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What Can a Domestic Violence Attorney Do to Help You?

Posted on April 15th, 2023

Domestic Violence Attorney in California

Domestic violence is a serious and sensitive issue affecting many people worldwide. You may feel traumatized and overwhelmed if you or someone close to you has experienced domestic violence. However, you should know that you are not alone, and there are people whom you can count on to help in your situation. One of those persons is a domestic violence attorney. A domestic violence attorney can help you in several ways to help you navigate this difficult situation and seek justice for you.

What Constitutes Domestic Violence in Los Angeles, California?

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence under California penal code 13700 is defined as willfully inflicting or threatening to inflict bodily injury resulting in a traumatic condition. California law makes it a crime to harm or threaten to harm a current or former:

The two major Domestic violence crimes in California are:

  • Domestic battery- This involves willfully and unlawfully touching an intimate partner in a harmful manner, even if there isn’t visible injury.
  • Corporal injury on spouse or cohabitant- This offense involves willfully inflicting corporal injury on an intimate partner and can carry up to four years in jail or prison.

How Can a Domestic Violence Attorney Help?

If you have been a victim of domestic violence, a domestic violence attorney can help in several ways. These include:

Obtaining an Order of Protection

An order of protection, commonly known as a restraining order, is a court order that prohibits the abuser from contacting or coming close to the victim.  A restraining order is essential in ensuring your safety and protecting you from further harm.

A domestic violence attorney can help you obtain an order of protection with the court and ensure the order is enforced by law enforcement agencies.

Providing Legal Advice

Another way that a domestic violence attorney can help you is by providing you with legal advice. Domestic violence cases can be complex, and understanding your rights and legal options is essential. A domestic violence attorney can help you understand the laws in your case, including the type of protective orders available to you.

They can also advise you on the steps to protect yourself and your family and the best legal strategy to seek justice and protection from your abuser.

Filing a Lawsuit

Domestic violence can leave you with significant injuries and damages, for which you deserve compensation. A domestic violence lawyer can help you file a lawsuit for damages such as medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. They can also assist you in holding your abuser accountable for their actions.

Obtaining Child Custody

Most domestic violence victims endure the violence because they do not want to lose custody of their child, which is understandable. However, no one deserves the suffering that comes with domestic violence. If you are a victim of domestic violence and have children with your abuser, a divorce attorney can help you attain child custody.

An experienced domestic violence attorney can help you present evidence in court to support your child custody rights. They can also help negotiate a custody arrangement in the child’s best interests.

Filing for Divorce

A domestic violence attorney can help you file for divorce if you are in an abusive marriage or relationship. They can help you understand your rights and protect your interests. An experienced attorney can help you obtain a fair division of property, child, and spousal support.

Representation in Court

If you have been a victim of domestic violence, a domestic violence attorney can help represent you in court. They can help you understand your legal rights and guide you through the complex legal system,

An experienced domestic violence attorney can also advocate for you to ensure your rights are protected and that justice is served.

Harris Family Law Group: Accomplished Domestic Violence Attorneys in Los Angeles, California

If you or a loved one has been a victim of domestic violence in California, contact the caring domestic violence attorneys in Los Angeles at the Harris Family Law Group for a free, confidential case evaluation by calling 310-745-8644 today. Our attorneys can provide legal advice, emotional support, and guidance during this difficult time and help you obtain the best possible outcome for your case.