San Diego Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers

The State of California defines domestic violence (also called domestic abuse, spousal abuse, child abuse or family violence) broadly. Under the law, domestic violence is physical violence or unwanted assault against a current or former spouse or romantic partner, someone you live with or someone you have a child with. Because this crime carries such a deep stigma in our society, the punishments are harsh: Jail or prison time, steep fines, a year of anger management classes, prohibitions on your right to own a firearm and more. If you’re facing these penalties, you need a smart, experienced legal advocate by your side.

Wallin & Klarich can help. After more than 30 years practicing criminal defense law in Southern California, we have long experience defending both men and women accused of domestic violence. We understand that there are two sides to every story, and that angry people sometimes say things they don’t mean. Sadly, many police officers have seen so many domestic violence cases that they don’t ask questions before assuming one party -- usually a man -- is guilty. The State of California makes this easier by requiring officers to arrest one person if the other has any visible injury, regardless of the circumstances. Under these conditions, it’s easy to end up charged with domestic violence, even if neither person wanted authorities involved.

San Diego Spousal Battery Penalties and Defenses

Domestic violence is a "wobbler" in California, meaning it can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. A misdemeanor carries up to a year in jail and is most likely if there’s no visible serious injury; a felony carries several years in state prison. But the costs of a San Diego domestic violence conviction go beyond criminal penalties. If you’re facing a divorce, child custody or support proceedings or a restraining order, a domestic violence conviction makes that case much harder to win. A conviction comes with a year of anger management classes and a restriction on your right to use or own a firearm for years afterward, which places a severe burden on those who need to carry a gun for work. And if you’re facing a felony charge, you could be caught in the "three strikes" law, which subjects you to severe penalties, regardless of how serious your crime was.

Aggressive Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers

Because San Diego domestic violence cases often pit one person’s word against another, Wallin & Klarich has a good chance to build a strong defense case. In some cases, one partner will pursue a domestic violence case against another for revenge or personal gain: A breakup, cheating, the upper hand in a custody fight or control over a mutual home. In other cases, the incident may have been a simple misunderstanding that was made worse by law enforcement’s intervention. And some witnesses aren’t completely reliable because of their habitual substance abuse, history of violence, psychiatric problems or other impairments. Wallin & Klarich’s experienced San Diego domestic violence attorneys will investigate these and other circumstances in order to mount the best possible defense.

At Wallin & Klarich, we approach each case with the belief that we could easily be defending one of our own family members. After more than 30 years of defending domestic violence and related crimes throughout Southern California, we understand the stress and turmoil a domestic violence charge can cause in our clients’ lives. That’s why we’re committed to always being available when our clients call: seven days a week, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. To schedule a free evaluation of your case, contact Wallin & Klarich today by filling out our confidential online consultation form or call 1-877-230-1529. We promise to be there when you call.

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