Beverly Hills Domestic Violence Lawyers Ready to Help You & Your Family
Domestic violence is a complex issue faced by both men and women. Violence in the home or between current or previous romantic partners leads to repercussions and safety concerns. If someone has experienced domestic violence, taking legal action may be the only way to end the abuse once and for all. The idea of seeking the help of a domestic violence lawyer may be intimidating at first, but a knowledgeable attorney will be able to answer questions and help lift the burden of such an intense experience. With domestic violence lawyers in their corner, victims of physical abuse may be able to start over and begin rebuilding their lives.
What is a Domestic Violence Lawyer?
A domestic violence lawyer is an attorney with experience representing victims in court on behalf of their safety and best interests. Whether the violence was ongoing or a one-time event, domestic violence attorneys work with clients to represent them if the case requires legal counsel. Since this type of lawyer practices under the larger umbrella of family law, the lawyer may also represent clients in related legal issues, such as child custody or child support as it relates to the domestic violence case.
What Does a Domestic Violence Lawyer Do for Clients?
If a client is a victim, skilled domestic violence attorneys will perform certain duties while also advocating for the victim in court. In the event of domestic violence where the police become involved, the victim may choose to have a domestic violence attorney present during police questioning or while giving statements. Being the victim of domestic violence is an emotional and often traumatic event. In an emotionally fraught time, having an experienced domestic violence attorney present may help with tension and legal aspects that police are simply not trained to handle. Aside from being the victim’s advocate during the initial reporting process, domestic violence lawyers may also assist clients in legal matters, such as negotiating the criminal charges, filing for a restraining order, and assisting with otherwise confusing paperwork during a stressful time. An attorney may also help a client avoid testifying (due to the emotional damage or safety concerns that testifying may pose) while seeing to it that the evidence is still presented in a court of law on behalf of the victim.
Domestic violence always involves more than one party. If a client has been accused of domestic violence, lawyers will advocate for their clients in a variety of ways, such as fighting for charges to be dropped, defending against a restraining order, and representing the client in court.
Is Domestic Violence a Crime?
Yes, domestic violence is considered a crime. It ranges from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the state, the charges issued, and the circumstances of the domestic violence case. Domestic violence, much like any other misdemeanor or felony, may lead to repercussions like fines, jail time, and a criminal record. A criminal record for a conviction in a domestic violence case may negatively impact an accused offender’s chances at future employment, housing, and other opportunities.
Is a Domestic Violence Lawyer Worth the Cost?
If a person is a victim of this type of violence, the cost of a domestic violence attorney may feel overwhelming in an already emotional and difficult time. Since this is such a troubling event in a person’s life, the decision to seek legal support from a domestic violence lawyer outweighs the cost of their services. It’s hard to put a price on personal safety, but attorney fees and court costs may be worth it to prevent the emotional, physical, and financial damages of another violent occurrence. In some of the worst-case scenarios, a repeated attack could lead to thousands of dollars in medical costs by way of hospitalization and physical therapy. The cost of the emotional damage is impossible to assign a dollar figure, but the impacts are long-lasting and far-reaching for most domestic violence victims.
Likewise, if you have been accused of domestic violence charges, the cost of a knowledgeable family lawyer in Beverly Hills is well worth the cost compared to the fines, conviction, jail time, and possible lost wages of not having a proper defense against the charges.
Can a Lawyer Help?
When dealing with violence between intimate partners, a lawyer may be the most reliable line of defense. Whether you are a victim or the accused, knowing your legal rights is always the first step. Contact us at (310) 271-7675 today and let us help you find justice.