Category: Domestic Violence

California Domestic Violence | Los Angeles Domestic Violence Lawyer | No Cuffs

Another NFL Player Domestic Violence Arrest

Sadly, it comes as no huge surprise another NFL football player was arrested for domestic violence.  For some time now, domestic violence has been an increasing problem for the National Football League (NFL). Many advocates to reduce the amount of violence claim the professional football teams are not doing enough to penalize players accused of violence off the field.

Due to this pressure, and significant amount of publicity with violent crime and the NFL, the National Football League recently updated their personal conduct policy to try and address some of the criticism. However, domestic violence by players continues to plague the sport today.

Ray McDonald Dropped from the Bears

The Chicago Bears released Ray McDonald after arresting him on domestic violence charges in Santa Clara, California. McDonald was a major part of the Bears defense strategy for the season, but after this arrest, they chose to let him go.

Police arrested the 30-year-old defensive end after he allegedly assaulted a woman inside his apartment. The incident took place sometime before 4 a.m. on a Monday morning. According to police reports, McDonald allegedly broke down a bedroom door to get to his former fiancée and their infant child.  when the police arrived, McDonald was not on the scene.

The Santa Clara police department issued McDonald a restraining order for the protection of his fiancée and child.

However, on Wednesday, police arrested McDonald for a second time in a week for violating the restraining order.

Santa Clara detectives found him in a Togo’s sandwich shop in Santa Clara and booked him in a San Jose jail. He reportedly made bail, for $5,000. According to his attorney, they did not know about the restraining order.

A History of “Poor Decision Making”

This wasn’t the first time the defensive lineman was in trouble with the law. This was his third arrest in 9 months. In August 2014, police arrested McDonald on suspicion of domestic violence. In December of the same year, he was arrested for alleged sexual assault. McDonald defended the sexual assault claims as being consensual and filed a defamation suit. Although the victim did not file criminal charges, the 49ers dropped him from the team, citing “a pattern of poor decision-making.”

Then, the Bears picked him up. Despite his past arrests, based on a solid conversation, the team trusted he would behave. This did not happen. According to the team General Manager, Ryan Pace:

Bears Tweet 1Bears Tweet 2

Revised Personal Conduct Policy

In late 2014, the NFL teams introduced a revised Personal Conduct Policy. Aimed at addressing domestic violence and sexual assault, the NFL put their heads together to bring about new order . The hope is this new policy will increase accountability and decrease criminal acts. The policy includes funding for counseling of victims as well as violators as well as provides guidelines for independent investigative procedures.

Unfortunately, even with increased penalties, NFL players continue to break the law. The San Diego Union-Tribune keeps a running tally of arrests and citations involving NFL players. There are exactly 38 recorded arrests for crimes more harmful than a speeding ticket in 2015 alone.

ABOUT OUR CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAW FIRM
We have the best criminal attorneys on hand to answer your calls and walk you through your individual situation 24/7.  We do our research so you can rest easy.

#1800NoCuffs
Because no one looks good in handcuffs #unlessyoureintothatsortofthing
http://www.instagram.com/1800nocuffs

Connect with Attorney Darren Kavinoky on Social Media
http://www.twitter.com/darrenkavinoky
http://www.facebook.com/darrenkavinokyfanpage

 

Some Forensic Science Found to be Less Than Scientific

A Test of Bad Forensic Science

Before the advent of DNA testing, U.S. law enforcement relied on a number of different bad forensic science techniques to connect people to crimes. Such as, handwriting samples, microscopic hair analysis, and even bite marks. As may be expected, some of these sciences are not always completely accurate.

Recently, the FBI teamed with the Department of Justice (DOJ), the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), and the Innocence Project. The teams released an announcement that they concurrently and separately reviewed microscopic hair analysis cases. The result of these cases is disconcerting. In fact, it’s downright alarming.

