Domestic violence, sometimes called spousal abuse, is used as an umbrella for all forms of abuse between two individuals who share a close bond.

The WHAT: “Abuse”
What exactly constitutes domestic violence against another person? Is physical contact required? Or are threatening words enough? Although the crux of domestic violence is defined similarly across state lines, many legislatures express subtle distinctions from one another in their definitions of this unlawful behavior.

In California, the Family Code provides the most cohesive definition of domestic violence. The sections defining domestic violence are collectively known as the Domestic Violence Prevention Act (DVPA). The word “abuse” is defined as any of the following:

1. Intentionally or recklessly causing or attempting to cause bodily injury;
   
2. Sexual assault;
   
3. Placing a person in reasonable apprehension of imminent serious bodily injury to their person or the person of another; and
   
4. Engaging in behavior that has been or could be enjoined pursuant to Family Code section 6320.
   

Many have provided a more expansive definition of domestic violence, and even classify such behavior into different groups.

• PHYSICAL ABUSE: Grabbing, pinching, shoving, slapping, hitting, hair pulling, biting, etc. Denying medical care or forcing alcohol and/or drug use.
• SEXUAL ABUSE: Coercing or attempting to coerce any sexual contact without consent, e.g., marital rape, forcing sex after physical beating, attacks on sexual parts of the body or treating another in a sexually demeaning manner.
• ECONOMIC ABUSE: Making or attempting to make a person financially dependent, e.g., maintaining total control over financial resources, withholding access to money, forbidding attendance at school or employment.
  
• EMOTIONAL ABUSE: Undermining a person’s sense of self-worth, e.g., constant criticism, belittling one’s abilities, name calling, damaging a partner’s relationship with the children.
  
• PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE: Causing fear by intimidation, threatening physical harm to self, partner or children, destruction of pets and property, mind games or forcing isolation from friends, family, school and/or work.
  

THE WHO: “Domestic”
Who falls under the category of domestic violence? Is it only a spouse? His or her boyfriend? A live-in partner?

Section 6011 of the Family Code states that “domestic violence” is abuse committed against any of the following persons:

1. A spouse or former spouse;
   
2. A cohabitant or former cohabitant, as defined in Family Code section 6209;
   
3. A person with whom the respondent is having or has had a dating or engagement relationship;
   
4. A person with whom the respondent has had a child, where the presumption applies that the male parent is the father of the child of the female parent under the Uniform Parentage Act;
   
5. A child of a party or a child who is the subject of an action under the Uniform Parentage Act, where the presumption applies that the male parent is the father of the child to be protected; and
   
6. Any other person related by consanguinity or affinity within the second degree.
   

In lay terms, the following people are included under the category of domestic violence pursuant to California law:

1. Your spouse or former spouse;
   
2. Someone you live with or lived with in the past (but you must have a closer, more intimate relationship than just roommates);
   
3. Someone you are dating or have dated;
   
4. Someone you have a child with; and
   
5. Someone to whom you are related by blood, marriage, or adoption (including you parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, brother and sister).
   

Punishments for Domestic Violence Charges
The criminal charges associated with domestic violence can have a distinct and serious impact on a person’s reputation and personal freedoms. When facing these allegations, an accused can often lose professional or personal opportunities, even if the case is still pending.

Perhaps the most distinctive part of a domestic violence conviction is the requirement that the defendant attend a batterer’s program at his or her own expense. These programs are often third-party programs associated with, but not run by, the state. During the program, individuals are expected to work through a specialized curriculum, producing a progress report for the court on a regular basis. Failure to attend these classes may lead to more consequences in court for failing to comply with your probation terms. With each violation, the government tends to take a more punitive tone.

In addition, to required classes and probation, a conviction will lead to a criminal protective order being issued by the court. A criminal protective order is enforced by the threat of prosecution, meaning that contact between the accused and alleged victim can lead to new charges. Additionally, a domestic violence conviction can lead to losing the right to carry a firearm either temporarily or permanently, depending on the situation.

