Have you been accused of domestic violence in Milpitas, California? Your freedom, reputation, and future could be at stake. Call Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys at (650) 299-0500 to get started with a consultation and begin building your defense.
We know how overwhelming it feels to be charged with a crime involving someone close to you. Our legal team has over three decades of criminal defense experience. We understand the complexities of California’s domestic violence laws and how to fight back against these allegations.
Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with a skilled Milpitas domestic violence attorney. We’ll listen to your side of the story, explain your legal options, and start developing your defense immediately.
Why Choose Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys for Your Milpitas Domestic Violence Case?
California takes domestic violence charges seriously. You should, too. The best way to protect yourself is by consulting an experienced Milpitas criminal defense lawyer. At Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys, we put extensive resources and decades of experience behind your claim to give you the strongest defense possible.
Here’s why clients trust us with some of the most serious charges they’ll ever face:
- Over 30 years defending clients in domestic violence and other serious criminal cases.
- Over 50 trials successfully defended and 3,000+ cases won.
- We tailor our approach to the facts, evidence, and circumstances of your case.
- We analyze every detail, from witness statements to police reports, looking for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Our Milpitas domestic violence lawyers push back against restraining orders that may unfairly disrupt your living situation or custody rights. You need a legal team that won’t back down when the stakes are high. We’re ready to protect your rights. Call us today in Milpitas, CA, for a confidential case review.
Overview of Domestic Violence in California
California law defines domestic violence broadly, and it applies to a range of offenses involving alleged harm, threats, or use of force against someone with whom you share a close relationship, including:
- Spouses or former spouses
- Current or former dating partners
- Someone you live with or used to live with
- Co-parents of a shared child
Domestic violence charges can be filed even without visible injuries. Likewise, an arrest can occur based solely on allegations.
Some of the most common charges include:
Domestic Battery – Penal Code § 243(e)(1)
Domestic battery involves allegedly using force or making harmful or offensive physical contact with an intimate partner. Visible injury is not required.
Acts such as pushing, slapping, or grabbing can lead to charges. Domestic battery is usually a misdemeanor, but it can still carry severe penalties.
Corporal Injury to a Spouse – Penal Code § 273.5
If the alleged victim sustains a visible injury, such as bruising, swelling, or cuts, the charge may escalate to corporal injury to a spouse. This is a “wobbler” offense, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the severity of the injury and other factors.
Penalties for Domestic Violence in Milpitas, CA
Domestic violence penalties in Santa Clara County can be severe, even for first-time offenders.
For a misdemeanor domestic battery conviction, you may face:
- Up to 1 year in county jail
- Fines up to $2,000
- Mandatory 52-week batterer’s intervention program
- Community service or probation
For corporal injury to a spouse:
- Up to 1 year in county jail and fines up to $6,000 for a misdemeanor
- For a felony, 2 to 4 years in state prison, with possible sentence enhancements of 3–5 additional years
You may also experience collateral consequences due to your conviction.
Collateral Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction
A conviction can trigger lasting effects on your personal and professional life, including:
- Loss of firearm rights under California and federal law
- Immigration consequences, including possible deportation for non-citizens
- Issues in family court, especially in child custody disputes
- Restraining orders affecting where you can live or work
- A permanent criminal record that can limit employment and housing opportunities
The combination of criminal penalties and collateral consequences makes it critical to involve a defense attorney as soon as possible after an arrest.
Possible Defenses to Domestic Violence Charges
No two domestic violence cases are alike. The best defense for you depends on the specific facts and evidence in your situation.
Common defenses in domestic violence charges include:
- Self-defense or defense of others: This defense may be available if you acted to protect yourself or another person from harm.
- False accusations: This is an option if the allegations are fabricated or exaggerated.
- Accidental injury: Any harm caused was unintentional and not the result of willful force.
- Insufficient evidence: The prosecution cannot prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.
Our legal team will examine police reports, witness statements, photographs, and any available video or digital evidence to identify the strongest defense strategies possible.
Contact Our Milpitas Domestic Violence Lawyers Today for an Initial Consultation
Facing domestic violence charges can leave you feeling isolated and unsure of your options. You don’t have to go through it alone.
At Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys, we take your defense seriously. Our Milpitas domestic violence attorneys will put 30 years of combined experience into getting the best possible outcome in your case. Call us today to schedule your initial consultation with a Milpitas domestic violence lawyer.