DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASES
Work With a Compassionate Family Law Firm in Orange, CA
Domestic violence takes many forms and has a sweeping, sometimes irreversible and tragic impact on victims. Outright physical abuse of household members, as well as threats and many types of emotional and psychological abuse, are covered by a complex web of California laws and procedural remedies. We take domestic violence allegations and intervention extremely seriously at Kevin L Qualls Family Law and will offer you caring, practical guidance in a timely manner.
An Experienced Divorce, Custody And Restraining Orders Attorney Serving Irvine And All Of Orange County
Since launching his practice devoted exclusively to California family law in 1990, attorney Kevin L Qualls has advocated effectively for many women, men and children in Orange County domestic violence cases. His wide-ranging knowledge and reputation for integrity leads to many appointments from judges to represent minor children, and you can count on him for a focused, balanced approach to your troubling situation.
All domestic violence matters are urgent in some respects. We are here to help right away, in every way we can if, for example:
- You or your children are being subjected to domestic abuse in any form and need to pursue a restraining order, a divorce, a child custody arrangement that guards children’s safety, or other measures
- You have been accused of domestic violence and/or put under a temporary restraining order, which could dramatically impact your rights involving your family and even be a career-ending impediment if a final order is issued
What Is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is a toxic pattern of behavior in which one intimate partner threatens, coerces, controls, or physically harms the other. Domestic violence can be seen in many different forms, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, economic abuse, and psychological abuse.
It is important to understand that domestic violence occurs when one person in a relationship is trying to control the other person. An abusive partner may feel jealous or possessive. They may act aggressively or violently when they feel threatened. Domestic violence is not just physical violence. It can also include emotional abuse and financial abuse.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, it is important to get help. There are many resources available to help you. You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or chat online with a domestic violence advocate. You can also contact the Orange County domestic violence attorneys at the Law Offices of Kevin L Qualls for help.
What Are the Different Types of Domestic Violence?
There are four different types of domestic violence:
- Physical abuse is any type of violence that results in physical harm. This can include hitting, slapping, shoving, grabbing, pinching, biting, hair pulling, choking, shaking, pushing, burning, using a weapon, and forcing someone to drink alcohol or use drugs.
- Sexual abuse is any type of sexual contact that is unwanted and forced on someone else. This can include rape, incest, molestation, forced prostitution, and sexual harassment.
- Emotional abuse is any type of behavior that is designed to control, intimidate, or humiliate someone else. This can include name calling, putdowns, criticism, threats, mind games, and ordering someone around.
- Financial abuse is any type of behavior that controls or limits a person’s access to financial resources. This can include preventing a person from getting or keeping a job, denying a person access to money, or making a person ask for permission to spend money.
What Are the Warning Signs of Domestic Violence?
There are many warning signs of domestic violence. If you are in a relationship, it is important to be aware of these warning signs. Some of the warning signs of domestic violence include:
- Jealousy. An abusive partner may be excessively jealous or possessive. They may want to know where you are at all times, who you are with, and what you are doing.
- Control. An abusive partner may try to control your behavior or tell you what to do. They may try to control how you spend your time, who you see, what you wear, or what you eat.
- Threats. An abusive partner may make threats to hurt you, your children, or your pets. They may also make threats to kill themselves if you leave them.
- Verbal abuse. An abusive partner may insult you, call you names, or put you down. They may also criticize your appearance or intelligence.
- Isolation. An abusive partner may try to isolate you from your family and friends. They may tell you that no one else cares about you or that you are nothing without them.
- Economic abuse. An abusive partner may try to control your finances. They may prevent you from getting or keeping a job, deny you access to money, or make you ask for permission to spend money.
What Are the Effects of Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence can have a lasting impact on victims. The physical and emotional effects of domestic violence can last a lifetime. Some of the effects of domestic violence include:
- Physical injuries. Victims of domestic violence may suffer from bruises, cuts, broken bones, and head injuries. They may also have long-term health problems because of intimate partner violence.
- Emotional injuries. Victims of domestic violence may suffer from anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and sleep disorders. They may also have flashbacks of the abuse.
- Financial problems. Victims of domestic violence may have difficulty keeping a job or providing for their family. They may also have difficulty paying for medical bills or legal fees.
- Social problems. Victims of domestic violence may have difficulty trusting people. They may also have trouble maintaining relationships.
How Can a Domestic Violence Lawyer Help?
There are many ways in which a domestic violence lawyer can help their clients who are facing abuse.
