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California Domestic Violence Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for California on
Q: If my wife hits me

I am a male and my wife hit me first. With this being her 3rd time committing adultery, when she hit me, my first natural reaction was to hit her back. I didnt continually beat her, just one hit the same way she hit me. I know its never ok and it was the first time ever; Ive never even been in a... View More

Andy Chen
Andy Chen
answered on Sep 20, 2015

No, you have the right to defend yourself like anyone does. However, cops can get tunnel vision and go on autopilot when they deal with DV. Most DV aggressors are men and the cops often will arrest the man by default. You'd have a better chance fighting this in the courts than with the cops.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for California on
Q: Hi, I have a domestic violence charge in CA. Can my wife purchase a firearm with me living under the same roof?

This was 20 plus year ago, and I was told that under the Deferred Judgment and Sentence, that if I completed one year of anger management classes that this charge would disappear from my record. I did complete the year, and I was wondering if this would allow me my right to bear arms? Thank you.

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Sep 10, 2015

Are you asking if your WIFE can purchase and possess a firearm? Yes, assuming she is not somehow legally disqualified, and she obtains a permit if required.

Or are you asking about YOUR right to possess a firearm? It appears that this was not a felony conviction, and it was deferred in...
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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for California on
Q: My friends boyfriend has hit her in front of her kids and hasn't made a report. And has tried taking the kids.

I have a friend who her boyfriend has hit her many times and in front of her kids at times she says he becomes violent

And has tried to take away the kids from her.. but she has never called the cops I'm not sure why. Is it never to late too make a report even if it happened weeks ago..

Adam Studnicki
Adam Studnicki
answered on Aug 4, 2015

She can still call the police.

Please Take Notice: I am not your lawyer unless we enter into an engagement agreement in writing. This is general information that is given for legal education only. It is not legal advice, and it may not work for your specific situation. It is impossible to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for California on
Q: Can i still visit my boyfriend and talk to him while he is in jail even after the police put a restraining order?
Shan Dimitris Potts
Shan Dimitris Potts
answered on Jul 6, 2015

If the restraining order is for your boyfriend to be remain restrained from you, it is really not a good idea to visit him. If you really need to talk your boyfriend, have someone deliver your message or hire an attorney who will do it for you. Good Luck.

www.pottsmartinez.com...
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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for California on
Q: Am I able to sue my ex fiance for punching me in the face, unprvpovoked, while staying with his parents in their home

Occurred in early may in California. He came to the room I stay in and became aggressive toward me yelling and pushed me into his mothers antique dresser twice then began to turn to walk away(I thought) then turned around and punched me in with his right fist hitting me on my left check. I went... View More

Shan Dimitris Potts
Shan Dimitris Potts
answered on Jul 6, 2015

You can file a complaint against your fiance. If you are an immigrant you can use this to get an U Visa which will eventually lead to getting a green card after three years. Talk to immigration attorney and being the process as soon as possible.

Shan Potts - Immigration Attorney....
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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for California on
Q: WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF MY BOYFRIEND GETTING OUT OF JAIL?? PLEASE HELP!!!

Okay so a couple a days ago my boyfriend was arrested because we had got into a argument, and I called the police. I told them he grabbed my wrist and thru a rock at my car window which now has cracks in it. I called because I was mad about the window. Didn't know they were going to take him... View More

Shan Dimitris Potts
Shan Dimitris Potts
answered on Jul 6, 2015

You can withdraw your complaint. But now I guess its too late, hopefully everything worked out well for you.

All the best.

"15 years of successful immigration law experience. The answer above is only general in nature cannot be construed as legal advice, given that not enough...
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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for California on
Q: My husband and I got into a got into a agreement but I'm pregnant and he chocked me this is the 2nd time of DV

I ended up in the hospital because my baby and myself were in risk cops made me press charges so I did cops got him Monday night and he got out the next day around 3pm because of a bails bond. Now he has court Friday the 19 can he go back to jail when he goes to court? This is the second time DV... View More

Shan Dimitris Potts
Shan Dimitris Potts
answered on Jul 6, 2015

It actually depends on the Judge and how much money your husband has, Even if the judge sentences him to a 3 year jail if he has enough money to get a bail, he will be out. Hopefully everything works out well for you.

"15 years of successful immigration law experience. The answer...
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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for California on
Q: can i file a police report online for my ex punching me in my face?

He chipped my front tooth and he needs to be held responsible for dental bills

Mr. Robin Mashal
Mr. Robin Mashal
answered on Mar 23, 2015

Disclaimer: The materials provided below are informational and should not be relied upon as legal advice.

If you have been the victim of a crime, drive to your local law enforcement office and file your police report. The police will not pursue your monetary damages for you. To recover...
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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for California on
Q: do i get papers served to me when i get a restraining order put on me?
Mr. Robin Mashal
Mr. Robin Mashal
answered on Jan 14, 2015

Disclaimer: The materials provided below are informational and should not be relied upon as legal advice.

If the order is against you, then a copy of the order should be served on you. Did you appear at the court hearing? If so, copies of the order and relevant forms will likely be...
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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for California on
Q: I recieved a misdemeanor D.V in 2004. I never cfinished D.V class due to financial hardship.what will happen?