A Difference of Opinion

According to the FBI’s press release:

“FBI microscopic hair analysts committed widespread, systematic error, grossly exaggerating the significance of their data under oath with the consequence of unfairly bolstering the prosecutions’ case.”

As Slate Magazine so aptly puts it: “The FBI faked an entire field of forensic science.” The result is, according to University of Virginia law professor Brandon L. Garrett, a “mass disaster.

The “faked,” or bad forensic science involved microscopic examinations of hair found at the scene of a crime, as well as the hair of a suspect. In fact, this was a common practice of law enforcement for nearly thirty years. That is, until 2000, when the FBI started examining full DNA rather than just the hair itself. The DNA analysis works much better.

In reality, the microscopic hair examination technique barely worked at all, if ever. Even the Committee on Identifying the Needs of the Forensic Science Community called the practice “highly unreliable.” Nonetheless, FBI forensic experts commonly testified in trial that the technique not only worked, but was enough to prove a suspect’s guilt.

Too Many Defendants

According to the FBI’s own report, too many scientists miscalculated the results. Twenty-six out of twenty-eight forensic scientists in the microscopic hair comparison unit “overstated forensic matches in ways that favored prosecutors.”

After examining hair found at a crime scene, the scientists compare it to a suspect’s hair in a lab. Upon finding similarities between the two, the forensic scientists often claimed the hairs matched. Unfortunately, these findings made their way to their expert witness” testimony during trial.

This similarity/match testimony happened at a staggering rate. Of the cases that the FBI reviewed to date, 90% of the cases apply. This affected 284 defendants at their trials. This is poor, bad forensic science.

Many of the convicted defendants privy to the unfortunate microscopic hair analysis are serving jail time for felony offenses. For some, the impact was irreversible. According to the FBI’s press release,

“defendants in at least 35 of these cases received the death penalty and errors were identified in 33 of those cases… Nine of these defendants have already been executed.”

The FBI is taking steps to right their wrong. They are notifying affected defendants and allowing federal defendants to make appeals. Normally, this type of practice is not allowed in federal court. However, most of the defendants in question received state court convictions. It is now up to the states to allow these cases to reexamine these cases.

The Kavinoky Law Firm is closely monitoring the situation in California. If you believe bad forensic science practices impacted your freedom, speak with a criminal defense attorney at 1.800.NO.CUFFS. all 24/7, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Domestic Violence Accusations and Defense in California

domestic violenceDomestic violence is sometimes called domestic abuse or intimate partner abuse. Under California law, it involved a broad range of legal violations. These include:

  1. Causing or attempting to cause bodily injury, and/or
  2. Sexual assault.

Perpetrators of Abuse

In these cases, the recipient of the violence may or may not fall into a specific category. Such categories may include such relationships as a:

  1. spouse,
  2. former spouse,
  3. relationship partner (person one is dating),
  4. cohabitant (person with whom one is living),
  5. former cohabitant (person with whom one used to live), and/or
  6. person with whom one had a child.

Domestic violence (DV) can involve physical injury, or another consideration includes threatening words.

The legal definition of an “intimate partner” for purposes of DV includes husbands or wives, boyfriends or girlfriends, and same-sex partners. Therefore, any intimate partner, no matter the sex, can be a victim of domestic abuse. The law is very broad in terms about the relationship that gives rise to domestic violence.

What is Abuse?

Similar to “intimate partner,” the term “abuse” is also very broad.

Each of the following actions, among others, can lead to prosecution for domestic violence or intimate partner violence:

  • hitting,
  • slapping,
  • punching,
  • kicking,
  • threatening with or without a weapon,
  • hitting with an object,
  • hair pulling,
  • burning,
  • cutting,
  • biting,
  • stabbing, and/or
  • stalking

Given these points, keep in mind, there is no scale for pain or abuse. No matter how slight the physical touching, the perpetrator of the action is still eligible for prosecution. Some types of domestic violence charges do not even require any physical touching.  In fact, stalking or criminal threats do not involve touch (Penal Code section 422).

