Sugarman and Cannon Criminal Defense Attorneys

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Sugarman and Cannon Criminal Defense Attorneys
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Representing Clients in California and in Federal Courts Throughout the United States

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Domestic Violence Defense From A San Francisco Lawyer

In the last 20 years, a tremendous amount of attention has been given to domestic violence in America. Almost every jurisdiction has resources and individual prosecutors dedicated to the prosecution of domestic abuse. The problem with this emphasis on domestic violence is that the government often casts a very broad net. The State of California aggressively prosecutes charges of domestic violence. Even if the alleged victim declines to press charges, you may still face serious charges in court.

A Criminal Defense Practice With Over 30 Years Of Experience

The criminal defense lawyers of Sugarman & Cannon have been providing experienced criminal defense representation for more than 30 years. In that time, we have represented many clients accused of harassing or acts of violence on their spouse, child, parent, girlfriend or boyfriend.

Allegations of domestic violence can affect your child custody, your ability to travel, your right to possess a gun and your immigration status. Our attorneys know what is at stake and will work hard on your behalf. We also represent clients at domestic violence restraining order or order of protection hearings.

Someone Has To Be Charged

We have seen hundreds of domestic violence cases and they seem to fall into three broad categories:

  • The right person is arrested
  • The wrong person is arrested
  • The wrongdoer is impossible to determine

Nevertheless, in almost every case, someone is arrested and has to deal with the charges. Domestic violence charges are often related to problems in a relationship and are often fueled by the consumption of alcohol and/or drugs. We have seen many cases in which a partner knows the other partner’s weak points and eggs him or her on in an attempt to start a separation proceeding from a position of strength.

In other cases, normal human emotions result in a call to the police from well-meaning neighbors. Many police departments have a policy that in the event of a domestic violence call, the officers will arrest someone. When the air clears the next day, it is too late for the complaining neighbor or partner to withdraw his or her claim. The state pushes it forward.

Domestic violence charges can include:

  • Assault/Sexual assault
  • Battery
  • Rape
  • False imprisonment
  • Spousal abuse
  • Child abuse
  • Violations of a court restraining order
  • Stalking
  • Harassing telephone calls or emails

If there is an arrest for domestic violence, it is important to obtain a lawyer immediately who will be able to negotiate with the district attorney’s office and attempt to prevent the filing of formal charges. Waiting to see what will happen in Court may lead to unnecessary charges. It is always better to intervene quickly rather than wait to see and let the prosecutor’s momentum build.

Reach Out To Our Team

If you have been charged with domestic abuse, contact our criminal defense firm to discuss your situation. Call Sugarman & Cannon at 415-362-6252 or 510-272-0600 to speak with an experienced domestic violence defense attorney.