Are You Facing Domestic Violence Charges?
If you have been charged with domestic violence, it is essential for you to hire an attorney with years of experience in handling these type of cases. The reality is that fighting a charge(s) can be quite difficult, because the government has unlimited resources to prosecute you. While it is true that some people are victims of domestic violence, there are many people who are falsely accused. With the right attorney by your side, you can create a solid defense that can lead to the case being dropped or have a successful outcome at trial.

Furthermore, by working with an experienced lawyer you will be able to mitigate the consequences of a conviction. For example, your attorney can fight to keep you out of jail. But of course, there are situations in which custody time is inevitable. A skilled lawyer will fight to minimize your sentence.

Regardless of your situation, it is essential to be upfront with your lawyer. By telling the whole story (good and bad), your lawyer will be able to create the best possible defense on your behalf. The last thing your attorney needs is to face an unexpected piece of evidence that could potentially unravel your entire defense.

Remember – your conversations with your attorney are confidential. This doesn’t hold true with other people you speak with. Therefore, you should exercise your right to remain silent at all times especially if you are being investigated or prosecuted for domestic violence.

In California, there are two parts to a DUI case. First, Vehicle Code section 23152(a) focuses on whether a person is too impaired to safely operate a motor vehicle at the time of driving. This can be assessed by looking at the person’s driving pattern, performance on field sobriety tests (FST), and other “objective signs” of intoxication. Second, under Vehicle Code section 23152(b), the prosecutor need only show that an individual’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level was .08% or more while driving. A driver under the age of 21 with as much as .01% BAC may also be cited for a DUI.

California’s DUI laws are very strict and can lead to months, years, or even a lifetime of negative consequences. DUI laws are complex because of all the variables that are involved in the case. How a person is charged and how penalties are imposed depend on a number of factors. An experienced attorney knows the intricacies of the law and have access to expert witnesses, all of which can help you build a stronger defense.

Living in California generally requires a great deal of driving. As a result, the chances of one getting pulled over for suspicion of driving under the influence is high.

Penalties

California law has mandatory penalties for DUI convictions. The legal consequences increase in proportion to the number of convictions and whether it is a misdemeanor or felony DUI. It goes without saying that the penalties for a 3rd or felony DUI are significantly worse than someone being charged with a first offense. Below you will find some of the possible consequences for being convicted of a DUI:

First Offense: Vehicle Code Section 23538(a)(1)

• $390 up to $1000 fine (plus penalty assessments);
• Between 48 hours and six months in county jail;
• DUI class of up to nine months; and
• Six month license suspension

Second Offense in 10 Years: Vehicle Code Section 23542(a)

• $390 up to $1000 fine (plus penalty assessments);
• Between 96 hours and one year in county jail;
• 18 month DUI class; and
• Two year license suspension

Third Offense in 10 Years: Vehicle Code Section 23548(a)

• $390 up to $1000 fine (plus penalty assessments);
• Between 120 days and one year in county jail;
• 18 month DUI class unless 30 month program ordered; and
• Three year license revocation

Fourth Offense in 10 Years: Vehicle Code Section 23552(a)

• $390 up to $1000 fine (plus penalty assessments);
• Between 180 days and one year in county jail;
• 18 month DUI class unless 30 month program ordered;
• Four year license revocation;
• Designated as a Habitual Traffic Offender for three years; and
• If filed as a Felony DUI – 16 months, two or three years in county jail (Vehicle Code Section 23550(a))

When in Doubt - Plead Not Guilty

It may seem counterintuitive to plead not guilty, but doing so may give you the most leverage throughout the DUI process. At your first court appearance, you may request a continuance in order to hire an attorney. Due to the complexities of a DUI (FST and blood/breath testing) hiring a lawyer will provide you with the clarity and assurance you need during these troubling times.

You are not alone. An experienced defense attorney can fight for you and help minimize the consequences of your arrest. Significantly, a skilled defense lawyer will be able to spot any issues with your case and proceed to trial if necessary.

