California domestic violence takes place when an individual commits a crime against his or her intimate partner, parent or child. Intimate partners are married, divorced, have children together, live together or previously lived together, are dating or were formerly dating. Domestic abuse occurs when an individual tries to control another member of his or her family or his or her intimate partner through intimidation, threats and/or physical violence. Domestic violence occurs between heterosexuals and homosexuals and affects families from all social, economic, ethnic and religious backgrounds. The most commonly reported type of domestic abuse is physical abuse.

Physical abuse in a Domestic Violence situation occurs when an individual intentionally uses force or violence upon an intimate partner or other family member, attempting to cause injury, harm or pain. Some of the most common types of physical abuse include assault with a weapon, punching, hitting or slapping, kicking, tripping, shaking, pinching, biting or choking, spitting, restraining, hair-pulling and sexual abuse.

Sexual abuse is a type of physical abuse that is most frequently seen as a type of intimate partner abuse but can also be seen as a form of child abuse. Domestic violence statistics report that people who are physically abusive to an intimate partner are often sexually violent as well. Adult sexual abuse can be sexual assault, sexual harassment or sexual exploitation. Sexual exploitation takes place when an individual forces an intimate partner to participate in pornographic filmmaking or forces another to look at pornographic materials or other sexual materials that make the partner uncomfortable. Sexual harassment occurs when one makes unwanted sexual advances towards his or her partner to gain power over that individual. Sexual assault takes place when an individual forces his or her intimate partner to have any type of unwanted, unsafe or degrading sexual activity, whether intercourse is involved or not. Child sexual abuse occurs when any activity with a child is done for the purpose of sexual gratification. It includes, but is not limited to, sexual touching, intercourse, asking a child to expose his or her sexual organs and exposing a child to pornography.

Any type of physical abuse has detrimental effects on the abused, and children are often affected in even more damaging ways, which, according to statistics, may ultimately lead to an attempted suicide. Persons affected by domestic violence are often fearful, anxious, stressed and depressed. They are characterized as having low self-esteem and have trouble trusting others. Victims often feel isolated, angry and abandoned. As a result, many exhibit destructive behavior and begin abusing drugs and/or alcohol, turn violent themselves and/or often completely withdraw from others. Most victims, despite the abuse, remain with their abusive intimate partners, because following an abusive incident, the perpetrator is very apologetic and loving (which is known as the “cycle of abuse”) or because the victim feels hopeless and may suffer from a recognized psychological condition known as battered person’s syndrome.

Physical abuse, when perpetrated against one’s intimate partner or other family members, will be prosecuted in California as a crime of domestic violence which has serious consequences in addition to whatever crime was actually committed. For example, a battery charge carries certain penalties, but if committed against an intimate partner, it will have additional penalties, specific to domestic violence crimes, as well. The experienced criminal defense lawyers at The Kavinoky Law Firm specialize in California domestic violence law and have offices located throughout the state, enabling them to provide their exceptional representation to anyone in need. They participate in ongoing education and training seminars on intimate partner abuse that gives them a deep understanding of the issues and defenses that are frequently raised in and used in these special types of cases. Contact them today for a free consultation..

Battered Person’s Syndrome and Violation of a Protective Order

Violation of a protective order is a California domestic violence charge that can be brought against an intimate partner. Almost any type of relationship can be considered an intimate partnership. The couple may be married, divorced, cohabiting, have children together, or be currently or were formerly dating. The couple may be of the opposite or same sex.

An intentional and knowing violation of a protective order is a misdemeanor charge punishable by a maximum penalty of a one-year jail sentence and a $1,000 fine. 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. California courts can even punish an individual for violating an order in California that was issued in another state. If the accuser suffers a physical injury during the violation, the offender will serve mandatory jail time of at least 30 days and the fine may rise to $2,000. In addition, if the accused has prior convictions for violating a protective order, he or she will also likely serve mandatory jail time.

In this, as well as many other domestic abuse cases, the condition known as “battered person’s syndrome” – also known as “battered women’s syndrome” – comes into play and can be offered as evidence through the testimony of an expert witness by either side. Although it usually refers to a woman, battered person’s syndrome can apply to a woman or a man involved in a heterosexual or homosexual relationship.

Battered person’s syndrome is a recognized psychological condition that is used to describe someone who has been consistently and/or severely victimized by his or her partner. It is frequently used in domestic violence cases either to defend an abused defendant’s actions or as evidence against the defendant if the abused victim later recants his or her allegations. Because this syndrome is frequently raised in intimate partner violence trials, it is vital to hire a skilled criminal defense lawyer from The Kavinoky Law Firm who is familiar with battered person’s syndrome should it and its effects be introduced into evidence.