This includes:
- Filing a restraining order. A restraining order is a legal order that requires the abuser to stay away from the victim. An attorney can help the victim file for a restraining order and design the contact to be as limited as possible.
- Get a divorce. If the victim is married to the abuser, an attorney can help them get a divorce. The attorney can also help the victim get child custody and support to ensure their safety and financial stability.
- Seek child custody. If the victim has children with the abuser, an attorney can help them seek child custody and visitation rights. The attorney can also help the victim get a restraining order to protect their children from the abuser.
- File a civil suit. If the victim was injured because of the abuse, an attorney can help them file a civil suit against the abuser. The victim may be able to recover damages for their injuries, including medical bills and lost wages.
These are just a few of the ways in which an attorney can help a victim of domestic violence. If you or someone you know is facing domestic violence, it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible.
Tips for Coping With Domestic Violence
Here are a few tips for coping with domestic violence:
- Seek medical attention. If you have been injured, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This ensures you get the treatment you need and document the injuries for legal purposes.
- Call the police. If you are in immediate danger, call the police. The police can help protect you from further harm and file criminal charges against the abuser.
- Get a restraining order. If you are in danger, you can get a restraining order to keep the abuser away from you. An attorney can help craft the details of the restraining order to ensure your safety.
- Seek counseling. Counseling can help you deal with the emotional effects of domestic violence. A counselor can also help you develop a safety plan and make decisions about your future.
- Talk to a domestic violence lawyer. An attorney can help you understand your legal options and rights. An attorney can also help you legally protect yourself and your family.
Is Domestic Violence Punishable by Law?
You can also file a civil suit against the abuser. In a civil suit, you can seek damages for your injuries, including medical bills and lost wages. Earning financial support in these areas after suffering from domestic violence can be vital to your safety and well-being. Being able to move on from your abuser is an important step in healing, and punishing an abuser under the power of law can help you do just that.
What Punishment Does a Domestic Violence Charge Carry?
The punishment for a guilty domestic violence charge varies depending on the severity of the crime and how the scenario played out in court. Some common consequences for a domestic violence conviction include:
- Time in jail. The abuser may be ordered to spend time in jail. The length of the sentence depends on the severity of the crime and other domestic violence charges.
- Probation. The abuser may be placed on probation for a period of time. During probation, the abuser must meet certain conditions, such as attending counseling or not having any contact with the victim.
- Fines. The abuser may be required to pay a fine. The amount of the fine is set by the court and depends on the severity of the crime.
- Restraining order. The abuser may be subject to a restraining order. This means the abuser must stay away from the victim and may not have any contact with them.
- Loss of custody. The abuser may lose custody of any children they have with the victim.
- Loss of a job. The abuser may lose their job as a result of the domestic violence conviction.
As you can see, there are several serious consequences that can result from a domestic violence conviction. It is a severe crime that should not be taken lightly. If you or someone you know has been the victim of domestic violence, it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible.
What Evidence Can Be Used in a Domestic Violence Case?
There are several different types of evidence that the offense can use in a domestic violence case. This includes:
- Physical evidence. Evidence of the physical injuries you sustained because of the abuse can be used to prove domestic violence. This includes photographs of bruises, cuts, and broken bones that illustrate the violence you endured.
- Witness testimony. The testimony of witnesses who saw the abuse take place can be used to prove domestic violence. This includes friends, family members, neighbors, and co-workers who can speak and share how they saw the abuse take place.
- Police reports. Police reports can be used to document the domestic violence incidents that were reported to law enforcement. This includes the names of the parties involved, dates of the incidents, and any charges that were filed.
- Medical records. Medical records can be used to document the injuries you sustained as a result of the abuse and had been formally reviewed and treated by a medical professional.
- Communication records. Communications between you and the abuser, such as text messages, emails, and social media posts, can be used to prove domestic violence. These communications can show the threats, controlling behavior, and abusive language used by the abuser.
- Financial records. Financial records can be used to document the control the abuser had over the finances in the relationship. This can include credit card statements, bank records, and bills that show a history of financial abuse.
Call (714) 750-5988 For Prompt Personal Attention To Your Case From California Domestic Violence Attorneys
In this traumatic and pivotal time, we will hear you out and treat you with care. You will communicate and work directly with your lawyer to decide on immediate steps and a longer-term plan. We are devoted to providing practical counsel and telling you what you need to hear. For a free half-hour consultation focused squarely on what matters most to you and how we can help, please call or email us as soon as you possibly can.