California Penal Code Convictions

California Penal Code section 273.5 is the most frequent domestic violence crime.

This penal code section provides that anyone who willfully inflicts injury on a spouse, former spouse, or certain other people is guilty of a felony.  Of course, Penal Code 273.5 is explicit that the injury may be either minor or serious in nature, so long as it is caused by physical force.  The punishment for those guilty of violating this crime includes up to one year in county jail. Moreover, the perpetrator may face even up to six years in state prison. Additionally, a conviction for someone who has had prior domestic violence conviction means even more time.

Prosecution of DV cases involves a very serious approach. Moreover, the cases often find their way to the District Attorney’s desk. These attorneys specifically handle domestic violence cases and likewise carry intense knowledge.

Your intimate partner does not decide whether or not to press charges in a domestic violence case in California. Once the police are involved in the domestic violence situation, you and your intimate partner no longer have the choice of whether or not to prosecute. The decision of whether or not to file criminal charges in a domestic violence case is up to the prosecutor alone. He or she will decide whether or not to bring the domestic violence charge. It is incorrect (and dangerous) to believe that the DV victim has the power to press charges or not; once law enforcement is involved, it is out of their hands.

California Domestic Violence Defense Attorney

No matter what charges you are currently facing, a skilled California criminal defense attorney can help. There are defenses for every criminal charge. In most cases, these domestic violence charges are based on one person’s word.

A domestic violence criminal defense lawyer understands that there are two sides to every story. This lawyer can help you gather evidence and proof for your side of the story. Do not think that these charges are hopeless. Speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney today to learn how you can save your reputation and keep your record clean.

Do not hesitate to call on criminal defense lawyer Darren T. Kavinoky if you would like a FREE case evaluation.

Domestic Violence and Divorce in California

Domestic violence accusations are common during a divorce. Some are accurate, some are less than accurate.

22% of divorces today end due to a claim of violence in the relationship. Additionally, 3 million women a year are victims of partner abuse. With this consideration, however, some partners make exaggerated or misleading claims of violence. Unfortunately, some see these claims as a way to gain advantage in divorce and/or custody proceedings.  Many partners lose access to their children as a result of false domestic violence charges. However, with an expert criminal defense attorney on your side, so shall the truth be with your case.

Domestic violence accusations can majorly impact divorce proceedings. Regardless if it is an allegation, arrest or conviction, accusations are impactful.  This is true particularly when it comes to child custody issues. This is a serious danger for all partners processing divorce. However, it is especially harmful for those in the military. A conviction of domestic violence during a divorce will affect child custody and the outcome of a divorce. Unfortunately, it can also cost military personnel their jobs.

While domestic violence is a real issue in many divorce cases, sometimes the accusations are false.

Divorcing couples are often involved in messy disputes. Some cases lead to an angry spouse claiming abuse out of frustration. If you believe you’ve been falsely accused of spousal abuse, do not wait. It’s crucial to seek the help of a qualified legal counsel who will work to protect your rights.

Protective Orders

Also referred to as restraining orders, protective orders are popular grants during a divorce. If granted, a partner may not be able to see his/her children. The accused is likely not able to enter his/her own home or visit his/her children. In some cases, those with restraining orders against them may also find themselves with additional responsibilities. He or she may need to attend counseling or anger management classes.

A parent with a restraining order against him or her will likely have a difficult time fighting for custody and visitation rights to his children. In some cases, restraining orders may last for several years after the divorce. If a partner violates an active protection or restraining order, he can go to jail.

Criminal Charges

An arrest for domestic violence in the state of California may result in criminal charges. A conviction on your record can affect you for years to come. The safest course of action for men accused of domestic violence is to remain calm and obey all restraining orders for the time being. If the accused respects the boundaries of the restraining order, there is hope to drop the charges. Of course, if an expert criminal defense attorney proves the allegations are false, the restraining order is no longer valid.