The characteristics of this syndrome all focus on the accuser believing that the violence was his or her fault. In addition, the syndrome has three distinct phases that include the “tension-building” phase, the actual battery, and the “honeymoon” phase. In order to be diagnosed with battered person’s syndrome, the abused must have gone through all three phases at least twice.

When the prosecution introduces battered person’s syndrome as evidence against a defendant, it is vital for the defendant to have an experienced criminal defense attorney to help exclude that evidence or, at the very least, to rebut it with a defense expert witness.

A defense expert witness will help discredit the prosecution’s theory that the “victim” suffers from battered person’s syndrome and will point out that the prosecution is simply using it as a way to bolster an otherwise weak case. The prosecution usually introduces the syndrome when the “victim” (or, in this case, the protected party) refuses to testify. The prosecutor then argues that the individual has recanted the allegations because he or she feared what would happen if he or she didn’t. A defense expert will rebut that argument, addressing the many legitimate reasons why an accuser may change his or her story.

The attorneys at The Kavinoky Law Firm have the training and experience to handle any case where the defendant is charged with violating a protective order. They have successfully defended countless intimate partner abuse cases with skill and compassion and are well-qualified to effectively tackle any and every evidentiary issue that may arise, particularly with respect to battered person’s syndrome.

The Role of a Batterer’s Class in a California Domestic Violence Criminal Threats Conviction

Domestic violence, under California law, exists when a crime is committed against an individual by that individual’s intimate partner. Intimate partners include persons who are either heterosexual or homosexual and are dating, formerly dated, married, divorced, living together or have children together. This means that if an individual threatens his or her intimate partner, the charge will be prosecuted as a domestic abuse offense.

“Criminal threats” may be charged when an individual, either in person, in writing or through a third person, threatens to commit a crime against his or her intimate partner that would result in serious bodily injury or death to that partner if the crime was committed. The fact that the accused didn’t actually intend to commit the crime will not serve as a defense to this crime if the partner reasonably feared for his or her safety upon receipt of the threat.

California D.V. law requires that a defendant who is placed on probation for making a criminal threat against his or her intimate partner attend a batterer’s class. The offender will be required to attend class for a two-hour period at least once a week for one year. These classes are designed to help people convicted of intimate partner abuse learn to better control their anger.

Batterer’s classes are sensitive to sexual orientation, culture and ethnicity, and are conducted in either all female or all male settings. They are available to people of all economic classes. California regulates each class’s program to make sure that each class covers the same material regardless of its location in the state. Classes address the dynamics of power and control, socialization, gender roles, the nature of violence and the effects of abuse on children and others. Included in these broad topics are discussions about different types of abuse, which includes emotional, physical and sexual abuse, economic manipulation or control, threatening a partner, the destruction of property and other acts that affect the well-being and safety of the family.

Teaching a person convicted of a domestic violence crime to walk away from a potentially violent situation is the goal of this type of counseling. In order to achieve this objective, the facilitators encourage their students to examine their lives to gain a deeper understanding about why they need to be in control. If successful, the offender learns that he or she cannot control a relationship through violence or intimidation and has further learned effective ways to communicate and restore balance within his or her intimate relationship.

The defendant’s progress will be monitored by the court and will be considered unsatisfactory if the defendant either blames his or her partner for the abuse or in any other way attempts to shift his or her personal responsibility. When this type of denial or attitude exists, the class leader will confront the individual who has taken such a stance and will refute his or her justification for threatening or intimidating his or her intimate partner. The offender will also receive information about the destructive impact that domestic abuse has on self-esteem and on children who are either victims of or witnesses to such abuse.

The caring criminal defense lawyers at The Kavinoky Law Firm understand that attending a batterer’s program may be one of the most difficult conditions of probation for some of their clients to fulfill. With their compassion and discretion, they will make this difficult time a little easier. A skilled defense attorney can answer any questions about a California criminal threats charge during a free consultation.

Domestic battery, often known as “spousal abuse” or “spousal battery,” is a domestic violence offense in California that applies to intimate partners. “Intimate partners” is a term that covers a wide range of relationships – people of the opposite gender or same sex who are married, divorced, living together, have children in common, and who are dating or formerly dated.

Domestic battery is referred to as a “wobbler” offense, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the facts of the case. Battery can be charged any time a person willfully and unlawfully uses force or violence upon an intimate partner. The offense is typically charged as a misdemeanor and carries a maximum penalty of a one year jail sentence and a $2,000 fine. This charge can be brought against a defendant even if he or she used the slightest force or engaged in any unwanted touching. However, in cases of serious bodily injury, such as loss of consciousness, broken bones, or a concussion, the individual will likely face felony charges punishable by a maximum of four years in state prison.

