Chino Hills Domestic Violence Attorney

Domestic violence is a difficult subject to discuss, but our society’s reluctance to properly address ithas contributed to countless victims suffering in silence. Every minute across the US, 20 people are experiencing intimate partner violence, and the total number of victims each year exceeds 20 million men and women.Sadly, many misconceptions exist about domestic violence that make victims hesitant to seek help. These myths suggest that victims are weak or overreacting, family issues are a private matter, or that avoiding further abuse is as simple as packing a bag and leaving home. This final element could be the most dangerous myth of all. Not only does this type of violence escalate over time, but victims are at the highest risk of sustaining an injury or being murdered when they try to separate or divorce the abuser.

If you are a domestic violence survivor,it can be overwhelming to decide whatto do, especially if you share children with your abuser. It is crucial to obtain legal representation as soon as possible after experiencing abuse from a partner. A Chino Hills domestic violence attorney can provide youwith the guidance, advocacy, and support you needtoleave the abusive situation and create a safe future for you and your children. Learn more about domestic violence below, then contact the Law Offices of Michelanne Hrubic to discuss your next steps.

What Is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in an intimate relationship, typically including physical violence or threats, psychological abuse, or controlling behaviors.The abuser may be a current or former spouse, domestic partner, or cohabitant, the parent of the victim’s child, or someone the victim is dating now or dated in the past. Relationships rarely begin with abuse, and it can take months or even years for the first act of abuse to occur. In most cases, this takes the form of emotional, psychological, verbal, or sexual abuse, then continues to escalate to physical violence, which often becomes more frequent and severe as time goes on.

Domestic violence can involve multipleforms of abuse, including:

• Emotional abuse: Intentionally or knowingly causing someone emotional distress through verbal or nonverbal acts
• Threats of violence: Threatening to cause the victim or someone else harm, including self-harm
• Stalking: Following and/or harassing another person
• Physical abuse: Causing bodily harm through physical contact
• Sexual assault: Any forced sexual act or unwanted touching of a sexual nature that occurs without consent
• Economic abuse: Making or attempting to make someone financially dependent by maintaining total control over financial resources, withholding access to money, or forbidding attendance at school or employment

Potential Penalties for Domestic Violence Abusers

Domestic violence crimes are taken very seriously by California prosecutors.When a defendant is convicted of a domestic violence offense, they can expect the following consequences:

• A misdemeanor conviction will stay on an abuser’s criminal record for up to seven years,and a felony conviction will stay on their record for the rest of their life.
• If the abuser is convicted of a violent felony, they will be required to surrender all their weapons, even if these weapons were not used in the commission of a crime.
• Courts have the power to issue restraining orders that prohibit convicted abusers from contact with the victim or possessing any weapons for a certain period.
• A permanent restraining order can be issued if an abuser violates their temporary restraining order.
• Convicted abusers may be required to participate in a 52-weekbatterer’s program or similar treatment.
• If the abuser’s sentence includes probation, they may have to attend a six-month outpatient substance abuse program and/or an 18-month outpatient mental health program.
• Those convicted of violent felonies may also be required to attend substance abuse and/or anger management treatment as part of their probation.

How Can an Chino Hills, CA DV Defense Attorney Help?

Here are some ways a lawyer can help you:

• Explaining domestic violence law and how it applies to your case
• Offering legal representation, counsel, and emotional support
• Providing valuable resources, tools, and information
• Connecting you with state and local domestic violence programs that offer shelter, counseling, and safety planning
• Obtaining a restraining order to keep your abuser away from you
• Helping you file criminal charges against your abuser
• Representing you during court proceedings so that you don’t have to face your abuser
• Filing for custody of your children to protect them from contact with the abuser
• Applying for restitution to cover expenses, medical bills, counseling, loss of income, relocation, or home security improvements

When Should I Contact a Lawyer?

If you are being abused, it may seem impossible to find a solution. However, know that you are not alone. There are resources available to help you get out of this situation and stay safe. Contact a Chino Hills domestic violence lawyer immediately if any of the following apply:

• You’re being physically or sexually abused by your spouse or significant other.
• Your spouse is verbally, emotionally, or psychologically abusive towards you or your children.
• Your spouse has threatened you with physical harm.
• You’ve separated from your spouse, but they want to continue living in the home that you share.
• You are not sure if these things apply to your specific situation, but you are concerned about the potential for domestic violence in your relationship.

Contact a Chino Hills Family Law Attorney for Help

At the law offices of Michelanne Hrubic, our experienced, compassionateChino Hills domestic violence attorney can protect your rights, explain the legal process for domestic violence cases, and provide expert guidance every step of the way. You will not be alone in this fight for justice because we will work by your side as afierce advocate throughout the entire legal process. We can also help you with other legal issues involved in your domestic violence case, such as filing for divorce or obtaining custody of your children.

If you or someone you know needs an attorney for a domestic violence case, please call the law offices of Michelanne Hrubic today at 951-888-0631 to set up an appointment. If you are interested in learning more about how we can help, please feel free to contact our firm for a consultation.