Domestic Violence Act

As a man with false allegations of domestic violence made against you, it’s imperative that you understand the Domestic Violence Act. Implemented in 1979, the act defines what constitutes domestic violence. According to the legislation, domestic violence is defined as “attempts to cause or intentionally causing bodily injury, and placing a person in fear of ‘imminent serious bodily injury’ by threatening the use of force.” Under the act, it’s easy for women to make false allegations but, with the right criminal defense, you may be able to prove your innocence and protect your rights.

Domestic violence charges can result in severe legal consequences for defendants, including eviction, heavy fines and legal fees, and a permanent mark on your criminal record. Additionally, these charges can affect alimony and child custody. Some courts prevent parents with a history of physical abuse from visiting their children, even under supervision. Some of the normal privileges you’ve grown accustomed to throughout the years may be taken away from you as a result of a false domestic violence charge.

Don’t Fight Alone

During a divorce, things can get ugly. Don’t fight this battle alone. If you find yourself standing on the wrong side of a restraining order, call The Kavinoky Law Firm. We hire only the best attorneys in Los Angeles. We work around the clock to protect your rights. 1.800.No.Cuffs is the number to remember but hope you never need.

Drug Expungement

drug expungementDrug expungement is a popular option for those who worry about life after conviction. It’s not a perfect solution for everyone, but it’s a great option to consider. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you work towards expungement.

A drug charge may keep you from living your life the way you desire. From getting a good job and earning more money to purchasing a home, criminal convictions are no fun. Today, more than 80 percent of employers conduct background checks. Consequently, in today’s volatile job market, a drug charge can make job hunts a challenge. Even if you pass a drug test, the challenge persists.

Expungement refers to the process of sealing arrest and conviction records. Once an arrest is no longer on your record, potential employers or landlords have the right to its disclosure. In turn, it’s relatively easy to expunge your California criminal record. If you are eligible, your record can be clear very quickly.

Expungement Eligibility

There are certain entry requirements to meet if you’re looking for a drug expungement. The list is as follows:

  1. Any mandatory drug treatment is complete,
  2. Probation is complete, and
  3. Any other punishments related to the drug charge completed.

If you meet all of the above requirements, you are eligible for expungement in California. This process, if approved will set your conviction aside or dismissed entirely.

Once California releases your conviction, the crime is no longer on your record. As a result, you’re free from all penalties and disabilities resulting from the conviction. Additionally, you don’t have to answer ‘yes’ on criminal history questions on job applications. Truly, it’s as if the crime did not happen.

Other Rights After Expungement

Although a conviction disappears via expungement, not all rights are the same after a conviction. Regardless of expungement, some rights are revoked indefinitely.

One example is the right to possess a firearm. This right will not restore after expungement. Additionally, you must disclose your criminal history in any application for public office or a position as a peace officer. You must also disclose it for licensure by any state or local agency, or when contracting with the California State Lottery. Lastly, you must disclose when serving on a jury.

Keep in mind, your disclosure should not hurt you. Legally, the disclosure of a conviction cannot in any way result in the denial of employment or benefits.

Denial of Expungement

Certain convictions are not eligible for expungement consideration. Firstly, you may not expunge your conviction if you served your sentence in state prison. Also, depending on the severity of the crime, some just may not be up for clearance. Under California state law, some crimes are more heinous than others. These crimes include serious sex offenses committed against children. Additionally, in some cases, murder and other violent crimes are not eligible.

Expungement Process

Before the court will grant you a drug expungement, there are several steps you and your criminal defense attorney must follow. These include:

  1. Analyzing the case to determine you are eligible for an expungement,
  2. Performing legal research regarding the current and relevant law,
  3. Filing the appropriate paperwork within the proper time frames, and
  4. Attending the hearing in court.

