Temecula Domestic Violence Attorney

Legal Counsel for Temecula Domestic Violence Cases

Domestic violence is an unfortunate reality in the United States. Each year, thousands of people experience violence in their homes at the hands of family members, romantic partners, and other close individuals. If you or a loved one recently experienced any type of domestic violence in Temecula, it is vital to know your rights and the legal options available to you as you seek protection from further abuse. Additionally, it is also vital for anyone accused of committing domestic violence to understand the value of having a Temecula criminal defense attorney on your side.

The Law Offices of Michelanne Hrubic offer comprehensive legal counsel to Temecula family members affected by domestic violence. Our firm provides legal representation for both family law and criminal defense cases. If you have been harmed by a domestic violence incident, our Temecula domestic violence lawyers can secure a protective order to prevent further harm. Our team can also provide valuable legal representation during related family law matters like divorce or child custody proceedings. Similarly, if you have been charged with domestic violence in Temecula, our team can act as your defense counsel and help you avoid unfair prosecution or unjust punishment.

When You Need an Attorney for a Domestic Violence Injury

It is vital to have legal counsel on your side regardless of your role in a domestic violence dispute. If you are the victim, you need legal guidance to secure the protection you need to prevent further abuse from happening. If you are accused of domestic violence, you need defense counsel who can help you build a strong defense and prove the truth of the situation if you have been wrongfully accused or were forced to act in self-defense.

Attempting to navigate either side of a domestic violence case without an attorney is very risky. If you are a victim, you risk allowing your abuser to escape the penalties they rightfully deserve, and your family may not have the full extent of legal protection available under California law. If you are unfairly accused of domestic violence, you face the worst possible penalties under California’s domestic violence laws and may also lose custody of your children and your other rights. Ultimately, it is crucial to secure legal counsel as soon as any domestic violence issue arises.

Examples of Domestic Violence

The term “domestic violence” is broad and applies to any incident of violence that occurs between members of the same family or household. It is important to note that the parties involved in a domestic violence incident do not necessarily need to live together for the case to qualify as a domestic violence case. Some of the most reported forms of domestic violence in Temecula include:

• Physical assault and battery. This includes any incident that causes physical harm or attempts to cause physical injury to another person, such as hitting, kicking, or throwing objects.
• Sexual assault. Anyone who commits sexual assault against a member of their family or household will not only face criminal prosecution for domestic violence but also sexual assault under California law.
• Reckless endangerment. This term applies to any situation that causes the victim to reasonably believe they or someone else will be seriously harmed.
• Harassment and stalking.
• Disturbing the peace.
• Destroying the victim’s personal property.

Any of these offenses are prosecutable as domestic violence in California. When California law enforcement officers respond to a call reporting domestic violence, they have a legal obligation to protect the victim and remove the alleged abuser from the situation. If you are accused of domestic violence but did not do anything wrong, or if the accuser initiated violence against you and you acted in self-defense, the law and the ensuing police response can seem one-sided. In this situation, you need the services of Temecula criminal defense lawyers. If you were the victim of domestic violence, the police and a Temecula domestic violence attorney are your best resources for securing a protective order against the party responsible.

Domestic Violence and Divorce

If your spouse has committed domestic violence against you and/or your children, the issue is highly likely to come to light in subsequent divorce proceedings. It is important to note that while domestic violence may not influence the financial outcome of a divorce, it can have a very strong influence on custody determination and other aspects of the divorce process.

The Law Offices of Michelanne Hrubic have years of experience handling complex divorce cases on behalf of clients in the Temecula, CA area, including divorces that involve incidents of domestic violence. We can help you approach your case with confidence and guide you through the proceedings to achieve a favorable outcome.

Domestic Violence and Child Custody

If a domestic violence incident pertains to a child, the offender will likely face severe criminal penalties and will likely lose any custody or visitation rights they previously held. Thus, it is crucial for parents to act quickly if the domestic abuser has any form of custody or visitation rights. The sooner the court addresses the situation, the easier it will be for the parent to protect their children from further abuse.

If you are divorcing your coparent due to domestic violence, the court will undoubtedly consider their actions in awarding custody. The California family court has a legal obligation to ensure a custody determination suits the best interests of the children it will affect, and a family court judge will not permit a domestic abuser further opportunity to harm children.

What to Expect From Our Temecula Domestic Violence Attorneys

A Temecula domestic violence attorney you can trust is an invaluable asset if you or a loved one has recently experienced any kind of domestic violence from a family member or other member of your household. Your attorney can help you secure the restraining orders and other legal protections you will need to prevent your abuser from making any further contact with you or your loved ones. They can also guide you through related family law proceedings for divorce or custody determination.

If you have been accused of domestic violence but know you did not do anything wrong, your Temecula criminal defense attorney can help you establish that you acted in self-defense and avoid the long-term penalties that typically follow conviction for domestic violence in California. No matter what your unique case entails, the Law Offices of Michelanne Hrubic can assist you with skilled, compassionate representation. Contact us today to schedule a case review and learn more about how our team can help you in your domestic violence case.