defend against a possible license restriction is encouraged, as professional representation will know the appropriate arguments to make to prevent such a restriction or revocation.

Civil liability may also face a defendant who was charged with making criminal threats against his or her intimate partner. In civil court, a convicted defendant would face additional heavy fines and would be restrained by a civil protective order but would not face any additional jail or prison time.

“Criminal threats” has serious consequences. In order to ensure the most comprehensive defense, it is vital to hire one of the skilled attorneys at The Kavinoky Law Firm who has experience not only with this specific charge, but with intimate partner violence cases as well. An experienced defense lawyer can answer any questions about domestic abuse charges and professional license restrictions in California domestic violence cases during a free consultation.

Eyewitness Accounts in a Violation of a Protective Order Case

Eyewitness accounts can be a crucial element of violation of a protective order cases and other California domestic violence prosecutions. Because of the intimate nature of domestic violence, most offenses occur outside the presence of witnesses. As a result, many intimate partner abuse cases are based on “he said, she said” allegations. Eyewitnesses, therefore, play a vital role in helping to prove or disprove that the accused violated his or her court order.

Protective orders can be issued against any intimate partner in a California domestic abuse case. Intimate partners may be straight or gay and can be married, divorced, cohabiting, have children together, or be currently or were formerly dating. Protective orders include orders issued by the court that prohibit the offender from engaging in specific acts of abuse, re-entering his or her own home or even behaving in a specified way.

Anyone who intentionally violates a protective order in a California domestic abuse case can be charged with a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. California courts may even punish an offender for violating an order in California that was issued in another state. If the violation results in physical injury to the alleged victim, the offender will serve mandatory jail time of at least 30 days and the fine may rise to $2,000.

An eyewitness’s job is to tell the judge and/or jury what he or she saw with no inherent bias. Easily said, but rarely done. Eyewitnesses almost always have a bias either for or against one of the parties, depending on his or her relationship with each. As a result, the truth generally gets lost in translation.

Because both attorneys have an equal opportunity to examine a witness, witnesses essentially testify for both parties. A skilled criminal defense lawyer knows how to take an eyewitness who is presented by the prosecution and turn him or her into a witness who ultimately helps prove the defendant’s version of the events. Similarly, a good defense attorney will invest time in preparing an eyewitness that he or she intends to “put on the stand” in order to try to make that witness as comfortable as possible with respect to answering questions from both lawyers.

Domestic abuse cases are usually based on a highly charged, emotional incident that unfortunately took a turn for the worse. This means that even if there was an eyewitness to the violation, that individual may not have witnessed all the events that led to the charged incident and may not have the accurate back-story on what took place before the charged incident. It is the attorney’s job to make sure that this type of information gets relayed to the jury. The experienced attorneys at The Kavinoky Law Firm have successfully defended countless individuals who were charged with violating protective orders. They are familiar with all aspects of California’s intimate partner violence laws and know how to skillfully examine witnesses in ways that are beneficial to their clients. In conjunction with their private investigators, the attorneys not only interview all witnesses but also check each witness’s criminal history to uncover any past conduct that could be considered relevant in weighing that witness’s credibility. A knowledgeable attorney will effectively cross-examine prosecution witnesses in the case to bring out and highlight discrepancies in their accounts that may otherwise be overlooked.

An eyewitness could potentially be the “kiss of death” to a defendant facing a domestic abuse charge. When charged with violating a court order (especially when there was an eyewitness), it becomes even more critical for the accused to hire an attorney who is experienced in witness preparation and who excels in cross-examination. The attorneys at The Kavinoky Law Firm know how to handle different witnesses under a variety of circumstances. Keeping the jury in mind, they know when it is appropriate to examine a witness with care and compassion and they know when it is appropriate to “take the gloves off” to aggressively attack. A skilled lawyer can outline an effective defense strategy during a free consultation.

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Domestic violence cases will be more difficult to prosecute following a U.S. Supreme Court decision that will make it harder for prosecutors to use out-of-court statements as evidence against defendants.

