Domestic Violence

A domestic violence conviction is an extremely serious charge and could lead to dire consequences, including but not limited to the issuance of a restraining order, jail or prison time, costly fines, and potentially the loss of your job and income. Domestic Violence Attorney John Michels has been successfully representing clients in these matters for two decades.

If you have been charged with domestic violence, contact Criminal Defense Attorney John L. Michels immediately at (951) 276-8900 for a free, confidential consultation. Dedicated to preserving and protecting the rights of each client, Mr. Michels will fight zealously to ensure that you receive the best legal counsel and representation. Riverside Lawyer John Michels is available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.

It is imperative that you contact a seasoned Domestic Violence Attorney as soon as possible. A former prosecutor, Riverside Domestic Violence Lawyer John L. Michels possesses an in-depth understanding of how the DA manages these types of cases. He knows how to craft a strong defense to achieve the most favorable outcome possible on behalf of his clients.

Domestic violence charges may be brought when someone threatens to harm or causes harm to:

• A close family member
• A cohabitant or roommate
• A current or former partner
• A current or former spouse

As with assault and battery cases, domestic violence is deemed a “wobbler” crime, meaning that an individual may be charged with either a misdemeanor or felony offense. If the alleged perpetrator doesn’t have a history of domestic violence and the victim’s injuries were either minor or nonexistent, the DA will be more inclined to file misdemeanor charges.

The penalties for conviction of misdemeanor domestic violence include the following:

Felony domestic violence charges are exceedingly serious, as are the ramifications if convicted. As well as the penalties listed above, the Court can impose up to 5 years in state prison, and some felony convictions are deemed a “strike” against your record. Felony charges are brought for numerous reasons, among them if the victim was a vulnerable person, if the defendant was acting while in violation of a protective order, and if the victim sustained severe injuries.

Domestic violence allegations are treated extremely seriously in the state of California, and as demonstrated above, a conviction will dramatically impact an individual’s life. If you have been accused of committing an act of domestic violence, it is vital that you retain an experienced, skilled criminal defense attorney who will fight zealously to protect your legal rights.