California law especially criminalizes acts where someone harms or threatens to harm an intimate partner. California’s public policy focuses on protecting intimate partners from domestic violence. Numerous crimes are associated with domestic violence. Because the consequences for these crimes are serious, the assistance of an experienced domestic violence defense attorney is crucial to achieving the best possible result for anyone charged with a domestic violence crime.
The following offenses may be associated with domestic violence:
California Penal Code § 601 PC (Aggravated trespass)
This offense is a wobbler and may be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor. It is a criminal offense to make a criminal threat, and, within the next 30 days, enter the target of the threat’s home or workplace to carry out such threat.
California Penal Code § 273(d) PC (Child abuse)
It is a crime to inflict corporal punishment or injury on a child.
California Penal Code § 273a PC (Child endangerment)
This statute makes it a crime to willfully allow a child in one’s care to suffer harm or have his or her safety or health endangered.
California Penal Code § 270 PC (Child neglect/failure to provide care)
This crime where a parent willfully fails to provide necessities like food, shelter, and medical care to a minor child is a misdemeanor.
California Penal Code § 422 PC (Criminal threats)
It is a crime to threaten anyone with criminal harm. This is a wobbler that may be charged either as a misdemeanor or felony.
California Penal Code § 273.5 PC (Corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant)
It is a felony to inflict a “corporal injury” that results in any physical injury, regardless of how minor, to an intimate partner. Note that this offense requires some physical injury.
California Penal Code § 591 PC (Damaging a telephone line)
This is a wobbler that may be charged either as a misdemeanor or felony. It is a criminal offense to cut or otherwise damage a phone line or phone equipment. It often occurs when someone prevents an intimate partner from making a phone call, i.e., calling the police.
California Penal Code § 243(e)(1) PC (Domestic battery)
California law makes it a misdemeanor to inflict force or violence on an intimate partner. This offense does not require any visible injury.
California Penal Code § 368 PC (Elder abuse)
This is a wobbler that may be charged either as a misdemeanor or felony. Inflicting physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, endangerment, or financial fraud on anyone 65 years of age or older is a crime.
California Penal Code 653.2 PC (Posting harmful information on the internet)
This is a misdemeanor crime that typically involves an ex-intimate partner. It occurs when someone posts or emails harmful information about another person with the intent of causing other people to harass such a person.
California Penal Code 647(j)(4) PC (Revenge porn)
Revenge porn is considered a cyber-harassment crime. It is a criminal offense to intentionally distribute sexual photos of another person, such as an ex-intimate partner, with the intent to cause that person emotional distress.
California Penal Code § 646.9 PC (Stalking)
Anyone who harasses or threatens another person resulting in the target of the threat fearing for his or her safety or the safety of his or her family may be guilty of stalking under California law.
Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney is crucial to defend any criminal charge. The advice, guidance, and representation of experienced criminal defense counsel may be crucial to achieving the best possible result in any criminal matter. John Patrick Dolan has forty years of criminal defense experience. Contact Dolan Law Offices today at 760-775-3739 or 562-824-4007 to discuss your situation or find out more online here.