Even if you follow these steps, and the judge grants you a drug expungement, there may still be limitations as to what an expungement can do for you. Expunged convictions can still be used as prior convictions in order to enhance sentencing for future crimes, and can be used as a ‘strike’ for the purposes of California’s three strikes law.

In most cases, juvenile offenders and those who have been arrested or convicted for drug crimes may have an easier time expunging their criminal history. It’s important to note that possession of marijuana for personal use should automatically be erased from your criminal record after two years – this does not apply to convictions for growing, selling, or transporting marijuana.

Hire a Lawyer 

The Kavinoky Law firm hires the best criminal defense attorneys in California. Our excellent and experienced attorneys work hard to fight for their clients’ rights. If you find yourself on the wrong side of the law, call 1.800.No.Cuffs for a free consultation. 

Find a DUI Lawyer Near Me

Domestic Violence in California – Child Custody Issues, Child Abuse Law

There are two common situations where the custody of one’s child will come into play with respect to domestic violence in California. The first is if one is convicted of domestic violence (either against his or her intimate partner or against his or her child) and the second is if a child’s parents are divorcing or separating and one parent has an alleged history of intimate partner abuse. Under either scenario, it is imperative that an individual who would like custody of his or her child(ren) hires a qualified criminal defense lawyer and a family lawyer who will help favorably resolve child custody issues.

In California, domestic violence laws apply to all crimes that are committed against a spouse, former spouse, a child, the person with whom one lives or lived, the person with whom one has children, or a significant other or former significant other. When convicted of this type of crime, significant jail and/or prison time may await. If an individual who has a child is sentenced to imprisonment, the custody of that child will become a major issue.

When a court rules on child custody issues, it asks only one question – what is in the best interests of the child? Preference is usually given to both parents, unless one or both of the parents have demonstrated that they are unfit to parent. When a parent has been convicted of D.V. and is sent to jail or prison, his or her child will at least temporarily be taken out of that parent’s custody and, if the judge determines that it is safe, the child will be placed with the other parent or with a friend or family member if the convicted individual is a single parent. If there is no qualified friend or family member, the child will be taken into protective services. If the parent was convicted of a DV crime against his or her child, otherwise known as child abuse, he or she will definitely lose custody of his or her child until the court is convinced that the parent has been rehabilitated and will no longer pose a threat to his or her child.

Child custody will also be an issue when parents go through a separation or divorce. A recent study indicated that most contested custody mediation cases in California, regardless of demographics, involve a history of inter-parental violence or intimate partner abuse. Unfortunately, a history of domestic violence, even if there was never a conviction, can devastate a parent’s chances of getting custody of his or her child. When divorce proceedings are initiated, Family Court Services offers mediation services to try to resolve custody issues.

Defense Attorneys for Child Abuse Law

Family Court Services (FCS) will review both parents’ histories of alleged domestic abuse to protect the safety of a child. The FCS staff will perform an extensive background check to ensure the safety of any party or child in the proceedings and may include criminal background checks, checks for restraining orders issued against either parent, a review of any criminal charges and their subsequent resolutions, telephone interviews, and information from attorneys, shelters, hospital reports, Child Protective Services and/or any other sources deemed relevant to the investigation. If one’s partner can prove a history of violence in the home, the offender’s chances of getting custody could be defeated and visitation rights may not even be granted. The judge will allow visitation only if he or she believes that proper measures can be taken to ensure the safety of the child and of the partner.

If facing an intimate partner violence charge and/or a divorce, it is critical for a person who wishes to maintain custody of his or her children to contact the experienced domestic violence attorneys at the Kavinoky Law Firm to provide the best defense possible with respect to the criminal charge and to obtain referrals for exceptional family law attorneys. Click here for a free consultation.

