Registration as a sex offender: The court’s discretionary power in a California domestic violence stalking case

Stalking, under California law, will be charged as a crime of domestic violence when an individual follows or harasses and threatens his or her intimate partner, intending to place that partner in fear. An intimate partner is one’s spouse, former spouse, significant other, former significant other, the person with whom one lives or the person with whom one has children and can be heterosexual or homosexual. When prosecuted as a domestic abuse crime, a defendant convicted of stalking his or her intimate partner faces up to one year in county jail and up to a $1,000 fine if charged as a misdemeanor or up to one year in the state prison if charged as a felony. If aggravating factors were presented that surrounded the alleged incidents or if the defendant has prior convictions for stalking or for other specified crimes, he or she would face a much stiffer sentence. In any event, a stalking conviction carries many additional penalties as well, perhaps the most devastating being registration as a sex offender.

Registration as a sex offender is a mandatory penalty for persons convicted of specific crimes. However, the law allows a court a certain amount of discretion in deciding whether or not to impose this penalty upon individuals who are convicted of selected crimes, including intimate partner stalking. If, at the time of conviction or at the time of sentencing, the court determines that the defendant committed his or her offense as the result of sexual compulsion or for the purpose of sexual gratification, it may require the defendant to register as a sex offender, so long as it states its reason for doing so.

Registration as a sex offender, in California, is for life while going to school in this state, while working in this state or while living in this state. At the time of registration, and in addition to any fines that were imposed in the D.V. stalking case, the defendant must pay $200 for a first conviction or $300 for a second or subsequent conviction that will be paid to a Department of Justice general fund.

Registration requires that the defendant personally register his or her primary address and any other addresses where he or she frequently resides with his or her local law enforcement agency within five days of its imposition and includes registering with the campus police if he or she attends a college or university. An individual who resides in another state but who is employed in California must register in the same way within the same timeframe if he or she is a registered sex offender in the state in which he or she lives. If the defendant moves or changes his or her name, the change must immediately be reported to the new local law enforcement agency. Moving may also require an individual to register as a sex offender in the new state to which he or she has moved. Should the defendant fail to strictly adhere to any of these requirements within the allotted timeframes, he or she will face an additional criminal charge, punishable as a misdemeanor by up to one year in jail if the stalking charge was filed as a misdemeanor or punishable as a felony by either 16 months or two or three years in the state prison if the stalking charge was prosecuted as a felony.

When charged with DV stalking, it is imperative that the accused hires a criminal defense lawyer who has experience with intimate partner abuse and all of the defenses and penalties that coincide with this special area of the law. The attorneys at the Kavinoky Law Firm specialize in domestic violence crimes and have successfully defended many intimate partner stalking cases. Click here for a free consultation and for the best representation.

Types of Abuse that Can Lead to Domestic Violence Charges in California

In California, domestic violence laws apply to all crimes that are committed against one’s intimate partner (that is, a spouse, former spouse, significant other, former significant other, the person with whom one lives or lived and the person with whom one has children), one’s child, parent or anyone else related by blood or marriage within the second degree. Domestic abuse is a general phrase that encompasses many different types of abuse, some that are easy to identify and prove and others that are not.

Physical abuse is perhaps the most commonly identified and most reported type of domestic abuse and can range from restraint to murder. Physical abuse occurs when an individual intentionally uses force upon another, attempting to cause pain, harm and/or injury. Types of physical abuse include, but are not limited to, sexual abuse, slapping, hitting, punching, pushing, shaking, restraining, biting, choking and assault with a weapon.

Emotional abuse, also known as verbal abuse or psychological abuse is thought to be widely underreported because of the fact that it is difficult to prove and is usually committed in conjunction with other forms of abuse. Although it would seem that physical abuse would be more painful, the effects of emotional abuse are considered to be far more devastating. Emotional abuse occurs when an individual threatens or intimidates another in an effort to gain control over that person, shames, mocks or criticizes another person (regardless of whether others are around at the time), isolates another person, destroys pets or property in front of another person in an effort to instill fear in that individual and when an offender blames the victim for the offender’s violent actions.

Financial abuse, or economic dependence, occurs when an individual either prevents access to or withholds money, checks or credit cards from another, steals from another (for example, a child who steals from a parent or a partner who steals from his or her partner or exploits that partner for his or her own financial gain) or withholds necessities from another such as food, shelter, medicine or clothes. Financial abuse often goes hand-in-hand with emotional abuse and can cause a victim to feel absolutely hopeless.