With such severe consequences, a battery charge is no joke. That is why it is imperative for the accused to hire an attorney who is knowledgeable not only with respect to California domestic abuse crimes, but with the types of evidentiary issues that frequently arise during these types of trials. The experienced criminal defense lawyers at The Kavinoky Law Firm have successfully defended countless individuals in battery cases because they receive ongoing training and education about intimate partner abuse cases and the issues that commonly surround these types of cases. They know how to argue for admission or exclusion of hearsay and 911 evidence to provide the most effective defense for their clients.

“Hearsay” is a legal term that refers to statements that were made out of court that are later offered in court as evidence of their truth. Although hearsay evidence is generally inadmissible in criminal proceedings, there are exceptions to that rule, and intimate partner violence cases are one of those exceptions.

Under California law, hearsay statements, including 911 telephone calls, are relevant in domestic abuse cases. This exception admits into evidence statements made by the complaining witness at the time when he or she was experiencing or witnessing the violent act or acts that are the subject of the case. The rationale behind this exception is that the spontaneity of such statements and the lack of opportunity for reflection and deliberate fabrication provide an adequate guarantee of their trustworthiness. Clearly this isn’t the case in reality, as many 911 calls have been placed under false pretenses and based on underlying motives such as anger, revenge and jealousy. Nonetheless, these statements are admissible into evidence and, in a vigorous effort to convict the defendant, the prosecutor will seek to have the investigating officer read the alleged victim’s statements to the jury and will also ask the judge to play the recorded 911 call for the jury. However, even the exceptions have exceptions, which is why it is so important to have professional legal representation that is familiar with this area of the law.

Because of the highly complex and technical rules (and exceptions to those rules) that come into play in a California intimate partner abuse case, having a skilled and qualified defense lawyer who knows how to exclude or downplay this type of evidence is critical. The attorneys at The Kavinoky Law Firm have both the knowledge and experience to aggressively tackle any issue that may arise in a battery case. Whether the allegation stems from an intense, emotional dispute that took a turn for the worse, from a false report, or from a simple mistake, professional guidance can help ease a difficult situation. When things are at their worst, the attorneys from The Kavinoky Law Firm are at their best! Click here for a free consultation and for the best representation.

When the police arrive

When someone is either directly involved in or witnesses a domestic violence situation and calls the police or 911, police officers will be dispatched to the scene. Before the officers even begin asking questions, they will likely make two assumptions – first, if a man and a woman are present, it was the woman who was abused and second, that whoever placed the call to the police is the “victim” and the other partner is the “abuser, batterer or offender”. Once they have made those assumptions, they will begin questioning the partners in the attempt to verify their assumptions. During this process, it is best to remain silent until an attorney is present.

In California, intimate partner abuse is taken very seriously. When the police are called to investigate a charge of domestic abuse, it is likely that someone will be arrested. Even if the individual who first called the police changes his or her mind and tells the officers that the call shouldn’t have been placed, it will not matter. Once that first call is made and the police are involved, the case takes on a life of its own and it is only the prosecuting agency and the judge who have any control over the charges. The partner who made the call cannot tell the police that he or she doesn’t wish to “press charges” or that he or she wants to “drop the charges” because that individual gave up control of the situation as soon as the police were called.

Once the police arrive they will begin asking questions to uncover the chain of events that led to the call for their help. They will most likely question each partner (and any witnesses who are present) individually and out of the presence of the other(s) to make sure that each party tells his or her side of the story. The officers will repeatedly ask the same questions in an effort in break the individual down to expose any lies or discrepancies in that individual’s account. It is generally impossible to talk one’s way out of this type of investigation and, therefore, one shouldn’t even try to do so. The best advice is to politely advise the police that an attorney must be present before questions will be answered. This is why it is imperative to contact a skilled criminal defense lawyer from The Kavinoky Law Firm immediately after the police are called to the scene.

Although it is difficult, it is critical that the partner being accused remains silent. It is human nature to try to defend oneself by explaining one’s actions, but it is essential not to reveal anything that may inadvertently be incriminating. The accused must not make any admissions, even if that means that he or she will be arrested, as one’s silence cannot be used against him or her in court.

In addition to questioning the parties, the police will conduct a visual sweep of the scene for obvious evidence of domestic violence (holes in the wall, broken furniture, visible injuries, etc.). They will also seek to remove any firearms or other weapons from the home. The officers will also give information to the “victim” about restraining orders. It is in the best interests of the suspect to remain silent throughout this investigation and to simply let the officers do their jobs. Aside from insisting upon a criminal defense attorney, silence is the best policy.

Being accused of a domestic violence offense is scary and overwhelming. Contacting a compassionate yet aggressive attorney should be the first step in the process. An attorney from The Kavinoky Law Firm will not only help the accused navigate through the justice system with ease and understanding but will also provide the best representation available. Click here 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.

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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