Los Angeles domestic violence charges are serious matters. Statistics provide that one in four women will experience domestic violence in her life-time and an estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by a partner each year.
The L.A. Times notes that the recent incidences involving Charlie Sheen and domestic violence underscore the challenges of domestic abuse cases. Here, reports state that although Brooke Mueller's statements that Sheen threatened her were enough to obtain a temporary restraining order, they were not enough to open a criminal investigation. The article noted the difficulty of proceeding without a criminal complaint.
However in many volatile relationships the opposite occurs, a spouse or a partner may make allegations of domestic abuse in the heat of the moment with little evidence to back up these claims. Where an alleged victim files a complaint, even if the accuser changes his or her mind about filing charges, once the police become involved, it is the sole discretion of the police whether to press charges.
Because domestic violence charges can have life-altering legal consequences, it is critical to contact an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer to fight the charges against you. If convicted of domestic violence, penalties may include imprisonment, restitution, large fines, community service and probation.
In order to help the legitimate victims of domestic abuse, it is important that those wrongfully accused receive a vigorous defense.
For more information, or if you are facing domestic violence charges, please contact the skilled L.A. criminal defense lawyers at The Chahine Law Firm for a confidential consultation.
