Domestic Violence Reports in California
When the police receive reports of a domestic violence dispute, they take the report very seriously. A person who is accused of domestic violence and is arrested or charged with a crime pursuant California P.C. §273.5, the ramifications can be far reaching. If you have been interrogated, arrested, or charged with domestic violence, you will need to take immediate action and obtain the support of a well-established criminal defense attorney. The skilled criminal defense attorneys at Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP can provide you the representation you deserve.
Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP has handled many domestic violence cases throughout Southern California. Whether your case is being handled as a misdemeanor or a felony, allegations of domestic violence are very serious and they can lead to loss of employment, a restraining order, and even a tainted reputation. When facing domestic violence charges, take immediate action and seek the legal support of the attorneys at Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP. Consider contacting the law firm today to schedule your free case evaluation.
911 Calls to Action – Domestic Violence
A vast majority of cases surrounding domestic violence will involve a report of violence originating with an emergency call from the individual who is alleging the abuse. This call is always recorded by the police agency responding to the incident. In some cases, the person being accused will not know about the call being made to authorities.
911 calls are usually played in a court of law to prejudice the defendant who is being accused of violence. The call may sometimes also be played before the judge overseeing the case who will then make a decision about whether a domestic violence restraining order will be issued.
The Investigation Process
When police officers respond to a report of domestic violence, they will need to conduct an investigation, which will primarily begin with an interview of those involved along with potential witnesses. For the most part, multiple officers will respond to the scene and they will separate the parties to conduct the interviews.
If the case involves serious injuries or if there is furniture in disarray, investigative officers may need to process the area as a crime scene. This means that the scene will need to be processed by designated investigators, including photographers and detectives.
Emergency Protective Orders
Emergency Protective Orders (EPO) are offered to individuals who reported domestic assault, domestic battery, or stalking incidents. The order is sought by the responding police agency but they will be issued by a judge. The person who filed the report and is determined to be a victim of domestic violence is referred to as the “protected person” in the protective order.
When an EPO is issued and the defendant violates the order, he or she is subject to re-arrest and prosecution for the violation. These types of orders are intended to protect victims in the period between when the incident first occurred to the set court date. During the arraignment, a new protective order may be issued.
It is very important to note that once a protective order has been set, it may be very difficult to see children shared with the victim. With an emergency protective order, the defendant will likely need to move out of the family home.
Obtain the Support of a Qualified Attorney
When it comes to domestic violence cases in California, the stakes can be very high for those accused of the crime. With a conviction, the defendant can face incarceration, large fines, mandatory education classes, community service, and other forms of punishment. When facing this type of crime, it is critical to seek the support of a skilled attorney who has the skills and resources needed to handle the case.
Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP is recognized as a criminal defense law firm serving Southern California. The firm represents clients in cases related to assault, domestic violence, restraining orders, and battery. To schedule a complimentary consultation with the attorneys at Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP, consider completing the online contact form here.
James Lawrence Knox is a partner at Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP. For almost three decades, Mr. Knox has been providing aggressive legal representation to clients facing criminal charges, as well as individuals involved in family law issues or facing administrative law proceedings. Mr. Knox, along with the other members of our legal team, is firmly committed to putting the needs of clients first and has a long and distinguished track record to show that he is a skillful litigator and knowledgeable legal professional.