Civil Penalties and Infliction of Injury

An infliction of injury charge or case is primarily defined in the same way by both civil and criminal courts. Willful infliction of injury, more commonly called “spousal abuse,” is a California domestic violence crime (in criminal courts) or cause of action (in civil courts) that applies to intimate partners. In a criminal court, these partners may be married or divorced, living together or formerly living together, or have children in common. In a civil court, partners who are or were dating are also included. The laws of both courts apply to heterosexual couples and same-sex partnerships. With respect to both civil and criminal law, an individual is either guilty (in criminal court) or liable (in civil court) for this crime or cause of action if he or she willfully inflicts any injury, no matter how minor, upon the body of an intimate partner. This “charge” can be brought against an individual even if he or she barely touched the intimate partner.

In a criminal court, if a defendant is charged with infliction of injury, he or she faces a felony, punishable by up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $6,000. In a civil court, the person who is found liable for committing this wrong is subject to several different heavy fines but cannot be sentenced to jail or prison.

There are several differences between the procedures involved in civil and criminal courts with respect to infliction of injury. In a criminal domestic abuse case, it is the prosecutor who actually files the charge, not the victim, as many incorrectly believe. In a civil case, it is the alleged victim (who becomes known as the “plaintiff”) who sues the alleged abuser. Another difference is that it is much easier to find the defendant liable in a civil suit, as the judge or jury must only believe that there is a “greater than 50% chance” that the defendant caused the plaintiff’s injury. In a criminal action, the judge or jury must find the defendant guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt” in order to convict.

In a civil infliction of injury lawsuit, there are three types of monetary damages that may be awarded to the plaintiff. “General” damages are awarded to cover injuries for which an exact dollar amount cannot be calculated. “Pain and suffering” are the most common types of general damages. “Special” damages are awarded to cover the plaintiff’s out-of-pocket expenses. These may include any hospital bills, the cost to replace or repair damaged personal property and reasonable attorney’s fees. “Punitive” damages are awarded over and above special and general damages to punish a losing party’s willful or malicious misconduct.

In addition to monetary damages, a person found liable for infliction of injury may also have a Civil Protective Order issued against him or her. In general, a Civil Protective Order will prohibit the restrained individual from coming within a certain number of yards from the protected party in order to prevent further abuse, threats or harassment. However, depending on the circumstances, the order can be much more restrictive. Unless a specific end date is listed, the order will expire three years after being issued.

Clearly there are many consequences, both civil and criminal, that face a person accused of infliction of injury. Such being the case, it is imperative that an individual in this situation immediately contacts an attorney upon his or her being accused of this wrong. The criminal defense lawyers at The Kavinoky Law Firm are experienced at handling every type of California intimate partner abuse case and have successfully defended countless individuals from the devastating consequences that are associated with an infliction of injury conviction. In addition, they can provide referrals for civil defense attorneys when necessary. Contact them today for a free consultation.

Intimidating Partner

Witness intimidation is a California domestic violence charge involving alleged threats to an intimate partner. Any type of couple can be considered an intimate partnership – the individuals can be straight or gay and may be married, divorced, living together, have children in common, or have dated at any time.

California domestic abuse law defines witness intimidation as any attempt to prevent an intimate partner from making a police report, answering the questions of law enforcement, or testifying in a court proceeding. The offense can be charged as a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail. However, if the defendant is accused of using or threatening force, if the intimidation is part of a conspiracy, or if the intimidation is for financial gain, he or she will be charged with a felony punishable by two to four years in prison. The success or failure of the offender’s attempt is irrelevant to this charge, meaning that it doesn’t matter whether the intimate partner was actually intimidated.

When a suspect is arrested for intimidating a witness as a misdemeanor, bail is set according to the bail schedule but can be raised or lowered based on an application that can be submitted by the defendant, by anyone on behalf of the defendant or by the arresting officer. However, if the suspect is arrested on a felony witness intimidation charge, the law forbids the defendant from being released on bail in an amount that is either higher or lower than that contained in the bail schedule or on his or her own recognizance (commonly called OR) without first having a court hearing.

