5 Benefits of Hiring a Domestic Violence Lawyer in Orange County

1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience physical violence by their intimate partner at some point in their lifetime. But not every domestic violence charge that is filed is accurate.

Some people do find themselves facing unwarranted and unjust domestic violence charges, and in those cases, it’s vital to have an Orange County domestic violence lawyer on your side.

If you’re facing domestic violence charges in Orange County, please don’t try to handle the situation on your own. Hiring a lawyer from the start can make a huge difference in your charges, trial, and consequences. Here are five of the main reasons to hire a domestic violence lawyer in Newport Beach.

Minimized Consequences for Domestic Violence Charges in Orange County

The biggest benefit to hiring a domestic violence lawyer in Orange County is the potential minimization of your consequences. Your lawyer already knows the field and the law, and they can present your case with your side of the story at the forefront.

Even consequences for a first-time offense can be steep, but with a lawyer on your side, you’ve got a better shot at reduced fines, less time on your sentence, and the potential to explore diversion programs as an alternative to harsher punishments.

Opportunity for Softer EPO related to Domestic Violence in Orange County

In California, the police will obtain an Emergency Protective Order (EPO) when someone is arrested on domestic violence charges. The EPO will be in place until the arraignment (typically 5 days) and can be either no contact or peaceful contact.

Typically, the DA’s office will ask for a no contact EPO regardless of what the victim wants. If you have a lawyer on your side, however, they can present evidence and argue your case for a peaceful contact EPO, allowing you to still be around the ones you love.

Improved Circumstances for Children

Speaking of your loved ones, a harsh EPO can impact your ability to see your children. You may be barred from seeing or even speaking to your kids at all until your case has been settled. If you don’t have an experienced lawyer, there’s no telling how long this could take.

Since a Newport Beach domestic violence lawyer will be fighting for you, you can rest assured that your interests are at the forefront. Your attorney will argue for your family to be kept together and safe and may even be able to convince the court to let you live with your children again.

Easier Plea Bargain for Domestic Violence Charges in Orange County

If your case does go through to the court, a domestic violence lawyer in Orange County can help you enter a plea bargain. This could mean a reduced sentence or decrease in fines, or you might be able to enter a diversion program. One of the big benefits to a diversion program is that you won’t have jail time on your record, which could help you in the long run for situations like applying to jobs.

Your domestic violence attorney in Orange County can also help you throughout the court process by explaining what to expect and advising you on what to say in court. They will help prevent false accusations and can assist with court filings.

Quicker Processes All Around

Every step of the process is faster with an experienced Orange County domestic violence attorney on your side. By hiring a lawyer right away, you have a better chance of getting a mitigation package submitted before charges are officially filed, which could prevent you from going to court altogether.

If your case does end up in court, your attorney can help compile your case and present it quickly and effectively, so you spend less time fighting and can simply move on with your life.

If you or someone you know is facing domestic violence charges, please consider hiring an Orange County domestic violence attorney right away. It could make a world of difference in your case.

Maltaise Cini has been serving Orange County domestic violence clients for more than 20 years. She is a former public defender who knows the intricacies of the law, and she has helped hundreds of clients work through their cases with minimal time and heartache. Contact the law offices of Maltaise Cini for more information.