Los Angeles Domestic Violence Defense: Experienced Attorneys for All Domestic Violence Charges at Rogers | Beltran LLP

Facing domestic violence charges in Los Angeles can have devastating consequences, including jail or prison time, substantial fines, restraining orders, and a criminal record that impacts your employment, family relationships, and personal life. At Rogers | Beltran LLP, our experienced Los Angeles domestic violence defense attorneys regularly defend clients against all misdemeanor and felony domestic violence offenses, including battery on a spouse or cohabitant, child endangerment, stalking, corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant, false imprisonment, child abuse, and more. With our deep expertise in California’s domestic violence laws, we fight aggressively to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome. Below, we explain common domestic violence charges, what the prosecution must prove, effective defenses, potential penalties, and why you need our skilled legal team to navigate these complex and sensitive cases.

Common Domestic Violence Charges in California

California’s domestic violence laws, enforced rigorously in Los Angeles, cover a range of offenses involving intimate partners, family members, or household members. At Rogers | Beltran LLP, we handle all domestic violence-related charges, including but not limited to the following under the California Penal Code:

1. Battery on a Spouse or Cohabitant (PC § 243(e)(1))

  • Description: Using unlawful force or violence on a spouse, cohabitant, dating partner, or parent of your child without causing significant injury.
  • Key Factors: A misdemeanor; often charged in domestic disputes involving minor physical contact.

2. Child Endangerment (PC § 273a)

  • Description: Willfully causing or permitting a child to suffer physical pain, mental suffering, or placing them in a situation where their safety is endangered.
  • Key Factors: A misdemeanor or felony “wobbler,” depending on the severity of the act or risk.

3. Stalking (PC § 646.9)

  • Description: Repeatedly following, harassing, or threatening someone (e.g., a former partner) with intent to cause fear for their safety.
  • Key Factors: A misdemeanor or felony “wobbler”; escalates with restraining order violations.

4. Corporal Injury to a Spouse or Cohabitant (PC § 273.5)

  • Description: Causing a traumatic injury (e.g., bruises, fractures) to a spouse, cohabitant, dating partner, or parent of your child.
  • Key Factors: A felony or misdemeanor “wobbler”; carries stricter penalties than simple battery.

5. False Imprisonment (PC § 236)

  • Description: Unlawfully restraining or confining someone against their will, often in domestic disputes (e.g., preventing a partner from leaving a room).
  • Key Factors: A misdemeanor; can be a felony (PC § 237) if accomplished by violence or menace.

6. Child Abuse (PC § 273d)

  • Description: Willfully inflicting cruel or inhuman corporal punishment or injury on a child, resulting in a traumatic condition.
  • Key Factors: A felony or misdemeanor “wobbler”; often charged alongside child endangerment.

7. All Other Domestic Violence Charges

  • Description: Our firm handles every domestic violence-related offense, including criminal threats (PC § 422), elder abuse (PC § 368), and violating a restraining order (PC § 273.6).
  • Key Factors: We tailor defenses to each charge, ensuring comprehensive representation.

What the District Attorney Must Prove in Domestic Violence Cases

To secure a conviction for domestic violence charges, the Los Angeles DA must prove specific elements beyond a reasonable doubt. Our attorneys at Rogers | Beltran LLP leverage these requirements to build robust defenses:

For Battery on a Spouse or Cohabitant (PC § 243(e)(1)):

  1. Unlawful Force: You willfully used force or violence on a spouse, cohabitant, or intimate partner.
  2. Relationship: The victim was a qualifying intimate partner or household member.
  3. No Justification: Your actions were not in self-defense or otherwise justified.

For Child Endangerment (PC § 273a):

  1. Willful Act: You willfully caused or permitted a child to suffer or be endangered.
  2. Risk or Harm: The act created a risk of harm or caused actual harm.
  3. No Justification: Your actions were not legally justified.

For Stalking (PC § 646.9):

  1. Repeated Acts: You repeatedly followed, harassed, or threatened the victim.
  2. Intent: You intended to cause fear for their safety.
  3. Reasonable Fear: The victim reasonably feared for their safety or family.

