Call Today for a Consultation
If you were arrested for domestic violence, don’t wait to reach out to a Skilled Riverside domestic violence defense lawyer. The team at Arsany & Barraza, Attorneys at Law, can help you understand the charges against you and what your rights and legal options are.
A domestic violence charge can impact your employment, family relationships, immigration status, and firearms rights. Our team works to create a tailored defense strategy that protects your freedoms.
California law includes several offenses that can be considered domestic violence. These charges generally involve abuse or threats made against a current or former spouse, a dating or former partner, a co-parent, or someone living in the same household. Domestic violence allegations are handled as part of our broader criminal defense practice at Arsany & Barraza, Attorneys at Law.
Domestic violence cases often arise after emotionally charged situations, and law enforcement tends to make arrests based on the statements of others, visible injuries, or other evidence. However, just because you’re arrested doesn’t mean you’ll be convicted. A Riverside domestic violence defense attorney can investigate your case and create a compelling defense strategy in your favor.
The exact charge depends on the circumstances surrounding the allegations. Considerations also include the injuries inflicted, prior criminal history, and the relationship between the two parties. Some cases are charged as misdemeanors, and others are charged as felonies.
In 2023, California police received 160,000 calls for domestic violence, and 163,000 calls in 2024. Women account for around 85% of intimate partner violence victims.
The potential domestic violence penalties really depend on the charge and whether it was a misdemeanor or a felony. Other aggravating factors and prior criminal history can also affect the consequences.
Some possible penalties include:
If this is your first experience with the criminal justice system in California, the process can seem overwhelming. The process begins with the arrest by law enforcement, immediately followed by booking into the local jail, such as the Robert Presley Detention Center.
After this, a bail hearing will occur, or you may be released. The arraignment is a formal reading of the charges against you. If the court feels it’s necessary, it will issue a protective order, which could prevent you from having contact with the alleged victim.
An investigation begins, where the prosecution collects evidence, which can include:
Then, there is a time of negotiations and pretrial hearings, where the prosecution and defense may discuss a plea deal. However, if no resolution is reached, the case may proceed to trial.
How you respond immediately following a domestic violence arrest can have a significant effect on your case. Evidence can disappear, and witness statements can become less clear. That’s why it’s so important to hire a domestic violence defense lawyer who can preserve evidence and begin protecting your legal rights from the first phone call.
Arsany & Barraza, Attorneys at Law, focuses its practice on criminal defense, representing both English- and Spanish-speaking clients. Our firm holds a unique understanding of the intersection of criminal defense and immigration law, in addition to providing mental health advocacy.
We know that every client’s circumstances are different, which requires a case tailored to their specific needs. Our team begins by reviewing and preserving all evidence and guiding you on how to communicate with the prosecution, law enforcement, and others involved in the case.
We help you understand your legal rights and evaluate if there were any constitutional violations during your arrest or during the investigation. Then, we look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop a defense strategy that fits your specific needs.
How much a domestic violence lawyer costs in California depends on many factors, including the attorney’s experience, the seriousness of the charges, and whether the charges fall under the misdemeanor or felony categories. Some attorneys charge a flat fee to handle the case, while others bill by the hour. You can discuss specific fees when you meet for your initial consultation.
In California, a domestic violence case could be dismissed if the evidence doesn’t prove that a person is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Prosecutors must decide whether to continue pursuing charges after they’ve reviewed the police report, witness statements, and other evidence. If they can’t find enough evidence for the conviction, the case could be dismissed.
An experienced Riverside domestic violence defense lawyer can evaluate your case and help you understand the strength of the evidence.
Common defenses against domestic violence charges can include self-defense, defense of another person, false allegations, and mistaken identity. In some cases, constitutional rights may have been violated during searches, questioning, or the arrest itself. A knowledgeable attorney carefully reviews all evidence before determining which defense strategy fits the situation.
Domestic violence cases get dismissed for several reasons. However, there is no common reason, as each case is different. Prosecutors sometimes discover insufficient evidence, conflicting statements from witnesses, and information that’s different from the police report. Prosecutors can continue pursuing charges even if the alleged victim no longer wants to participate, so dismissal really depends on the evidence itself. The time they were operating the vehicle. It’s not automatic proof of guilt and may be challenged, depending on the facts.
A domestic violence arrest can affect every aspect of your life, from your employment opportunities to your family relationships. Reaching out to an experienced Riverside domestic violence defense lawyer can help you understand the charges, know your options, and prepare a defense tailored to your specific situation.
Arsany & Barraza, Attorneys at Law, are ready to discuss your case. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and learn more about how to protect your future after a domestic violence arrest.
Arsany & Barraza Attorneys at Law
© 2026 Arsany & Barraza Attorneys At Law• All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer | Site Map | Privacy Policy. Digital Marketing By: 
*Images are obtained under license from Canva and other third-party stock image providers, with attribution included where required.