Domestic Violence Penalties

A domestic violence conviction can lead to jail time, reduced job prospects, the right to bear arms, and deportation for non-citizens.

• If you are charged with 243(e)(1), “Domestic Battery,” you may face:
  • one year in county jail,
  • $2,000 in fines and more in fees and penalties,
  • three years of informal probation, and
  • 10 years of prohibition from owning, possessing, purchasing, or receiving a firearm.
• If you are charged with 243(d), “Aggravated Battery,” you may face a misdemeanor or felony penalty.
  • If a misdemeanor, your risk:
    • one year in county jail,
    • $2,000 in fines and more in fees,
    • a batterer’s class,
    • summary probation, and
    • community service.
  • If a felony, you face:
    • two to four years in state prison,
    • $10,000 in fines, and
    • a strike on your record.
• If you are charged with 273.5, “Corporal Injury,” you may be charged under a misdemeanor or felony.
  • If a misdemeanor, you risk:
    • three years of summary probation,
    • one year in county jail and a minimum of 15-60 days depending on prior convictions,
    • $10,000 in fines,
    • $5,000 in payments to a battered women’s shelter or restitution to the victim for medical expenses,
    • a protective order,
    • a restraining order for up to 10 years,
    • a one-year batterer’s class that meets at least two hours a week,
    • community service, and
    • any other courses the court finds necessary.
  • If a felony, you risk:
    • nine years in state prison,
    • formal probation,
    • a strike under California’s three strike law,
    • all other probation terms applicable to the misdemeanor charge.

If you’ve been accused, you need the best defense attorneys you can find. Contact us to help tell your side of the story.