The effects of domestic violence are serious and can last forever. Victims of D.V. often exhibit depression, anxiety or fear, low self-esteem, anger, withdrawal, a difficulty in forming relationships with others, eating disorders and other health problems and may develop drug, alcohol and/or other destructive, addictive behaviors. The effects on children (whether they are directly abused or witness the abuse that takes place in their home) are even more extreme. In addition to the above behaviors, children will often act out by committing crimes and acting violent towards others, may attempt suicide and are more likely to grow up to be adult abusers.

The outstanding attorneys at The Kavinoky Law Firm specialize in California crimes of domestic violence and can help defend against a charge of intimate partner abuse, child abuse or elder abuse. These trustworthy attorneys can also provide referrals for counseling and other types of services for abusers who want help and for the victims that they have hurt. Because of the devastating effects that abuse can have on one’s family, an offender faces severe consequences if convicted of a Domestic Violence-related crime. One’s family and freedom are too important to trust to an inexperienced attorney. Contact the attorneys at The Kavinoky Law Firm today for a free consultation.

Civil Penalties Associated with a California Domestic Violence Criminal Threats Accusation

Criminal threats is a California domestic violence charge when the recipient of the threat is the intimate partner of the individual who issued the threat. Persons are intimate partners (regardless of whether they are involved in heterosexual or homosexual relationships) when they are dating, formerly dated, married, divorced, living together or have children together.

A domestic abuse charge based on criminal threats may be filed when an individual threatens to commit a crime against his or her intimate partner that, if committed, would result in death or serious bodily injury to the partner. It is irrelevant that the individual didn’t actually intend to follow-through with the crime, as the only relevant fact is that the partner, upon receipt of the threat, was reasonably in fear for his or her safety.

Criminal threats, in a criminal court, is a charge that would be filed by a prosecuting agency, not by the “victim” or recipient of the threat, as many incorrectly believe. In civil court, it would be the “victim” or intimate partner that was threatened (who becomes known as the plaintiff) that would sue the individual who made the threat for this “tort,” “wrong” or “cause of action.” Criminally, a defendant must be found guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt” (which is the highest burden of proof that exists) before he or she can be convicted. Civilly, the judge or jury must only be convinced that there is a “preponderance of the evidence” (which means greater than a 50% chance) that the defendant threatened his or her intimate partner.

In a criminal court, a defendant who is convicted of this charge faces up to one year in county jail or prison, depending on whether the crime was charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, and several additional penalties as well. In a civil court, an individual who is found liable for this tort may face substantial fines but cannot be sentenced to imprisonment. The individual may be required to pay up to three different types of monetary damages to his or her intimate partner for making criminal threats against that intimate partner. When an exact dollar amount can’t be calculated for the wrong caused to the intimate partner, he or she will be awarded “general” damages. Damages for “pain and suffering” are typically awarded under this category. If the recipient of the threat has out-of-pocket expenses (such as hospital bills, attorney’s fees or the cost to replace or repair any damaged personal property) that were incurred as a result of the threat, he or she would be entitled to “special” damages. The third type of damages that the intimate partner may be awarded are “punitive” damages, which are imposed to punish willful or malicious misconduct and are awarded over and above special and general damages.

A Civil Protective Order will be issued in addition to monetary damages if it is proven that the plaintiff is reasonably in danger. A Civil Protective Order is like a Criminal Protective Order in that it will likely prohibit the offender from coming within a certain distance of the plaintiff to prevent further threats or abuse. A much more restrictive order may be imposed if justified by the facts presented at trial. A civil protective order lasts for a period of three years.

Making criminal threats against an intimate partner has many serious consequences, both civil and criminal. With that in mind, it is critical that an individual accused of this crime contacts a criminal defense lawyer who can defend against the charge. The attorneys at The Kavinoky Law Firm have experience dealing with California’s intimate partner abuse crimes and have successfully defended countless criminal threats cases. They are equipped to aggressively tackle any criminal case and can provide referrals for civil defense attorneys where appropriate. An experienced defense lawyer can answer questions about a California domestic violence case during a free consultation.

Mandatory Probation Requirements Imposed in a California Domestic Violence Criminal Threats Sentence

“Criminal threats” qualifies as a California domestic violence crime when the defendant threatens his or her intimate partner. Intimate partners are dating, were formerly dating, living together, have children together, married or divorced. They can be heterosexual couples or same-sex partnerships.

Criminal threats can be charged against a person who threatens to commit a crime against his or her intimate partner that will result in serious bodily harm or death to that partner if committed. If the partner reasonably feared for his or her safety as a result of the threat, the fact that the accused didn’t actually intend to carry out the threat is irrelevant. In addition, the form of the threat doesn’t matter, so long as the partner receives it and feels threatened.