Permanent resident status is a complex process that enables an immigrant to reside and work on a permanent basis in the United States.

Benefits of Being a Lawful Permanent Resident

• The holder, which is regulated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can leave or enter the Unites States as he or she pleases, without the danger of being detained at a port of entry by government officials. It is advisable, however, to keep a record of the dates of each and every time you enter or leave the country.
• You have the right to apply for government sponsored financial aid for educational purposes.
• You have the ability to start your own business and create your own corporation.
• They can sponsor their spouse and unmarried children who are under the age of 21 so that they can obtain permanent resident status.
• A “green card” provides more job opportunities.

How to Become a U.S. Citizen Through Naturalization

What is naturalization? In essence, it is the process of being a citizen for an individual not born in the United States. The application for naturalization is Form N-400 and can be obtained from the USCIS website. However, there are specific requirements that must be met before the application can be processed.

A person is given a permanent resident card commonly known as a “green card.” There is a set number of years that a resident is required to be in continuous residency in the United States. Any stay outside the U.S. for more than 6 months can disrupt continuous residence. Permanent residents need to maintain this continuous residence as well as physical presence in the U.S. for five years. If you are married to a U.S. citizen there is a three year requirement.

Naturalization Requires Good Moral Character

The law has specific requirements regarding whether a person possesses good moral character. Specifically, your criminal record. There are offenses that you cannot be convicted of, meaning you can be barred from applying for naturalization. There are also offenses that can temporarily bar an individual from qualifying for citizenship. The following crimes are examples of those demonstrating a lack of good moral character: crimes against people with the intent to harm, violating controlled substance laws, illegal gambling, prostitution, and terrorist acts to name a few. Not telling the truth during the USCIS interview can also be grounds for denying your citizenship.

A requirement of understanding the English language must be demonstrated by the person seeking naturalization. The applicant must be able to read, write, and speak simply words and phrases from “ordinary usage in the English language.” There is also a requirement for the applicant to have a basic knowledge of U.S. history and government. Applicants over the age of 50 have different exemptions for taking the English test. For example, if the applicant is over 50 years of age and has been a permanent resident for at least 20 years, they do not have to take the English test, but do have to take the civics test.

As an applicant for citizenship, you must show a willingness to support and defend the United States and the Constitution. There must be a declaration of “attachment” to the U.S. and the Constitution by taking an Oath of Allegiance. This oath makes the applicant promise the following: to renounce foreign allegiances, support the Constitution, and serve the United States.

Do Not Lose Your Permanent Resident Status

Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status in the U.S. is a privilege that can be revoked. It means that you can lose your LPR status even after receiving a green card. For example, you will lose your LPR status when you abandon your permanent residence in the U.S., or when you become deportable for committing a serious crime or violating U.S. immigration laws.

Many are of the belief that after getting a green card, they can travel freely or even relocate to their home countries. Though an absence from the U.S. does not automatically result in cancellation of LPR status, an extended absence can lead to the government questioning an immigrant’s intent to remain a permanent resident of the U.S.

Apart from how long you have been absent from the U.S., the USCIS will look to many other factor that reflect your intent such as:

• The length and purpose of your departure from the U.S.;
• Filing of U.S. tax returns while being an LPR;
• The location of your close family members;
• The location and nature of your employment abroad; and
• The other ties to the U.S.

It is important to note that no single factor mentioned above is controlling with regard to your intent to maintain permanent resident status. The government will analyze all other relevant factors to come to a decision.

Generally, if you leave the U.S. for one year or less, you can use your green card as a reentry document. However, if you are absent from the U.S. for more than one year, you might face difficulties reentering the U.S. The USCIS considers the absence of longer than one year as a possible abandonment of U.S. residency. If you will be out of the U.S. for more than one year, you may need to get reentry permits or special immigration visas.

Completing the application, having fingerprints taken, being interviewed by USCIS, taking the English and civics tests, and taking the oath are all necessary steps to becoming a U.S. citizen. Contacting an immigration attorney can be helpful in making sure all necessary steps are taken in applying for citizenship.