Like most states, California imposes criminal penalties for domestic violence. It is a crime to harm or even threaten to harm a domestic partner. As family situations can quickly escalate, domestic violence is a common offense. Statewide, there were 161,123 domestic violence-related calls to the police in 2019, as reported by the Department of Justice. If you have been arrested and charged with domestic violence, the penalties imposed in a conviction will depend on whether the offense is a felony or a misdemeanor.
Could I Do Jail Time for Domestic Violence?
You may get mandatory minimum jail time with a domestic violence conviction. There are different domestic-violence criminal charges, and they may carry different penalties. For example:
- Domestic battery: This offense involves inflicting violence or force on a domestic partner. Upon conviction, you could serve up to one year in county jail.
- Child endangerment: It is a crime to willfully allow a child in your care to suffer harm or health endangerment. Depending on the surrounding circumstances, it can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. With misdemeanor charges, you could face up to six months in jail.
- Revenge porn: This cybercrime involves maliciously distributing sexual pictures of another person with the intent to cause emotional harm. Penalties for revenge porn may include up to one year in county jail.
- Corporal injury to a spouse or inhabitant: This is a felony offense that involves inflicting injury that results in harm. Depending on the severity of the injuries and other factors, a conviction could mean one year in county jail or up to four years in state prison.
What Are the Fines and Penalties?
As with jail time, fines, and penalties for domestic violence offenses will depend on the specific crime. For example, penalties for revenge porn may include a fine of up to $1,000. Domestic battery and child neglect carry fines of up to $2,000. Fines for damaging a telephone line (to prevent the victim from making a call) can run up to $10,000.
If Convicted on Domestic Violence Charges, Will I Be Required to Take Courses?
You may be ordered to counseling as part of your sentence upon conviction for domestic violence offenses. The judge may require that you participate in a batterer’s program. This is a year-long program of treatment and counseling and different from an anger management program. The focus is on power and control issues that play a role in domestic violence.
Will I Lose Any Rights With a Domestic Violence Conviction?
If you have minor children, you could lose custody rights after a domestic violence conviction, although will likely still be entitled to visitation. You could also lose the right to possess a firearm for ten years or a lifetime, depending on the crime. In addition, the alleged victim could get a restraining order against you, even if no one suffered any physical harm.
Who Should I Call to Get Out of Jail?
If you have been arrested on domestic violence charges, call Balboa Bail Bonds at (619) 760-2222 to help you post bail. Once a written agreement between us is finalized, we will post your bail for a 10 percent non-refundable fee so that you can get out of jail.
All our bond agents have five to 10 years of experience, and all are fluent in Spanish. Our agents are approachable, friendly, and treat our clients with respect. We are fast, affordable, and confidential and offer flexible, interest-free payment plans.