Have you been arrested for domestic violence in San Ramon, California? A conviction can result in impacts that change your life forever. However, you still have time to fight back with help from an experienced San Ramon domestic violence lawyer.
The Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed has 20 years of experience defending clients against serious charges, including domestic violence. Every case that comes through our doors is treated with the attention and urgency it deserves; that’s our promise to you.
Contact us today at (925) 725-4003 to schedule an initial consultation. We can review your charges and help you understand your legal rights moving forward.
How the Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed Can Defend You Against DV Charges in San Ramon, CA
Once you have been accused of domestic violence, the system begins working against you immediately. Law enforcement and prosecutors operate under the assumption that a crime occurred, and it is up to your San Ramon criminal defense attorney to challenge that narrative. The good news is that the state must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt before a conviction can stand.
Attorney Nabiel C. Ahmed has spent two decades defending clients in Contra Costa County and throughout the surrounding area. That experience means a deep understanding of local courts and the procedures that can be put to work in your defense.
When you hire our criminal defense law firm, we can help by:
- Conducting a detailed review of the evidence the prosecution intends to use against you
- Filing motions to exclude improperly obtained evidence
- Investigating the accuser’s account for inconsistencies
- Pursuing a dismissal of your charges wherever possible
- Representing you at every court hearing and at trial if your case goes that far
Call our San Ramon criminal defense lawyers today for help. We’ll do everything we can to protect your rights.
California’s Domestic Violence Laws
California has two primary statutes used to prosecute domestic violence cases. Which one applies depends on the facts and whether the alleged victim suffered a visible injury.
Penal Code 243(e)(1) covers what is known as domestic battery. Under this law, it is a misdemeanor to use force or violence against a current or former spouse, cohabitant, co-parent, or dating partner. Notably, the prosecution does not have to prove that the alleged victim was actually injured. Any physical contact that could be considered forceful is enough to support a charge.
Corporal Injury to a Spouse or Intimate Partner
Penal Code 273.5 is the more serious of the two statutes. It applies when the alleged act of domestic violence results in a physical injury, even a minor one like a bruise or a scratch. Unlike domestic battery, this charge is a wobbler. That means the prosecution can file it as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of the injury and the defendant’s criminal history.
What Penalties Could I Face for a Domestic Violence Conviction in San Ramon?
The penalties for a domestic violence conviction in California depend on the specific offense, the seriousness of the allegations, and whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony.
Potential consequences may include jail or prison time, fines, probation, and required participation in a domestic violence intervention program. The court may also impose protective orders or other conditions that affect contact with the alleged victim.
A conviction can also have consequences beyond the criminal sentence. Depending on the circumstances, it may affect employment, housing, firearm rights, professional licenses, and other areas of a person’s life. The penalties in any particular case will depend on the charge, prior criminal history, and other relevant factors.
What Defenses Can I Raise Against Domestic Violence Charges?
Domestic violence charges are taken seriously by the courts, but they are also among the most defensible criminal charges when the right strategy is in place.
Common defenses in San Ramon domestic violence cases include:
- You were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person in the household
- The alleged injuries were accidental and not the result of intentional conduct
- The accuser has a motive to fabricate the allegation, such as gaining leverage in a custody dispute
- The evidence does not support the prosecution’s version of events
Some of these defenses are considered “affirmative defenses,” which means you may need to present evidence in support of your claim. Our experienced defense attorney can help you gather that evidence and present it effectively in court.
Schedule a Consultation With a San Ramon Domestic Violence Lawyer
A domestic violence charge in San Ramon is serious, but it does not have to define your future. With the right legal defense, there are real opportunities to fight back and protect your rights.
Attorney Nabiel C. Ahmed has 20 years of experience defending clients against domestic violence allegations in Contra Costa County and is ready to help you next. Contact our San Ramon domestic violence attorney today to schedule your initial consultation and start building your defense.