For Corporal Injury to a Spouse or Cohabitant (PC § 273.5):

  1. Injury: You willfully inflicted a traumatic injury.
  2. Relationship: The victim was a spouse, cohabitant, or intimate partner.
  3. No Justification: Your actions were not in self-defense.

For False Imprisonment (PC § 236):

  1. Restraint: You intentionally restrained or confined the victim.
  2. Against Will: The restraint was against the victim’s will.
  3. No Justification: Your actions were unlawful.

For Child Abuse (PC § 273d):

  1. Injury: You willfully inflicted cruel or inhuman punishment or injury on a child.
  2. Traumatic Condition: The act resulted in a traumatic condition (e.g., bruising).
  3. No Justification: Your actions were not justified (e.g., reasonable discipline).

The DA relies on evidence like police reports, victim statements, medical records, photos of injuries, or surveillance footage. Our Los Angeles domestic violence attorneys at Rogers | Beltran LLP meticulously challenge this evidence to protect your rights.

Common Defenses to All Domestic Violence Charges in Los Angeles

Our experienced attorneys at Rogers | Beltran LLP employ tailored defenses to fight all domestic violence charges, including:

  1. Self-Defense or Defense of Others:
    • If you acted to protect yourself or others from imminent harm, your actions may be justified.
    • Example: You restrained a partner to prevent them from attacking you.
  2. False Allegations:
    • Charges often stem from misunderstandings, exaggerations, or false claims in heated domestic disputes.
    • Example: A partner falsely accused you of battery to gain leverage in a custody dispute.
  3. Lack of Intent:
    • If you did not intend to harm or restrain the victim, you may not be guilty.
    • Example: An accidental injury occurred during an argument, not a willful act.
  4. Insufficient Evidence:
    • The prosecution may lack evidence to prove intent, injury, or relationship status.
    • Example: No medical records confirm a traumatic injury for PC § 273.5.
  5. Reasonable Discipline (Child-Related Charges):
    • For child endangerment or abuse, reasonable parental discipline may negate liability.
    • Example: A spanking was lawful and did not cause a traumatic condition.
  6. Mistaken Identity:
    • If you were not the person who committed the act, you cannot be held liable.
    • Example: A witness misidentified you in a stalking case.

Our Los Angeles domestic violence defense lawyers thoroughly investigate your case to identify the most effective defense strategy for any domestic violence charge.

Potential Penalties for Domestic Violence Charges in California

Penalties for domestic violence charges vary depending on whether they are misdemeanors or felonies and your criminal history. As of July 20, 2025, potential consequences include:

Misdemeanor Domestic Violence Charges

  • Jail Time:
    • Battery on a Spouse or Cohabitant (PC § 243(e)(1)): Up to 1 year in county jail.
    • Child Endangerment (PC § 273a(b)): Up to 1 year in county jail.
    • Stalking (PC § 646.9): Up to 1 year in county jail.
    • False Imprisonment (PC § 236): Up to 1 year in county jail.
  • Fines: Up to $2,000 for PC § 243(e)(1) and PC § 273.5; up to $1,000 for others (plus court fees).
  • Probation: Up to 3 years of informal probation, with conditions like domestic violence classes (52-week batterer’s program), counseling, or community service.
  • Restraining Orders: 10-year protective orders may be imposed, restricting contact with the victim.

Felony Domestic Violence Charges

  • Prison Time:
    • Child Endangerment (PC § 273a(a)): 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison.
    • Stalking (PC § 646.9(b) or (c)): 2, 3, or 4 years in state prison.
    • Corporal Injury to a Spouse or Cohabitant (PC § 273.5): 2, 3, or 4 years in state prison.
    • False Imprisonment by Violence (PC § 237): 16 months, 2, or 3 years in state prison.
    • Child Abuse (PC § 273d): 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison.
  • Fines: Up to $6,000 for PC § 273.5; up to $10,000 for others (plus fees).
  • Probation: Formal probation in some cases, with conditions like restitution or batterer’s programs.
  • Felony Record: Impacts employment, housing, and professional licenses.
  • Strike Offense: Felony charges (e.g., PC § 273.5, PC § 273a) may count as a “serious” felony under California’s Three Strikes Law.

