California domestic violence law includes a broad category of offenses that can be charged after even a minor dispute between any intimate partners. With respect to the GLBT community, intimate partners are civilly united, cohabitating, dating and those who have children together. Domestic abuse laws even pertain to partners who no longer remain together but who once shared one of these relationships. One charge that can be brought in a domestic violence case is infliction of injury.

A California domestic violence arrest is an extremely serious matter – a domestic violence conviction can bring heavy fines, time in jail, or even a prison sentence. Because the consequences of an intimate partner abuse charge are so severe, it’s critical to have an experienced, caring lawyer at the defendant’s side. It’s even more critical for a gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender defendant to hire an attorney who specializes in same sex crimes of domestic violence who will vigorously defend his or her client’s rights. The LGBT supportive attorneys at the Kavinoky Law Firm are devoted to giving their clients – all their clients – the best representation from a firm who treats each of their clients with the respect and dignity that they deserve. They will customize an effective defense strategy tailored to the facts of each individual case and based on each individual’s needs.

If an individual willfully inflicts any injury, no matter how minor, upon the body of an intimate partner, he or she can be charged with a felony. This charge can be brought against a defendant even if he or she barely touched the intimate partner. In fact, an individual can face a charge of infliction of injury even if the significant other didn’t have a bruise or scratch anywhere.

An infliction of injury conviction is punishable by at least two and as many as four years in the state prison and/or by a fine of up to $6,000. In the mildest of cases, the offender may only face up to one year in the county jail. In any event, the defendant will also be required to attend a batterer’s class and fulfill various other requirements if placed on probation. A conviction may also bring professional licensing and firearm restrictions.

Prior convictions for any type of domestic abuse offense or aggravating factors will likely invoke even greater penalties. California has a seven-year “washout” or “look back” period for domestic violence convictions. Therefore, anyone charged with infliction of injury who was convicted of domestic violence within the past seven years faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

However, there are many effective defense strategies available in an infliction of injury case. Altercations between intimate partners are emotional, highly charged incidents that can be interpreted in more than one way. A skilled criminal defense lawyer knows that there are at least two sides to every story, and will ensure that the defendant’s version of events is considered by the jury.

A knowledgeable attorney will effectively cross-examine witnesses in a D.V. case to bring out discrepancies in their accounts that may otherwise be overlooked. An experienced defense lawyer may even use an independent expert to analyze any physical evidence in the case.

A domestic violence charge such as infliction of injury can have life-changing consequences – the accused partner’s reputation, livelihood, and freedom is under assault. Anyone who isn’t “straight” will also face the additional challenge of being judged by a judge or jury who may be homophobic or unsympathetic to an “alternative” defendant. The gay friendly defense attorneys at the Kavinoky Law Firm have the tools and experience necessary to aggressively defend a California domestic violence charge and to protect the rights of those in need. Contact them today for a free consultation and for the best representation.