Redwood City Domestic Violence Attorney
Are you facing domestic violence charges in Redwood City, California? Our Redwood City domestic violence attorneys at Ahmed & Sukaram, DUI and Criminal Defense Attorneys can help, call us at (650) 299-0500.
We have over 30 years of combined experience helping the accused in Northern California. We’ve successfully defended clients at over 50 trials and won over 3,000 criminal cases.
We dedicate our practice to standing up for those who have been accused of crimes. We understand the immense stress and emotional toll a domestic violence charge can cause – and we’re here to help you navigate the legal process and provide compassionate representation every step of the way.
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to learn more about your legal rights and options.
How Can Our Domestic Violence Attorneys in Redwood City at Ahmed & Sukaram, DUI and Criminal Defense Attorneys Help You?
A domestic violence conviction can significantly impact your life, from your reputation to your ability to earn a living. With so much at stake, you need an experienced domestic violence attorney in your corner fighting for you.
You need the dedicated and skilled lawyers at Ahmed & Sukaram, DUI and Criminal Defense Attorneys.
When you hire our Redwood City criminal defense attorneys to represent you, we’ll help you by:
- Listening to your version of the facts and providing honest, compassionate legal advice
- Advocating on your behalf and keeping you informed throughout your case
- Investigating the charges against you and gathering evidence to build a defense strategy tailored to the facts of your case
- Fiercely defending you at all court proceedings
- Negotiating with the prosecution to reduce or dismiss your charges
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you fight domestic violence charges.
What Happens When I’m Accused of Domestic Violence in San Mateo County?
If you’re accused of domestic violence in San Mateo County, CA, the police may be dispatched to investigate. If so, they’ll prepare an incident report. If the law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe you abused the alleged victim, they may arrest you.
Even if you aren’t arrested, a detective may further investigate the case, and the prosecutor may choose to charge you with domestic violence.
If you are arrested, you’ll be taken to jail. You could be released on bail within a few hours. If you don’t pay the bail, a judge will decide whether to release you at the first hearing (called the arraignment). The arraignment generally occurs within two to three days after your arrest. If the police didn’t take you into custody and you were charged with DV, the arraignment might not occur for several weeks.
At the arraignment, the judge will notify you of the charges against you, advise you of your rights, and ask for your plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest). If you plead guilty, the judge can sentence you immediately. If you plead not guilty, the court will set a date for a pretrial conference (if you’re charged with a misdemeanor) or a preliminary hearing (if you’re charged with a felony).
Most domestic violence cases don’t go to trial. Instead, the prosecution and defendant typically enter a plea agreement, or the charges are dismissed. The criminal court process can be complicated, so it’s best to have an experienced criminal defense attorney advocating for your rights.
What Are the Penalties for a Domestic Violence Conviction in California?
A California domestic violence conviction is a serious offense that can have lifelong consequences. It’s a “wobbler” offense, meaning it can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.
Domestic violence is an offense based on the relationship between the defendant and the alleged victim. It includes many crimes, including stalking, domestic battery, child abuse, and infliction of a corporal injury. The offense is considered domestic violence if the alleged victim was a current or former spouse, partner, co-parent, or cohabitant.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may face the following penalties:
- Jail or prison time
- Fines
- Probation
- Restraining order
- Payments to a battered women’s shelter
- Payment of the alleged victim’s counseling and other reasonable expenses
- Payments to the alleged victim
Additionally, you may face other collateral consequences, such as an inability to get a job, damage to your reputation, and problems finding housing. Hiring an experienced domestic violence lawyer is the best chance you have of reducing or dismissing your charges.
The Collateral Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction
The collateral consequences of a domestic violence conviction in Redwood City are serious and can last a lifetime.
Here are just a few examples of what could happen:
- Loss of your right to own a firearm
- Immigration issues or deportation
- Loss of child custody and visitation
- A potentially permanent criminal record
Other consequences could arise from those listed above. For instance, a criminal record can make it more difficult to obtain employment or purchase a home. If charged as a felony, California’s “three strikes” law and/or enhanced sentencing could come into play as well if you have a prior conviction.
That’s why it’s especially important to have a strong advocate on your side. Contact a domestic violence lawyer with Ahmed & Sukaram, DUI and Criminal Defense Attorneys, today for help with your case, you can also visit our office.
Potential Defenses Against Your Domestic Violence Charge
Domestic violence charges are serious, but not all domestic violence allegations are truthful or accurate. Our domestic violence attorneys know how to build a strong defense when you’re facing domestic violence accusations.
Every domestic violence case is different, so every case will require unique defenses. Nonetheless, there are many potential defenses available, including:
- You acted in self-defense. If you were the first one attacked and merely acted in response, this may be an appropriate defense.
- The allegations are false. False allegations of domestic violence aren’t uncommon. We can work to show your accuser has made untruthful accusations.
- The prosecution can’t meet its burden. The prosecution must prove every element of your charge beyond a reasonable doubt. We’ll hold them to this high standard and work to undermine any evidence the state has against you.
The lawyers at Ahmed & Sukaram, DUI and Criminal Defense Attorneys have decades of combined experience and the know-how to craft an effective defense to combat domestic violence charges. Contact us today to discuss and go over your case or visit our law office.
Obtaining a Police Report For Domestic Violence Cases In San Mateo County
You have a few options for obtaining a police report for your domestic violence case in San Mateo County. Click here to visit the County’s website, which has four different office locations you can visit to obtain your report in person.
You can also call 650-363-4525 for help with getting your report. In addition, you can email a copy of this form to [email protected] and receive a copy of your report via email.
We can also provide you with assistance in obtaining your police report during your free consultation. Feel free to contact us today for assistance in san mateo county.
Contact Domestic Violence Attorney at Ahmed & Sukaram, DUI and Criminal Defense Attorneys if You Are Charged with Domestic Violence in Redwood City
It probably goes without saying that domestic violence charges need to be taken seriously. If convicted, you could face consequences that follow you for the rest of your life. When the stakes are that high, not just any attorney will cut it. You need a reputable, experienced domestic violence attorney at your side.
That’s where Ahmed & Sukaram, DUI and Criminal Defense Attorneys comes in. We possess years of experience and, in that time, we have successfully represented clients facing all sorts of significant, potentially life-altering criminal charges.
Our attorneys include a CA State Bar Certified Specialist in Criminal Law, and prominent legal organizations like SuperLawyers and National Trial Lawyers have recognized our lawyers’ excellent representation.
Contact us right away to get started. We’re available at any time to take your call, and we offer a consultation for free to discuss your situation, we serve in the bay area.
Nearby Courts
- Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo
400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063 - Hall of Justice
400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063 - San Mateo Superior Court – Family Law
400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063
Local Sheriff
- San Mateo County Sheriff
400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063
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You can also get in touch with a San Jose domestic violence attorney.