Additional Consequences

  • Restraining Orders: Long-term orders may limit contact with family members or children.
  • Immigration Consequences: Non-citizens may face deportation, especially for felony convictions.
  • Employment Challenges: A criminal record limits job opportunities, particularly in roles requiring background checks.
  • Child Custody Issues: Convictions may affect custody or visitation rights.
  • Civil Lawsuits: Victims may sue for damages (e.g., medical costs or emotional distress), increasing financial liability.

Why Choose Rogers | Beltran LLP for All Domestic Violence Charges Defense?

At Rogers | Beltran LLP, we bring extensive experience defending clients against all misdemeanor and felony domestic violence charges in Los Angeles, including but not limited to:

  • Battery on a spouse or cohabitant (PC § 243(e)(1))
  • Child endangerment (PC § 273a)
  • Stalking (PC § 646.9)
  • Corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant (PC § 273.5)
  • False imprisonment (PC § 236)
  • Child abuse (PC § 273d)

Our attorneys have a proven track record of securing dismissals, reduced charges, and favorable plea deals across the spectrum of domestic violence offenses. We understand the sensitive nature of these cases and California’s complex domestic violence laws, leveraging our expertise to challenge evidence, assert defenses like self-defense or false allegations, and protect your future. Our personalized, aggressive representation ensures the best possible outcome for your case.

What Else Should You Know About Domestic Violence Charges in Los Angeles?

Domestic violence charges in Los Angeles are prosecuted aggressively due to heightened public awareness and the city’s dense population, which increases domestic disputes. Here are key details to understand:

The Domestic Violence Defense Process in Los Angeles

  1. Investigation: Police investigate using victim statements, medical records, photos of injuries, 911 calls, or surveillance footage, often involving specialized domestic violence units.
  2. Arrest and Booking: You may be arrested and held without bail for felonies or released on bail for misdemeanors, often with a temporary restraining order.
  3. Court Proceedings: Your case involves arraignment, pre-trial motions, and possibly a trial. Plea deals may reduce charges to lesser offenses like disturbing the peace (PC § 415).
  4. Diversion Programs: For misdemeanor charges, judicial diversion (PC § 1001.95) may be available for first-time offenders, dismissing charges upon completion of conditions.

Why You Need a Los Angeles Domestic Violence Attorney

Navigating domestic violence charges requires legal expertise due to their emotional and legal complexity. Our attorneys at Rogers | Beltran LLP can:

  • Challenge the prosecution’s evidence, such as unreliable victim statements or lack of intent, to seek dismissal or reduction.
  • Argue self-defense or defense of others to justify your actions.
  • Represent you in court and restraining order hearings to protect your rights.
  • Mitigate impacts on your employment, family relationships, or immigration status.

How to Protect Yourself After a Domestic Violence Charge

  1. Do Not Discuss the Case: Avoid talking about the incident with anyone except your attorney, as statements can be used against you.
  2. Document Evidence: Keep records of communications, witnesses, or events supporting your defense (e.g., proof of false allegations).
  3. Hire an Attorney Immediately: Early intervention can lead to dismissed charges or reduced penalties.
  4. Comply with Court Orders: Follow restraining order or bail conditions to avoid additional charges.

Los Angeles-Specific Considerations

  • Urban Context: Los Angeles’s high-population areas (e.g., South LA, Downtown, Hollywood) and frequent domestic disputes increase allegations, often triggered by 911 calls or neighbor reports.
  • Local Courts: Cases are heard in courts like the Los Angeles Superior Court, Van Nuys Courthouse, or Compton Courthouse, each with unique procedures.
  • Police Enforcement: LAPD uses bodycams, forensic evidence, and victim interviews, which can be challenged for bias or procedural errors.

Contact Rogers | Beltran LLP for Expert Defense Against All Domestic Violence Charges in Los Angeles

No matter the domestic violence charge you face, Rogers | Beltran LLP is here to help. Our skilled Los Angeles domestic violence attorneys have the expertise to defend against all misdemeanor and felony domestic violence offenses, from battery and stalking to child abuse and corporal injury. Visit www.rogersbeltran.com to learn how we can protect your future.

Call us today at (213) 900-9004 or fill out our online contact form for a free, confidential consultation. Let us fight for your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.