While assault, battery and threats of violence are already illegal in California, the penalties and collateral consequences are more serious when the crime occurs between two people related by blood or marriage or who were previously in a romantic relationship.
The designation of a domestic relationship is usually defined to include a boyfriend and girlfriend, a husband and wife, gay or lesbian couples, a mother and father who have a child in common, or family members closely related by blood or marriage (particularly parents, children and siblings).
Many domestic violence cases also involve filing for a petition for protection (often called a "restraining order" or "injunction") against domestic violence.
Criminal charges can follow an allegation of a violation of an injunction for domestic violence. Related charges include stalking, cyberstalking and harassment.
Founded in 1958, NACDL is the largest organization for criminal defense lawyers fighting to preserve fairness within America's criminal justice system. The organization has more than 10,000 direct members including criminal defense attorneys in private practice, public defenders in state or federal court, U.S. military defense counsel, law professors and judges.
CACJ works to preserve due process and defend the rights of the accused while providing quality continuing legal education courses to criminal defense lawyers in the State of California.
Beverly Hills Lawyer Referral Service - Since 1976, this community based non-profit service has been sponsored by the Beverly Hills Bar Association. The Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) has more than 100 participating attorneys. The BHBA LRIS helps thousands of individuals and businesses each year find a qualified attorney throughout Beverly Hills and Los Angeles County, CA.