After 10 years and Havent got in any trouble with law.Is there a statue of limitation on this class?

Diana W. Aizman
Diana W. Aizman
answered on Mar 20, 2014

It depends. Did you ever go back to court? If there is a warrant out for your arrest, you will need to first clear that warrant. You will then need to convince a Judge that you are now prepared to finish the classes. This will constitute a violation of your probation. You need to hire an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for California on
Q: I called police falsely claiming dv on my fiance when we were arguing. I said he hit me but I fell earlier to get injury

We just got notice that the DA is picking up the case. He wasn't arrested at the scene and hasn't been questioned on his side of story. I feel horrible because I was drunk and upset and he didn't do anything violent. How can I help prove he's innocent? I told police I didn't want to press charges.

David A. Brooks
David A. Brooks
answered on Feb 26, 2014

It isn't up to you whether charges are brought. It isn't a civil case where you are suing someone. A criminal case is the State against someone. It also isn't the police that brings charges. The police provide police reports to the DA, and the DA decides whether or not to file a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for California on
Q: I filed a domestic violence on my fiance after an argument I grabbed him and pushed him and he had pushed me back

And I went and grabbed him and he grabbed my arm to take my hand off of him and caused a bruise. We are starting counseling but I want to drop them because if I didn't attack him it wouldn't have happened and he has a prior from 6 years ago but his ex hit herself to make it look like he... View More

David A. Brooks
David A. Brooks
answered on Feb 26, 2014

I previously wrote this answer to a very similar question:

It isn't up to you whether charges are brought. It isn't a civil case where you are suing someone. A criminal case is the State against someone. It also isn't the police that brings charges. The police provide police...
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2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence for California on
Q: Who to see if you want to have a full investigation of a love one's death
David A. Brooks
David A. Brooks
answered on Feb 26, 2014

The County Coroner and local law enforcement. Possibly directly to the DA's office.

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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for California on
Q: How can a restraining order be rescinded, my wife wants it taken away, it's on me, but her lawyer says that she can't.
David A. Brooks
David A. Brooks
answered on Feb 26, 2014

Sometimes a judge will impose a restraining order over the alleged victim's objection.

Sometimes "can't" means different things. Sometimes lifting an order COULD be done, but there are serious consequences (such as losing custody of children).

Getting it lifted...
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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for California on
Q: I plead guilty to misdemeanor domestic violence without any legal consultation offered by the judge can I withdraw it?
David A. Brooks
David A. Brooks
answered on Feb 26, 2014

If that is true, probably so. Guilty pleas having to be "knowing and intelligent", and involve an advisement of basic rights.

However "mass advisements" of rights counts, where the whole room is advised. Video advisements count. A Court Reporter's transcript would...
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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for California on
Q: If sentenced in AZ other than CA and was granted to do the sentencing here do the terms of the sentencing change?

I got arrested for domestic violence in AZ and my sentencing was 26 sessions of DV counseling here in CA they are saying i need 52 weeks because it is state law. Is this true, do I have to follow the 52 weeks just because i was able to do counseling here in CA and not in Az?

Robert Lee Marshall
Robert Lee Marshall
answered on Jul 13, 2012

Who is saying this? The courts or the domestic violence program? California Penal Code 1203.097 contains the requirements for domestic violence programs, including the 52 week duration. The program may not be willing to adjust the California requirements to fit your Arizona sentence. I would start... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for California on
Q: Under the stay away order if judge marks the vehicle and the restrained person comes and takes is this legal?
Matthew Lee Spiegel
Matthew Lee Spiegel
answered on Mar 28, 2011

If a judge has specifically indicated as part of a stay away order that the restrained person is to stay away from a particular vehicle, then it would certainly be a violation of that order if that person does come and take the vehicle. Usually these orders are designed to protect a person but... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for California on
Q: I got a DV for grabbing my girls arm and she wont testify against me. Should i take it to trail.
David Philip Shapiro
David Philip Shapiro
answered on Apr 9, 2011

That depends on many things, not the least of which are the facts of your case, your prior criminal record (if any) and what you are facing if convicted versus what is on the table now by way of plea bargaining.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: After a ch-120 restraining order expired what form is needed to be file
Ute Ferdig
Ute Ferdig
answered on Feb 12, 2011

If the temporary restraining order expired and the court did not grant an extension or a permanent restraining order, then you would have to refile and get a new hearing. If the temporary restraining order expired and the court granted a permanent restraining order, you have to prepare a CH-140... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for California on
Q: If i drop spousal batter charges will they release my fiance?

Me & my fiance got into a really stupid arguement i got mad that he started screaming at me so i got up on his face then he pushed me, i got physical with him so he kept pushing me and so on he didnt punch me but every time he pushed me i fell, & i called the cops i feel bad now cause it... View More

Mr. David Thomas Pisarra
Mr. David Thomas Pisarra
answered on Feb 8, 2011

Depending on the district attorney, and what you say to them, they may consider dropping the charges, however they don't have to. Once it goes to the DA, they have the power to prosecute your fiance without your cooperation - if there is enough evidence.

Women have fought for the...
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