The court ruled that allowing a murder victim’s earlier reports to police to be admitted as evidence denies the suspect’s right to confront his accuser unless the killing was committed to silence the accuser.

The court ruled 6-3 to overturn the murder conviction of a Los Angeles man who shot and killed his girlfriend. The man claimed the killing was done in self-defense but was convicted after a police officer testified that the woman had reported that the man threatened her life.

Until 2004, prosecutors could introduce statements made by victims who were unable or unwilling to testify, including statements made to police.  Police can now testify about what they witnessed, but cannot repeat statements made by the victim unless prosecutors can prove that the victim was killed in order to silence him/her.

However, proving that a killing occurred to silence the victim is extremely difficult. The court’s ruling will also impact domestic violence cases where the victim is available to testify but unwilling to do so.

To learn more about prosecution and defenses to California domestic violence cases, contact a skilled defense lawyer from The Kavinoky Law Firm today for a free consultation

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The Possible Consequences of Domestic Violence in California

Domestic violence is a “wobbler” crime in California, and it can be charged and prosecuted either as a misdemeanor or a felony. A Sacramento criminal attorney can explain the likely consequences of a particular domestic violence charge best, because this requires an understanding of how the local and state statutes and penal codes determine the gravity of the offense and appropriate punishment.

In general, California law establishes the baseline consequences for a domestic violence conviction. If convicted for a misdemeanor, the potential sentence includes minimum of a 52-week domestic violence course with behavior counseling, 40 hours of community service, a “No Contact Order” with the victim, and several different fines. Many times the prosecutor will not try to get the maximum fine and many judges will not opt for more than a month of jail time, though a maximum of a year is possible. In many cases, alternate sentences that increase the financial cost but eliminate jail time in favor of a work program are possible.

A felony conviction entails a similar domestic violence program, more community service, the same no contact order, significantly higher fines, and a minimum jail sentence of three months. Depending on the severity, this can take the form of a year or more in prison, or something less serious such as supervised probation. In either case, local statutes leave a wide range of sentences for the prosecution and the judge to choose from depending on all the related factors.

No matter what your circumstance, whether you are a victim of domestic violence or have been charged with the crime, you need a Sacramento criminal attorney immediately. The right attorney can help protect you, help you get the counseling or therapy you need, and see that local and California laws are executed fairly for the sake of the victim and the accused .The end goal is the appropriate sentence so that both people can lead better, safer lives.

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If you have been the victim domestic violence and want to press charges against your abuser but are afraid to do so, the first step you need to take is to reach out to a Los Angeles domestic violence attorney. Surprisingly, a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer with domestic violence experience can often offer very sound advice as to your first steps depending on your circumstances. They will almost always include finding a way to make yourself safe from your abuser such as moving out.

You need to understand a few things about domestic violence. If you have been a victim, pressing charges may be emotionally and practically difficult, especially if the abuser is your spouse or the parent of your child. He or she may threaten you or attempt to prevent you from informing the police or testifying, which is illegal but can be quite coercive. And if the only evidence of the abuse is your word, the abuser’s defense lawyer will almost certainly attack your character in court, so you need to prepare to defend yourself despite your stressed emotional state. Once you have contacted a lawyer to begin preparing your legal charges, and moved out or done what you need to make yourself safe from the abuser, you should also call the police.

In dire circumstances, this should actually be your first step as the police should come and arrest the accused abuser and get him or her out of the house. They can also collect immediate evidence of the abuse at this point, or direct you to a police medical examiner to look for physical or emotional signs of abuse. This is important because this evidence will service as the primary foundation for your case and will make it more difficult for a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer to weaken the case by assaulting your character. You will have to tell the police you want to press charges, and it can be difficult to persevere when put on the spot about having your partner tried for abuse. But in the end, nobody should live in fear of abuse, least of all children, so you will find you are doing the right thing to seek legal help and press domestic abuse charges.