If there is a bail hearing, the judge will consider the defendant’s prior criminal history, his or her flight risk, and the facts of the pending case to determine whether to raise or lower the set bail amount or to release the defendant OR. When the judge makes decisions about bail, he or she presumes that the accused is guilty and makes a decision keeping that in mind, which is why it is so important to appear with a criminal defense lawyer who has experience with every phase of an intimate partner abuse case.

If the defendant is denied an OR release – which is very common in domestic abuse cases – and must post bail, release from jail can be obtained through one of two methods: Posting cash bail or posting a bail bond. To be released on cash bail, the defendant must post the full amount of bail in certified funds or cash with either the arresting agency or with the Clerk of the Court. If the accused attends every court appearance, the cash will be returned within 60-90 days after the case is resolved. However, if the defendant fails to appear, the cash bond is forfeited to the court.

A bail bond is a contract with a bail agent where the agent agrees to post a bond for the full bail amount. The bondsman will generally charge ten percent of the bond amount as his fee. The bondsman may also require collateral (usually a car, house or something else of considerable value) to secure the bond. This means that if the defendant does not repay the bond, the bondman has the legal right to keep or sell the defendant’s collateral. Once the case is over, the bond is exonerated, and the collateral is then released.

A witness intimidation conviction carries severe penalties. The defendant’s reputation, career, family and freedom are jeopardized the minute the arrest is made, which is why it’s critical to contact a skilled California defense attorney immediately after being arrested. In order to secure the best representation from a firm who has successfully defended countless individuals charged with domestic abuse crimes, contact the unparalleled attorneys at The Kavinoky Law Firm for a free consultation.

Civil Penalties and Sexual Battery

Civil Penalties and Sexual Battery

Sexual battery is a California domestic violence crime that applies to any intimate partners – either heterosexual or homosexual, married, divorced, living together, parents of children, or dating or formerly dating. Anyone who touches his or her intimate partner against that person’s will for the purpose of sexual arousal, sexual gratification or sexual abuse can be charged with misdemeanor sexual battery. Even slight touching, either directly, through the clothing of the accused, or through the clothing of the accuser can constitute sexual battery, even among partners in an ongoing relationship.

When charged as a misdemeanor with no aggravating circumstances, sexual battery carries a maximum of a six-month jail sentence and a $2,000 fine. However, if the accuser was unlawfully restrained, institutionalized, seriously disabled, medically incapacitated or unconscious, the jail sentence may increase to a maximum of one year or the crime may rise to a felony, punishable by a maximum of four years in the state prison and a $10,000 fine.

In civil court, an individual who is found “liable” for committing this “wrong” or “tort” can face heavy fines but cannot be sentenced to jail or prison. The penalty that can be imposed is the primary difference between a civil suit and a criminal case.

There are also differences between the procedures involved in civil and criminal courts with respect to sexual battery. In a criminal domestic abuse case, it is the prosecutor who actually files the charge, not the victim, as many incorrectly believe. In a civil case, it is the alleged victim, also known as the “plaintiff,” who sues the alleged abuser.

Another difference between criminal and civil cases is the burden of proof – it is much easier to find the defendant liable in a civil suit, as the judge or jury must only believe that there is a “greater than 50 percent chance” that the defendant sexually battered his or her intimate partner. In a criminal action, the judge or jury must find the defendant guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt” in order to convict.

In a civil lawsuit for sexual battery, there are three types of monetary damages that may be awarded to the plaintiff. “General” damages are awarded to cover injuries for which an exact dollar amount cannot be calculated. “Pain and suffering” are the most common types of general damages. “Special” damages are awarded to cover the plaintiff’s out-of-pocket expenses. These may include any hospital bills, the cost to replace or repair damaged personal property and reasonable attorney’s fees. “Punitive” damages are awarded over and above special and general damages to punish a losing party’s willful or malicious misconduct.