If convicted for making criminal threats, the defendant faces up to one year in the county jail or state prison, depending on whether the charge was sentenced as a misdemeanor or a felony. In addition, if the offender is granted probation, he or she will face further penalties that must be imposed on any person placed on probation following a conviction for a California intimate partner abuse crime.

Probation for an individual convicted of making a criminal threat against his or her intimate partner will last for at least three years. Probation will be formal if the charge was sentenced as a felony or informal if it was sentenced as a misdemeanor. During that time, the convicted individual is responsible to follow through with certain specified conditions and must complete all requirements without further violating any laws.

Following his or her conviction for criminal threats and once placed on probation, the defendant must get “booked” within one week if he or she wasn’t booked prior to conviction. This means that the defendant must be fingerprinted, photographed and entered into a criminal database. A criminal protective order will also be immediately issued against the offender to prevent additional threats or abusive behavior towards his or her intimate partner. Depending on the facts that surrounded the charged incident, a judge may impose a residence exclusion and/or stay-away conditions.

D.V. convictions require that the defendant pay certain fines when convicted and placed on probation. The offender will be required to pay a minimum of $200 to various domestic abuse funds throughout the state. His or her ability to pay will be taken into consideration by the court when it imposes this condition.

A domestic violence criminal threats probationer must also attend a batterer’s class. The offender must attend at least 52 two-hour weekly classes and, depending on the circumstances that surrounded the charge and the defendant’s personal history, a judge may also order the defendant to attend a drug and/or alcohol program. A specified number of hours of community service will also be required.

Before a judge will modify, terminate or revoke probation, he or she will consider the defendant’s ability to comply with its terms and his or her willingness and diligence in doing so. If the court doesn’t think that the defendant is appropriately progressing, it may revoke probation, which means that the maximum one-year jail or prison sentence will likely be imposed. A skilled criminal defense lawyer will help keep these requirements to a minimum and will argue against modification or revocation if it is in the best interests of his or her client.

The attorneys at The Kavinoky Law Firm sympathize with their clients and treat each with compassion and respect. They will do their best to guide their clients through the probation process with ease, helping to ensure that each client completes his or her requirements as conveniently as possible. The experienced defense lawyers can answer questions about the penalties that result from a domestic abuse criminal threats conviction during a free consultation.

Classes and Resources for People Involved in Abusive Relationships

California courts typically issue protective orders in domestic violence cases involving intimate partners that bar an offender from committing specific acts of abuse, re-entering his or her own home, or exhibiting certain behaviors. Intimate partners may be married, divorced, living together, have children in common, dating or formerly dated and may be straight or gay.

Anyone who fails to comply with the court’s direction can be charged with violation of a protective order. 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 of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. If the violation results in physical injury to the accuser, 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. California courts can even punish an offender for violating an order in California that was issued in another state.

California has taken a stand on intimate partner abuse by becoming one of the strictest states when it comes to punishing its offenders. The consequences that a defendant faces for violating a protective order that was issued to protect his or her intimate partner are severe because the state hopes to deter the offender from engaging in further illegal conduct.

In an effort to try to put an end to domestic abuse, there are many programs throughout the state that offer services to educate both the victims and abusers involved in these intense, volatile relationships. The services are provided in numerous languages to people of every economic, ethnic and religious background and target both heterosexual and homosexual individuals. If interested in pursuing self-help or if looking to help another, a caring criminal defense lawyer is a great place to start, as he or she will have these types of resources and referrals right at his or her fingertips.

Counseling for those affected by domestic violence is available to not only help the abuser deal with anger management and violence issues, but exists to help empower victims of intimate partner abuse as well. With respect to abusers, the goal of counseling is to help them learn to walk away from potentially explosive situations without resorting to violence. Services for the victim frequently include private or group therapy, vocational training and lessons on how a victim can safely flee from a violent partner.

For the abuser, there are batterer’s classes that are structured courses designed to stop the use of physical, psychological or sexual abuse to gain or maintain control over a partner. Domestic violence statistics reveal that drugs and/or alcohol often accompnay violent incidents, and there are free Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings held throughout the state for the individual who needs this type of help as well. Long-term, live-in facilities are also available if more intense treatment is necessary.

For the victim, there are emergency shelters throughout the state that allow victims and their children to temporarily reside, keeping their identity confidential. The locations of these shelters are kept a secret from the public to further protect the residents. There are also many government financial assistance programs available to help the victim and his or her family get back on their feet and develop their independence.

