Alternative Sentencing with a Conviction for Violating a Protective Order

California courts often issue protective orders in domestic violence cases that bar individuals from engaging in specific acts of abuse, re-entering their own homes, or even behaving in a certain way. Violation of a protective order is one of the charges that can be brought under California's domestic violence laws. Domestic violence laws apply to crimes where the suspect and alleged victim are intimate partners. Intimate partners are married, divorced, cohabiting, have children in common, dating or were formerly dating. These laws apply to both heterosexual and homosexual couples.

Any intentional and knowing violation of a protective order by an individual against his or her intimate partner is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum penalty of a one year jail sentence and a $1,000 fine. California courts may even punish an offender for violating an order in California that was issued in another state. If the violation results in physical injury to the alleged victim, the offender will serve mandatory jail time of at least 30 days, possibly up to one year, and the fine may rise to $2,000. In addition, if the accused has prior convictions for violating a protective order, he or she will likely serve additional mandatory jail time.

Even though an individual faces up to one year in jail for committing this crime, an experienced criminal defense lawyer may arrange it so that his or her client never spends a day in a cell. The outstanding attorneys at The Kavinoky Law Firm specialize in California domestic abuse law. They know the intricacies involved in sentencing and, as a result, can effectively fight to keep their clients out of jail.

Alternative sentencing is just that - an alternative to incarceration. When properly utilized, alternative sentencing can be even more effective than jail or prison, as it usually has some rehabilitative element to it, as opposed to straight punishment. When an individual is rehabilitated, it not only benefits that particular person, but his or her family, the courts and society as a whole.

There are several factors that a judge may consider when hearing a defense attorney's recommendation for alternative sentencing. An attorney will usually address any mitigating or extenuating circumstances that were involved in the defendant's case, whether alcohol or drugs played a role in the charged incident and whether the accused suffers from mental illness. Because every person and every case is different, an experienced lawyer will know what facts and circumstances are relevant to his or her client's case and which are likely to persuade a judge that alternative sentencing is appropriate.

In a case where the defendant has been convicted of violating a protective order, there are several options that may be imposed as an alternative to jail. The attorneys at The Kavinoky Law Firm will aggressively advocate on behalf of their clients to ensure that alternative sentencing is imposed when appropriate. These options include probation, either formal or informal, house arrest, electronic monitoring, community service or labor, individual or group therapy for issues dealing with drugs, alcohol and/or other addictive behaviors, and making restitution to the victim when possible. Although this list is not exhaustive, it includes the most popular alternatives to serving time.

When arrested on a domestic abuse charge, the defendant faces life-changing consequences. His or her family, reputation, career and freedom are all in jeopardy, especially if sentenced to a significant jail term. Unfortunately, many attorneys don't know that alternative sentencing is available. Speaking with a qualified criminal defense lawyer is the safest way to ensure that the possibility of losing it all doesn't become a reality. The attorneys at The Kavinoky Law Firm can answer any questions about sentencing alternatives in California domestic violence cases during a free consultation.