Roseville Domestic Violence Lawyer

Roseville Domestic Violence Attorney

When negative emotions run high in relationships, domestic violence accusations may arise. If you have been accused of domestic violence, are facing charges, and are concerned about how they may harm your future, reach out to a Roseville domestic violence lawyer for help.

At The Law Offices of Dianne M. Fetzer, we understand how damaging domestic violence accusations can be. You may be concerned about how this can affect child custody arrangements or the distribution of property during a divorce. We take accusations of domestic violence seriously, but also recognize that false accusations may occur during times of duress. We are here to help you navigate through this process.

What Is Domestic Violence?

California law refers to domestic violence as abuse or threats made to a family member or intimate partner. Domestic violence is a real problem in California. In 2023, California police received nearly 18 reports of domestic violence each hour, more than 160,000 calls related to domestic violence within the year. Abuse can take physical or mental forms and includes:

• Threatening harm
• Stalking
• Harassment
• Emotional abuse
• Verbal abuse
• Sexual assault
• Physical altercations (hitting, punching, kicking, etc)

Domestic violence is taken very seriously by California courts and, depending on the severity of the abuse, can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges. These can be life-altering charges, but a domestic violence attorney can help. When you hire a domestic violence attorney, they can review your case and the prosecutor’s evidence to establish a defense strategy for you. Domestic violence cases in Roseville are generally handled by the Placer County Superior Court.

Criminal Defense Strategies for Domestic Violence Cases in Roseville

Facing domestic violence charges can feel like your life is falling apart around you, especially when the implications could affect your family dynamics. It is crucial to work with an attorney to develop a strong defense strategy to hopefully mitigate or reduce charges. Some common defense strategies are:

• Lack of evidence. The prosecution must present evidence that shows beyond a reasonable doubt that domestic violence occurred. Your defense attorney can challenge the evidence by questioning the validity of witnesses or by having witnesses/alibi to prove the defendant did not commit the act.
• Lack of intent. To be guilty of domestic violence, the offender must have intended to inflict harm on their victim. If injuries were caused by an accident, then the defendant did not act with intent.
• False allegations. Unfortunately, false accusations do occur as a form of retaliation. Your defense attorney can present evidence to prove that these allegations are false and present the reason why making such an accusation is for personal gain.
• Self-defense. In California, you have the right to defend yourself from violent attacks. If you were acting in self-defense rather than domestic violence, it can result in a dismissal of charges.

If you are facing accusations of domestic violence, there are options to protect your rights and freedoms with the assistance of a trusted attorney. Having a history of domestic violence can be frightening and have collateral consequences that can harm your life, such as keeping you from seeing your children.

Child custody with a history of past domestic violence may require supervised visitation or other limitations on access to your children. Domestic violence can also influence how child and spousal support is paid. For example, victims may not have to pay support to their aggressors.

FAQs

How Much Does a Domestic Violence Attorney Cost in California?

The cost of hiring a domestic violence attorney in California can range significantly based on the complexity of your case and the experience of your attorney. The truth is, domestic violence allegations can harm your job, reputation, and access to your children. While hiring a domestic violence attorney does come with some cost, there is no price too high in order to regain your life. When you meet with our trusted team, we can review our fee schedule with you.

What Proof Do You Need for a Domestic Violence Conviction in CA?

Many forms of evidence are needed to prove that the defendant intentionally inflicted violence or harm on their family member or partner. The prosecutor may gather key evidence like:

• Medical records
• Photos of injury
• Video evidence
• Witness statements
• 911 calls

The prosecution is tasked with the job of proving that the violence occurred with the intention to inflict harm on the victim. If the defendant was acting in self-defense, the defense may also need evidence to challenge the prosecution’s case.

Can You Sue for Domestic Violence in California?

A victim can file a civil lawsuit against an abuser if they wish to. To file a civil suit against the aggressor, they must have inflicted an intentional injury through abuse. California Civil Code states that the relationship between the victim and aggressor must be one of the following:

• A spouse or ex
• A cohabitant
• People who have mutual children
• Dating or sexual partners

A skilled domestic violence attorney can review with you how this process works.

What Are the 3 R’s of Domestic Violence?

The three R’s of domestic violence are recognize, respond, and refer. It is important to recognize the signs and behaviors of abuse and to know how to respond if you witness it. Your response should remain calm to avoid further escalating the situation. When it is safe for you and the victim, it is important to contact law enforcement. There are many resources available to refer victims to, so they can gain support and assistance during this situation.

Hire a Domestic Violence Attorney

If you are facing accusations of domestic violence, it is important to seek the guidance of a trusted domestic violence attorney. With over 70 years of combined experience, our team at The Law Offices of Dianne M. Fetzer has been aiding clients throughout the greater Sacramento area with their family law needs. We are familiar with the local Roseville court system and domestic violence laws. We can use that knowledge to your benefit by avoiding mistakes that can delay or derail the process. Contact our office today to get started.