Domestic Violence

Fresno Domestic Violence Attorney

Domestic abuse and violence charges can be extremely serious. Unless you have an experienced Fresno domestic violence attorney representing you, you could be looking at jail time, and a permanent criminal record.

Domestic violence doesn't include only physical violence. The term “domestic violence” can also be used to describe a wide range of behaviors including abuse, threats, or intimidation. You may be accused of domestic violence if you have engaged in any of the following behaviors:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Verbal abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Threats
• Intimidation
• Stalking
• Cyber stalking
• Abusive phone calls

If a child in a domestic situation witnesses the abuse, there may be the additional charge of child endangerment filed against you.

To be charged with domestic violence, the accuser must be in a close relationship with the accused. Domestic violence charges may apply if the victim making the allegations is

• Your fiancé
• Your spouse
• Your ex-spouse
• A person you are in a dating
• A person you are living with
• The parent of your child

Law enforcement takes charges of domestic violence very seriously.  Cases are often prosecuted by a special prosecutorial unit called Domestic Violence Units. These units are often created by the local prosecutor's office, and their sole purpose is to prosecute any person accused of domestic violence.  One the charges have been filed, they often cannot be dropped by the alleged victim.  The local prosecutor’s office is in complete control of the charges against you.

Even a first time misdemeanor domestic violence charge can result in jail time. You may be looking at a permanent blot on your criminal record that can impact your future education and employment potential. That is why it is so important to contact a Fresno domestic violence defense attorney as soon as you are accused of any form of domestic violence.