Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in Santa Barbara, CA

Over 40 Combined Years of Santa Barbara County Experience on Your Side

If you committed assault or battery or threatened a fiancé, spouse, cohabitant, partner, or the parent of your child, this is considered "domestic violence." California takes violent crimes charges seriously and usually a district attorney's office will continue prosecuting a case even if an accuser no longer wants to press charges. These charges also result in more severe penalties than simple assault and battery charges.

Sometimes, domestic violence accusations are simply misunderstandings. It may be the result of a false accusation or an attempt by the accuser to leverage an advantage during a divorce or child custody case. Whatever the circumstances, our Santa Barbara domestic violence lawyers at Appel & Morse can help you launch a thorough investigation into the details of your case. We use our former prosecutorial experience to fight for the best possible outcome, inside and outside of court.

Working with our firm comes with the following benefits:

• A free criminal consultation
• 40+ years of combined legal experience to your case
• Flexible appointment times, including weekend and evening appointment times
• Flat fees and payment plan options

Learn about your defense options during a no-cost criminal evaluation with our domestic violence lawyer in Santa Barbara. Call 805-467-6060 today!

What the Prosecution Must Prove

In order to convict you, the prosecution must show that you willfully and intentionally inflicted (or threatened) a bodily injury, and that you inflicted the injury upon a current or former spouse, partner, girlfriend, someone with whom you have had a sexual relationship or a person with whom you have a child together.

What Penalties Will I Face If I Am Convicted in California?

A domestic violence charge is a "wobbler," which means it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. If your charge is classified as a felony, it will count as a strike under the California Three Strikes Law, which can lead to enhanced sentencing for any future cases.

A domestic violence conviction can result in:

• A minimum of 40 days in jail (even for a first-time misdemeanor)
• A 52-week domestic batterer's class
• Fines
• Community service

It is also likely that the victim will obtain a court order of protection against you. And a domestic violence conviction can have an adverse effect upon future employment and educational opportunities. If you would like to learn more about domestic violence charges and how a Santa Barbara criminal defense attorney can protect you, we encourage you to call our office and request a free criminal consultation with us today!

Call (805) 467-6060 now! We offer flexible appointments available on weekends and nights.