Fullerton Domestic Violence Lawyer

Fullerton Domestic Violence Attorney

Are You Involved In A Domestic Violence Incident?

If you have been charged with a crime or banned from your own home through a restraining order, you need empathetic, skilled legal protection. Likewise, if you and perhaps your children have suffered the effects of domestic violence by your significant other, you need compassionate guidance right away. A Fullerton domestic violence lawyer can come alongside you and your loved ones and help you navigate this challenging and difficult time.

Unfortunately, situations arise that make one’s home life unsafe. Family members can become violent due to drugs, alcohol, stress, or other unexplainable reasons. No matter the cause, if you’ve suffered from abuse or domestic violence, it should not be tolerated. At The Law Offices of Ronda A. Middleton, we understand that extraordinary circumstances lead to unprecedented personal pressures. You can count on attorney Ronda A. Middleton to act swiftly and effectively for your future’s sake.

Defining Domestic Violence in California

In the state of California, domestic violence is defined as abuse against an intimate partner. A current or previous spouse, a domestic partner, a fiancée, a live-in partner, or a person with whom the defendant has a child can all be considered an intimate partner.

Other victims of domestic violence include the defendant’s children and any people related through blood or marriage, such as siblings, half or step-siblings, grandchildren, grandparents, uncles, aunts, nieces, and nephews.

Acts of domestic violence can vary from case to case but quite often include at least one of the following:

• Domestic battery
• Domestic assault
• Elder abuse
• Injury to spouse
• Emotional abuse
• False imprisonment
• Sexual abuse
• Physical abuse
• Stalking
• Cyberstalking
• Kidnapping
• Violation of restraining order

Know that at The Law Offices of Ronda A. Middleton, we take allegations of domestic violence very seriously. We understand the bravery it takes to come forward and can do everything possible to ensure your safety and protection are the number one priority.

No, This Is Not Normal. Yes, There Is Light After This Tunnel.

Most people who are accused of domestic assault or who are targeted through family violence are shocked and dismayed. Many experience other powerful emotions, including anger and fear. Once you start to get caught in the cycle of domestic violence, it is important to step out of it as soon as you can and get help. Ms. Middleton has built a strong reputation among law enforcement agencies that receive calls for help in domestic disturbances. She is known as a level-headed, effective adviser and advocate.

Legal actions such as the following may be your first order of business after you have been arrested or felt threatened by your spouse or domestic partner:

• Representation to get out of jail and avoid a criminal record if you are the accused one.
• Restoration of your rights to your home and children if you have been named in a restraining order.
• The creation of a protective order if you are the one who has been harmed.

Ronda A. Middleton is available to provide the direction that you need. If your arrest or your spouse’s aggressions may affect your child custody or divorce case, Ms. Middleton will inform you of ways to mitigate the damage and move forward in your family’s best interests.

Penalties for Domestic Violence Charges in California

California law enforcement pursues and investigates allegations of domestic violence meticulously. Depending on the unique details of each case, domestic abuse can be charged and penalized differently.

Domestic violence is often considered a felony, and common punishments may include:

• A fine of up to $6,000
• Maximum county jail time of one year
• Maximum time in state prison of four years

Other circumstances may worsen the charges, and penalties may include:

• Time in a county jail for up to one year
• Time in state prison for up to five years
• A fine of up to $10,000

In addition to these punishments, a domestic violence conviction can come with several other consequences, depending on the case. These can include:

• Loss of child custody
• Punitive damages
• Loss of any professional licenses
• Loss of the right to bear arms
• Rehabilitation course
• Anger management course
• A restraining or protective order

The team at The Law Offices of Ronda A. Middleton can analyze the case to make a determination on what types of penalties you may be facing.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer for My Domestic Violence Case?

A domestic violence case requires compassionate legal counsel because of the delicate circumstances that often arise in these cases. If not handled with compassion, the process can feel difficult, overwhelming, and isolating for the victim. Other times, the defendant might attempt to avoid charges by convincing the victim to withdraw the case from the courts. However, only the district attorney can drop the charges once they’re pressed.

Upon receiving a call for help, the team at The Law Offices of Ronda A. Middleton can immediately jump into action to work toward your safety and protection. We can represent you with the strength and the care necessary for you to feel seen and heard. We understand your legal rights and can help you as you start rebuilding your life.

If you’re accused of domestic violence, we understand the overwhelming impact this can have on your life. We’re prepared to dispute a restraining order on your behalf and fight for your interests in the case of divorce.

What Kind of Evidence Can Be Used in a Domestic Violence Case?

One of the most useful tools a prosecuting attorney can employ during a domestic violence case and trial is evidence. Examples of evidence that may be collected and analyzed include:

• Any 911 recordings following abusive incidents
• Visible injuries photographed by responding police officers
• Visible injuries witnessed by a person other than the victim
• Physical evidence at the crime scene, like any weapons, the victim’s ruined clothing, broken furniture, or other household items
• The testimony of medical professionals who responded to the scene
• Statements made by the victim
• Any statements of eyewitnesses who heard or saw the incident
• Admissions of fault made by the defendant
• Any transcripts of past testimony made by the victim

This might seem like an exhaustive list, but the more evidence that can be used to prove the guilt of the defendant, the more likely they will be convicted.

Effective Advice For Domestic Violence Matters

Men: The Law Offices of Ronda A. Middleton is a reliable resource for fathers’ rights and respectful representation. Women: At our law firm, you will be heard, no matter which side of the domestic violence equation you find yourself on. You will thoroughly explain your rights and legal options.

FAQs

Q: Can a Domestic Violence Case Be Dismissed in California?

A: In the state of California, domestic violence charges may be dropped under certain circumstances.

If the prosecutor cannot obtain and present sufficient evidence to build a case or if any witnesses for the prosecution fail to appear in court, all charges have the potential to be dropped. However, it is important to keep in mind that a domestic violence case cannot be dismissed once the police are engaged.

Q: How Do Domestic Violence Cases Work in California?

A: To begin a domestic violence case in Fullerton or throughout the state of California, a no-contact order can be made, and the defendant could be arrested. The person making the claim will need to appear for their arraignment. Following this, if the defense lawyer has not made a plea deal with the prosecution, a hearing date will be established and a trial set. Finally, once the case has reached trial in court, it will be deliberated on and either confirmed or withdrawn.

Q: Which Behaviors Toward a Spouse Are Illegal in the State of California?

A: In the state of California, spousal abuse can take many different forms and can sometimes be difficult to identify. Many of these behaviors are used by one partner to assert power and control over the other. These behaviors can include physical violence, sexual assault, financial manipulation, and emotional abuse. They can also involve threats or promises to cause harm or acts of harassing, stalking, or destroying a spouse’s personal property with malicious intent.

Q: How Long Do Most Domestic Violence Cases Last?

A: It is difficult to pinpoint the exact amount of time it may take for a domestic violence case to go through the courts. Due to a litany of surrounding factors, the time it takes for a domestic violence case to reach its final verdict is highly dependent on each individual case. Many things can be considered by the courts before any decisions are made. A few of these factors include any minor children involved and the evidence presented.

Contact Us Immediately

Don’t delay contact us with this dire situation. Resolving your domestic violence case requires a careful examination of the facts along with a well-thought-out roadmap to a safer place. These cases often come along with delicate stressors, and it is prudent to have someone on your side who can understand all the nuances of your situation.

Attorney Ronda A. Middleton is ready to apply her knowledge to represent you without judgment. To schedule a consultation, call 714-706-1826 or send an email inquiry.