In addition to monetary damages, a person found liable for sexual battery may also have a civil protective order issued against him or her. In general, a civil protective order will prohibit the restrained individual from coming within a certain number of yards from the protected party in order to prevent further abuse, threats or harassment. However, depending on the circumstances, the order can be much more restrictive. Unless a specific end date is listed, the order will expire three years after being issued.

Clearly there are many consequences, both civil and criminal, that face a person accused of sexual battery. Such being the case, it is imperative that an individual in this situation immediately contacts an attorney upon a sexual battery accusation. The criminal defense lawyers at the Kavinoky Law Firm are experienced at handling every type of California intimate partner abuse case and have successfully defended countless individuals from the devastating consequences that are associated with a sexual battery conviction. In addition, they can provide referrals for civil defense attorneys when necessary. Contact them today for a free consultation.

The Definition of Sexual Battery

The Definition of Sexual Battery

Sexual battery is an offense that can be charged against any intimate partner in a California domestic violence case. California law defines ‘intimate partners’ quite broadly – the couple can be heterosexual or homosexual and may be married, divorced, living together, have children in common, or be currently or formerly dating. Sexual battery is considered a “wobbler” offense, which means that it can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the facts of the case.

Anyone who touches an intimate partner against that person’s will for purposes of sexual arousal, sexual gratification or sexual abuse can be charged with misdemeanor sexual battery. Any physical contact, however minor, can be considered touching in a sexual battery case. It doesn’t matter whether the touching is accomplished directly or through the clothing of the accused or the accuser. Sexual battery may be charged even against a partner involved in an ongoing, intimate relationship.

Misdemeanor sexual battery with no aggravating circumstances carries a maximum of six months in jail and a $2,000 fine. However, if the touching occurs while the accuser is unlawfully restrained, institutionalized, seriously disabled, medically incapacitated or unconscious, the jail sentence may increase to a maximum of one year or the crime may rise to a felony, punishable by a maximum of four years in the state prison and a $10,000 fine.

Every crime has specific elements or facts that the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt in order to obtain a conviction against the defendant. Each element of the charge must be independently proved or else the jury must vote “not guilty.” In order to find the accused guilty of sexual battery, the prosecutor must prove three elements.

  • The first element is that the accused touched an intimate part of his or her intimate partner. Note that this element doesn’t make any mention of injury. This is because a battery is simply any unwanted touching and has nothing to do with whether or not an injury was sustained by the offended party. The jury must only find that the defendant actually touched the accuser.
  • The second element is that the touching was against the will of the person touched. As just mentioned, any unwanted touching is sufficient. This element will probably be the most difficult for the prosecution to prove because of the inherent sexual relationship that exists between intimate partners. In order for the prosecutor to prove this element, he or she must prove that the alleged victim made it clear that he or she did not want to be touched.
  • The final element in this charge is that the accused touched the partner to specifically cause sexual arousal, gratification or abuse. This element’s proof will be likely based on the exact circumstances of the physical contact.

Sexual battery may be charged under a variety of circumstances. If the touching takes place while the alleged victim is unlawfully restrained by the accused or an accomplice, or if the alleged victim is institutionalized for medical treatment and is seriously disabled or medically incapacitated, then that fact (in addition to the three elements previously defined) must also be proved. In addition, it is a crime for an individual to cause a person who is in one of those situations to masturbate or touch another. If the touching takes place under those circumstances, then that fact must alternatively be proved in addition to the three previously defined elements.

In California, a sexual battery conviction is no joke. An accusation can be devastating, emotionally and financially, and a conviction carries severe penalties. To best avoid these consequences, it is imperative that an accused hires a skilled criminal defense lawyer who knows the most effective ways to refute this crime’s elements. In order to secure the best representation from a firm who has successfully defended countless intimate partner abuse cases, contact the experienced attorneys at the Kavinoky Law Firm for a free consultation.