Individuals affected by domestic abuse can take comfort in knowing that help is available. “SAFE” (Stop Abuse For Everyone) is a fabulous resource, as it breaks down many categories of victims and offenders and then lists several of the state’s programs under each category. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is another great resource both online and via telephone (1-800-799-SAFE). In addition, the compassionate, discreet and trustworthy attorneys at The Kavinoky Law Firm can help refer individuals to a variety of services that will meet their needs.

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Domestic violence cases will be more difficult to prosecute following a U.S. Supreme Court decision that will make it harder for prosecutors to use out-of-court statements as evidence against defendants.

The court ruled that allowing a murder victim’s earlier reports to police to be admitted as evidence denies the suspect’s right to confront his accuser unless the killing was committed to silence the accuser.

The court ruled 6-3 to overturn the murder conviction of a Los Angeles man who shot and killed his girlfriend. The man claimed the killing was done in self-defense but was convicted after a police officer testified that the woman had reported that the man threatened her life.

Until 2004, prosecutors could introduce statements made by victims who were unable or unwilling to testify, including statements made to police.  Police can now testify about what they witnessed, but cannot repeat statements made by the victim unless prosecutors can prove that the victim was killed in order to silence him/her.

However, proving that a killing occurred to silence the victim is extremely difficult. The court’s ruling will also impact domestic violence cases where the victim is available to testify but unwilling to do so.

To learn more about prosecution and defenses to California domestic violence cases, contact a skilled defense lawyer from The Kavinoky Law Firm today for a free consultation

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The Possible Consequences of Domestic Violence in California

Domestic violence is a “wobbler” crime in California, and it can be charged and prosecuted either as a misdemeanor or a felony. A Sacramento criminal attorney can explain the likely consequences of a particular domestic violence charge best, because this requires an understanding of how the local and state statutes and penal codes determine the gravity of the offense and appropriate punishment.

In general, California law establishes the baseline consequences for a domestic violence conviction. If convicted for a misdemeanor, the potential sentence includes minimum of a 52-week domestic violence course with behavior counseling, 40 hours of community service, a “No Contact Order” with the victim, and several different fines. Many times the prosecutor will not try to get the maximum fine and many judges will not opt for more than a month of jail time, though a maximum of a year is possible. In many cases, alternate sentences that increase the financial cost but eliminate jail time in favor of a work program are possible.

A felony conviction entails a similar domestic violence program, more community service, the same no contact order, significantly higher fines, and a minimum jail sentence of three months. Depending on the severity, this can take the form of a year or more in prison, or something less serious such as supervised probation. In either case, local statutes leave a wide range of sentences for the prosecution and the judge to choose from depending on all the related factors.

No matter what your circumstance, whether you are a victim of domestic violence or have been charged with the crime, you need a Sacramento criminal attorney immediately. The right attorney can help protect you, help you get the counseling or therapy you need, and see that local and California laws are executed fairly for the sake of the victim and the accused .The end goal is the appropriate sentence so that both people can lead better, safer lives.

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If you have been the victim domestic violence and want to press charges against your abuser but are afraid to do so, the first step you need to take is to reach out to a Los Angeles domestic violence attorney. Surprisingly, a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer with domestic violence experience can often offer very sound advice as to your first steps depending on your circumstances. They will almost always include finding a way to make yourself safe from your abuser such as moving out.

You need to understand a few things about domestic violence. If you have been a victim, pressing charges may be emotionally and practically difficult, especially if the abuser is your spouse or the parent of your child. He or she may threaten you or attempt to prevent you from informing the police or testifying, which is illegal but can be quite coercive. And if the only evidence of the abuse is your word, the abuser’s defense lawyer will almost certainly attack your character in court, so you need to prepare to defend yourself despite your stressed emotional state. Once you have contacted a lawyer to begin preparing your legal charges, and moved out or done what you need to make yourself safe from the abuser, you should also call the police.

In dire circumstances, this should actually be your first step as the police should come and arrest the accused abuser and get him or her out of the house. They can also collect immediate evidence of the abuse at this point, or direct you to a police medical examiner to look for physical or emotional signs of abuse. This is important because this evidence will service as the primary foundation for your case and will make it more difficult for a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer to weaken the case by assaulting your character. You will have to tell the police you want to press charges, and it can be difficult to persevere when put on the spot about having your partner tried for abuse. But in the end, nobody should live in fear of abuse, least of all children, so you will find you are doing the right thing to seek legal help and press domestic abuse charges.