California Penal Code Section 273 outlines the definition of and penalties for domestic violence crimes. A misdemeanor is punishable by up to 1 year in county jail and a felony offense and is punishable by up to 4 years in state prison and/or a fine of up to $6,000. Additional penalties are as follows:

• Domestic violence against a child (child abuse): up to 6 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $6,000
• Mandatory one-year counseling programs
• Domestic violence with a deadly weapon: up to 4 years in state prison and/or a $10,000 fine

Domestic violence, like most abuse or assault accusations, is typically initially based upon an alleged victim’s word. By becoming involved as early on as possible, Attorney Le can work with her team to show that the victim is lying or is exaggerating. When there is not enough evidence for the prosecution to obtain a conviction, Attorney Le can negotiate in order to work to convince the prosecution not to press charges – avoiding both the time, expense, and stress of a criminal trial.