Being charged with domestic violence in Orange County is a nerve-wracking and intimidating experience. Domestic violence charges can have far-reaching implications extending to both your personal life and your professional life. If you’re convicted of domestic violence, you could be facing stiff penalties, including domestic violence restraining orders that can interfere with custody and visitation, mandatory participation in a 52-week batterer’s treatment program, significant fines, immigration issues including deportation, and jail time. And it doesn’t stop there: Once a domestic violence restraining order or conviction is on your record, it can follow you for the rest of your life.

Hiring an Orange County domestic violence attorney

Under California law, domestic violence can be interpreted broadly to include:

• sexual assault
• physical harm or an attempt to cause physical harm, either intentionally or recklessly
• making someone afraid they’re in danger of being harmed
• or abusive behaviors such as stalking, destroying personal property, threatening or harassing someone
• verbal or emotional abuse

In California, abuse charges aren’t confined to spouses and domestic partners; they may also be filed by:

• a former spouse
• a fiance or fiancee
• a person from whom you’re divorced or separated
• a person you’re dating or used to date
• a cohabitant (someone who lives or had lived with you for a long time)
• a co-parent
• a closely-related family member, including parents, children, sibling, parents-in-law and grandparents

Defending oneself against claims that may rely solely on verbal testimony and not on any physical evidence can be extremely difficult. In many cases, a domestic violence charge can rely exclusively or almost exclusively on hearsay, and unless you understand the steps you need to take to defend yourself right from the very beginning, it can be very difficult to overcome the charges and to prevail in court.

Protect your rights.

Even the insinuation of domestic violence can have serious repercussions on every area of your life. Having an attorney who is skilled in defending clients accused of domestic violence is the key to ensuring your rights are fully protected and to providing you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing an experienced Orange County domestic violence lawyer is in your corner.

As a leading Newport Beach domestic violence lawyer, Maltaise Cini has extensive experience helping clients make sure their voices are heard. In many instances, cases can be settled before they ever reach the courtroom, saving you time, money and considerable headaches and stress. And if your case does go before a judge, you can feel confident you’ll have the best representation possible.

If you’re facing domestic violence charges, don’t delay in getting the legal help you need. The sooner you begin working with an Orange County domestic violence attorney, the easier it will be to build a strong, defensible case. Call Newport Beach domestic violence attorney Maltaise Cini today at 949-660-1389 to schedule a consultation and learn how she can help you protect your rights, your reputation and your peace of mind.