Law Office of Michael L. Fell
900 Roosevelt Irvine, CA 92620
(949) 585-9055

Potential Consequences for a Domestic Violence Conviction Go Well Beyond Incarceration: Learn What They Are

The typical person may believe that if they are found guilty of domestic abuse, the worst thing that may happen is that they will go to prison. Here is the truth: there are numerous other penalties that can be imposed in addition to or lieu of jail time.

Find out what those possible penalties are by continuing to read. For a free legal consultation if you have been detained or accused of domestic abuse, call Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055.

Required attendance at domestic violence education classes

Research have demonstrated that domestic violence classes, also known as batterer's intervention programs, can be effective in lowering a person's likelihood of committing a second domestic violence violation. Your domestic violence attorney may have negotiated a plea deal that includes these classes, or the judge may have decided to include them in the sentencing.

Restitution and/or fees

It's likely that you'll have to pay fees. Your costs will vary depending on how serious the incident was and whether any damages were sustained. You may also be required to make a direct restitution payment to the victim to cover their losses as well as their pain and suffering.

A temporary or permanent restraining order

An immediate restraining order will typically be imposed against you if someone files a domestic violence complaint against you. Following that, you and your domestic violence attorney will attend a hearing where the court will decide whether or not to prolong the order. It is imperative that you obey the restraining order while it is in force.

You could lose legal custody of your kids

Authorities may withdraw custody or visitation if they consider you are a danger to your child(ren), though the specifics will depend on the details of your alleged crime. One way to identify the most likely possibility in your situation is to discuss this with your domestic violence lawyer.

You are likely to have a permanent criminal record and lose your ability to own a gun

You may lose your right to possess a firearm permanently if you are found guilty of domestic violence. You will also have a criminal record that is unalterable. Even if you are sentenced to summary probation and do not serve any jail time, this is still true.

As you can see, there may be severe repercussions. Do not proceed without first speaking with a domestic abuse lawyer. For a free legal consultation, call Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055.