Hearsay and 911 Calls in a Domestic Battery Case

Domestic battery, often known as "spousal abuse" or "spousal battery," is a domestic violence offense in California that applies to intimate partners. "Intimate partners" is a term that covers a wide range of relationships - people of the opposite gender or same sex who are married, divorced, living together, have children in common, and who are dating or formerly dated.

Domestic battery is referred to as a "wobbler" offense, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the facts of the case. Battery can be charged any time a person willfully and unlawfully uses force or violence upon an intimate partner. The offense is typically charged as a misdemeanor and carries a maximum penalty of a one year jail sentence and a $2,000 fine. This charge can be brought against a defendant even if he or she used the slightest force or engaged in any unwanted touching. However, in cases of serious bodily injury, such as loss of consciousness, broken bones, or a concussion, the individual will likely face felony charges punishable by a maximum of four years in state prison.

With such severe consequences, a battery charge is no joke. That is why it is imperative for the accused to hire an attorney who is knowledgeable not only with respect to California domestic abuse crimes, but with the types of evidentiary issues that frequently arise during these types of trials. The experienced criminal defense lawyers at The Kavinoky Law Firm have successfully defended countless individuals in battery cases because they receive ongoing training and education about intimate partner abuse cases and the issues that commonly surround these types of cases. They know how to argue for admission or exclusion of hearsay and 911 evidence to provide the most effective defense for their clients.

"Hearsay" is a legal term that refers to statements that were made out of court that are later offered in court as evidence of their truth. Although hearsay evidence is generally inadmissible in criminal proceedings, there are exceptions to that rule, and intimate partner violence cases are one of those exceptions.

Under California law, hearsay statements, including 911 telephone calls, are relevant in domestic abuse cases. This exception admits into evidence statements made by the complaining witness at the time when he or she was experiencing or witnessing the violent act or acts that are the subject of the case. The rationale behind this exception is that the spontaneity of such statements and the lack of opportunity for reflection and deliberate fabrication provide an adequate guarantee of their trustworthiness. Clearly this isn't the case in reality, as many 911 calls have been placed under false pretenses and based on underlying motives such as anger, revenge and jealousy. Nonetheless, these statements are admissible into evidence and, in a vigorous effort to convict the defendant, the prosecutor will seek to have the investigating officer read the alleged victim's statements to the jury and will also ask the judge to play the recorded 911 call for the jury. However, even the exceptions have exceptions, which is why it is so important to have professional legal representation that is familiar with this area of the law.

Because of the highly complex and technical rules (and exceptions to those rules) that come into play in a California intimate partner abuse case, having a skilled and qualified defense lawyer who knows how to exclude or downplay this type of evidence is critical. The attorneys at The Kavinoky Law Firm have both the knowledge and experience to aggressively tackle any issue that may arise in a battery case. Whether the allegation stems from an intense, emotional dispute that took a turn for the worse, from a false report, or from a simple mistake, professional guidance can help ease a difficult situation. When things are at their worst, the attorneys from The Kavinoky Law Firm are at their best! Click here for a free consultation and for the best representation.