Domestic Violence Lawyer Chino Hills

Domestic violence is a crime, but it’s one that’s vastly under-reported. In many cases, victims suffer in silence – and sometimes, with tragic results.

Please know that if you’re being abused, there is help available. You can call a Chino Hills domestic violence lawyer who may be able to help you out of your difficult situation so you can move forward with your life.

What is Domestic Violence?

Under California law, domestic violence is abuse committed against a:

Spouse
Former spouse
Former fiancé
Domestic partner
Parent of a shared child

Several actions can count as abuse, including:

Physical assault
Sexual assault
Verbal threats
Property damage
Stalking
Making someone reasonably afraid that they or someone else are about to be seriously harmed
Attempting to physically hurt someone, either intentionally or recklessly
Physical abuse of family pets
Emotional abuse, including name-calling and belittling
Psychological abuse, such as controlling behavior

California Laws Protecting Domestic Violence Victims

There are laws in place that protect victims of domestic violence. If, for example, a person has abused or threatened to abuse you (and you have a close relationship with that person, such as one listed above), you may be able to get a domestic violence restraining order against them.

If your child is being abused, you can file for a restraining order on his or her behalf.

What to Do if You’re a Victim of Domestic Violence

If you’re a victim of domestic violence, the most important thing is your safety. While a Chino Hills domestic violence lawyer can help you file the appropriate paperwork, he or she will also likely advise you to stay in a safe place – away from your abuser.

Police and first responders are trained to deal with domestic violence incidents. Don’t hesitate to call for help if you need it.

You can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or find other resources for help from the California Department of Public Health.

Protecting Yourself From a Violent Ex

In many cases, you can ask the court for domestic restraining order. A domestic restraining order can provide a number of solutions, including:

Contact restrictions
Paying owed child support
Obeying child custody and visitation rulings
Settling property disputes
Restricting gun ownership

Read on for details on the different types of restraining orders available.

The Four Types of Restraining Orders

There are four general types of restraining orders, and if you are interested in getting one against your violent spouse, talk to your attorney. He or she will be able to point you in the right direction.

The four types of restraining orders include:

Emergency protective order. An emergency protective order lasts up to seven days, but its most commonly asked for by law enforcement officer on behalf of the domestic violence victim.
Temporary restraining order. Temporary restraining orders typically last around 25 days; if you find that you still need a restraining order after your temporary one expires, you may ask the court to issue a new one or to issue a permanent restraining order.
Permanent restraining order. A permanent restraining order isn’t actually permanent. It can last for up to 3 years, and if you still need one when it expires, you may apply for another.
Criminal protective order. A criminal protective order can only be issued if there is a pending court date for criminal charges. If your spouse (or ex-spouse) is found guilty, the criminal protective order remains in place for 3 years.

Protecting Your Children from a Violent Ex

You may file a restraining order on your child’s behalf if the child is under 12 years of age. However, if your child is older than 12, he or she can file the restraining order.

How Can a Chino Hills Domestic Violence Lawyer Help You?

If you’re the victim of an abusive partner, you deserve help – and working with a Chino Hills domestic violence lawyer may be the right choice for you.

Your attorney can help you file the appropriate paperwork for your situation. Restraining orders can go a long way toward keeping you and your children safe. However, many people who feel the need to file for restraining orders against an abusive ex often understand the need to file for divorce as well.

You don’t have to do this alone.

Call us at 909-466-7661 or contact us online. We’re willing to fight in your corner and help you get a fresh start.