Jo-Anna Nieves
Founding Attorney
Berkeley Domestic Violence Lawyer
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Domestic violence charges can have a serious impact on your life. Even if you are ultimately found not guilty of the crime, accusations of any act of violence can damage your reputation. A conviction could result in a criminal record that affects your job prospects, immigration status, custody disputes, and ability to own and possess firearms among other things.
If you are facing these charges, it is imperative that you speak with a Berkeley domestic violence lawyer right away. With guidance from an experienced defense attorney, you could build a strong defense that protects your freedoms and minimizes the impact of these charges.
Domestic violence is a term that encompasses several crimes involving injury or the threat of imminent danger to a close relation. The types of relationships covered extend beyond spouses and children to include:
Because these cases involve people with close ties, they can make for tricky legal matters. These charges can result in the filing of protective orders which could limit a defendant’s ability to go to certain locations or have contact with his or her children. In some cases, these protective m orders could last for several years or even be combined with a domestic violence restraining order that is renewable for life.
A seasoned domestic violence attorney familiar with the Berkeley criminal justice system could work towards getting the charges dropped or reduced. If needed, a tenacious litigator could also protect the rights of the accused at trial and advocate for their innocence.
The most common domestic violence offenses include corporal injury to a spouse (California Penal Code § 273.5), domestic battery (Cal. Penal Code § 243(e)(1)), and child abuse (Cal. Penal Code § 273d).
The Penal Code also includes other crimes frequently associated with domestic violence at Sections 240, 422, 591, and 653m(a), such as:
Frequently, defendants face more than one charge arising from the same incident. Knowledgeable domestic violence attorneys in Berkeley could help devise a comprehensive defense strategy addressing all the charges and considering the collateral concerns such as family court, gun rights, or immigration concerns.
California takes accusations of violence and harm seriously, especially when the alleged victim is a close relation. To deter such behavior, the Penal Code imposes punishments that can significantly impact the lives of those convicted.
Whether a misdemeanor or a felony offense, sentences may include:
The court may also institute a protective order as requiring the accused to refrain from contacting the complaining individual, avoid certain places (i.e., residences, schools, etc.), and keep a certain distance from the person. Such orders can be more than just inconvenient if the accused needs to move out of his or her home or stop seeing his or her children. A domestic violence conviction could ultimately result in the loss of child custody or visitation rights or even deportation from the United States.
When the stakes are this high, it is crucial to vigorously combat the charges with help from a criminal defense attorney who regularly handles domestic violence cases in Berkeley.
Your situation may feel bleak right now, but skilled legal counsel could help you turn your situation around. A charge does not necessarily mean a guilty verdict. Call our team of compassionate and adept Berkeley domestic violence lawyers to discuss your situation. Let us help you start the process of crafting an airtight defense to protect your future.
The Nieves Law Firm is dedicated to providing aggressive criminal defense representation to working professionals who have found themselves in trouble with the law. We show up to win, and we’re not afraid to fight aggressively to accomplish our client’s goals.
We understand that being accused of a crime can be a scary and confusing experience. That’s why we take the stress off our clients by handling the full scope of their legal situation from the initial consultation to the final outcome. Our bilingual attorneys and staff are here to ensure that our clients feel heard and understood every step of the way.
As one of the largest criminal defense teams in Oakland and the Greater Bay Area, we have the resources and experience to handle even the most complex cases. Our experienced team examines various aspects of your case and, perhaps most importantly, we genuinely care about our clients and their future. We take the time to learn about their goals and priorities so that we can achieve an outcome that allows them to move past their mistakes and focus on the future they want. When you work with us, you become part of our team.
Our skilled criminal defense attorneys have experience handling a wide range of criminal cases. With a deep understanding of the legal system and a track record of successful cases, our lawyers are committed to achieving the best possible outcome in your case.
When facing a criminal charge, having dedicated and experienced attorneys on your side is critical. At The Nieves Law Firm, we understand the gravity of your situation, and our criminal defense attorneys provide unwavering support and legal guidance.
From the moment you reach out to us, we prioritize your well-being and legal interests. Our criminal lawyers are with you every step of the way, from arrest to hearings and beyond, to ensure that your rights are protected. Whether you’re facing charges related to DUI, drug offenses, assault, sex crimes or any other allegation, we have the knowledge and courtroom experience to fight vigorously on your behalf.
We believe in the power of collaboration and will actively involve you in the decision-making process, ensuring you are well-informed and empowered to make the best choices for your defense. Our goal is not only to navigate the legal complexities but also to provide you with the peace of mind and reassurance you deserve during this challenging time.
Give us a call or contact us online so we can schedule a meeting to discuss your legal needs.
Schedule a meeting with our intake coordinator so we can determine the best plan to solve your legal problems.
We work to resolve your legal problems so you can focus on what is most important
Case Dismissed after Completion of Drug Court
All Charges Dismissed and Property Ordered to be Returned to Client
Deferred Entry of Judgment
Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed without Trial
Motion to Vacate Granted
Restraining Order Denied and Sealed
Both Cases Dismissed Prior to Trial
No Charges Filed
No Criminal Charges Filed & Detention
No Jail Time & No Sex Offender Registration
Pled to 1 Petty Misdemeanor and Not Required to Register as Sex Offender
