Though many people think that domestic violence is a specific crime, it is actually an umbrella term under which many different crimes fall. What they have in common is that you can get help defending yourself against them from a domestic violence attorney in Garden Grove CA. Keep reading to learn about penalties for all the individual charges and then contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 if you are in need of a free legal consultation.
Potential Penalties for Corporal Injury to a Spouse or Inhabitant
The crime of corporal injury to a spouse or inhabitant can involve any physical act that leaves even the tiniest of physical injuries to an intimate partner. This is a felony offense that can be punished with a little as one year in jail for first offenders or up to four years in state prison.
Potential Penalties for Domestic Battery
Domestic battery is a misdemeanor charge that involves inflicting force or violence against an intimate partner. It does not require that there is a visible injury. Punishment can include up to one year in county jail and/or fines of as much as $2,000.
Potential Penalties for Child Abuse
Child abuse is legally defined in California has inflicting corporal punishment or injury on a child. Note that this does not include a reasonable spanking, but if the punishment id deemed unusual or causes injury, then it will qualify as child abuse. For a person’s first conviction of child abuse, the sentence could range from one year in county jail to three years in state prison.
Potential Penalties for Child Endangerment
It is unlawful to willfully allow a child to suffer harm or have their health endangered when that child is legally under one’s care. This is a wobbler offense, which means that if there is great bodily injury to the child, then it might be charged as a felony. Otherwise, it is likely to be charged as a misdemeanor. If it is charged as a misdemeanor, the maximum jail time is six months, though a domestic violence attorney in Garden Grove CA can likely get you a plea deal if it is your first offense.
Potential Penalties for Child Neglect / Failure to Provide
It is a crime for a parent to willfully withhold necessities from their children, such as food, shelter, and medical care. This is a misdemeanor that comes with a maximum fine of $2,000 and up to one year in county jail.
If you have been charged with these or other crimes, it is important to talk to a domestic violence attorney in Garden Grove CA as soon as possible. You can do so by contacting Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for a free legal consultation. Call now and we can get started right away.