DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DEFENSE

Being accused of domestic violence can result in serious consequences. You’ll need quality, experienced representation immediately.  In California, a domestic violence conviction can result in mandatory minimum jail time sentences, so you must take these charges seriously even if you know you are not guilty.  Even a threat to hurt a partner is a violation of the California domestic violence laws.  DO NOT TAKE THESE CHARGES LIGHTLY, CONTACT THE SMALLS LAW FIRM IMMEDIATELY!

Aside from jail time, domestic violence convictions can include other consequences, such as

• A restraining order which may tarnish your reputation
• Fines
• Payment of restitution to the accuser
• Domestic violence classes
• Loss of custodial rights to your children
• Loss of gun rights
• Extended probation
• Deportation (even for legal immigrants)

The Smalls Law Firm has experience defending Californians accused on domestic violence and will work hard to prevent long-term damage to your reputation and life due to these accusations.

Sometimes the allegations are completely made up.  We will fight to clear your name, but don’t think that just because the accuser is lying that everyone will see it.  These allegations must be vigorously defended from the very beginning.

In cases of false allegations, we will try to work with prosecutors outside of court to get them to drop the charges.  If the prosecutor insists on moving forward, we will fight to get your name cleared.

Even if the accusation has some merit, for example you admitted some fault to police on the scene, it doesn’t mean that you are out of options.  We will still work to negotiate a plea bargain to obtain less serious charges and avoid jail time. 

Some of the defenses we can advance on your behalf are:

• The accuser is lying. You never touched the accuser
• You acted in self-defense using reasonable and necessary force to stop an attack on yourself by the accused
• The injuries are real but not caused by you
• The injuries sustained by the accused were accidental
• There is not enough evidence to prove domestic violence beyond a reasonable doubt
• The police acted inappropriately in their investigation

We will do everything we can to have the case dismissed, charges dropped, or charges reduced, but if you do have to go to trial, Derrick Smalls is an experienced trial attorney and will make sure that your side of the story is presented.  Very often, facts surrounding domestic violence cases are murky and create reasonable doubt.  Despite what many people think, it is possible to win domestic violence cases at trial, but you want the very best attorney on your side.  Call Derrick Smalls today!