Are you being accused of Domestic Violence in San Francisco?

Introduction
Thank you for visiting My San Francisco Domestic Violence Attorney.  We will attempt to give you as much information about domestic violence in San Francisco as possible on this site.  Additionally, you can visit our “Why Hire Us” page to see what separates us from the other domestic violence lawyers in and around San Francisco.

Are you a victim of domestic violence or have you been arrested for domestic violence or have you been served with a Restraining Order?  If the answer is yes, you will need the assistance of a highly skilled attorney at the Domestic Violence Law Offices of “insert attorney name”.  California domestic violence laws are harsh and have stiff sentences.  We will make sure your interests are protected.

If you are looking for a domestic violence attorney in another region of California please visit:

Los Angeles Domestic Violence

San Diego Domestic Violence

Sacramento Domestic Violence

Overview

• In the United States, over 4 million women have been battered and abused by their partner.
• Domestic violence can happen just once, or it can happen over and over again.
• It does not go away until you make the first step – you need help.

California Family Code 6211

• The definition of domestic violence is abuse perpetrated against an intimate partner (current or former).

What to do first

• Call the police
• If you have been a victim of domestic violence
• If you feel threatened by someone
• A police report will document the incident

• Take photographs of any and all bruises
• Take photographs of any property damage, holes in wall

Domestic Violence Charges

• Assault – Physical violence against a family member with a deadly weapon.
• Excessive Force – Using extreme force to cause a traumatic condition or serious injury on a partner.
• Threats – Threats of violence or death against a partner is considered a “terrorist threat”.
• Sway the Witness – Preventing you from contacting the police.

Consequences

• In San Francisco, the consequences vary depending on your history and how severe the injury to the victim is.
• You can be charged either with a misdemeanor or a felony.
• State prison
• Jail locally
• Probation
• Community service
• Protective order against you
• Mandatory anger management class – 52 weeks
• Mandatory counseling
• Mandatory fines

Temporary Restraining Order

• File for a temporary restraining order (TRO) at your local court house.
• The court clerk will help you fill out the forms.
• You must show evidence of abuse to the judge in order to receive a Restraining Order.
• The TRO will keep the abuser away from you, your home and your family.
• The TRO will protect you from further violence.
• Register the TRO with your local police station, where you work, your children’s school.
• If your abuser violates the restraining order, call the police immediately.
• Make sure you get a written police report.
• You must press charges – the district attorney will decide whether or not to prosecute.

Ex Parte Emergency Protective Order

• Issued by a judge when a law enforcement officer shows evidence that:
• You and/or a child are in immediate danger – per recent incident

Women’s Shelters

• San Francisco has temporary homes for battered women with their children.
• You will be safe in these shelters.
• The police can give you a listing of the nearest ones for you or check the telephone book under “Crisis Intervention Services” or “Shelters”.
• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: 303-839-1852.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline:  800-799-SAFE (7233).

Safety Plan for Victim

• Find a safe room with a door that has no weapons (kitchen knives).
• Have a list of people who will help you; decide on a code word so they will know if you are in trouble.
• Ask a neighbor to call the police if screaming comes from your house.
• Have a safe place to go.
• Hide money in case you need it.
• Have a suitcase packed with day-to-day things that you can hide and get at if you need to leave.
• If you move out, change your phone number; have called ID.
• Change the locks on your doors; put locks on the windows.
• Leave copies of important papers, extra keys, clothes, money with someone you can trust.
• Keeps a record of anything that happens.
• There are women’s support groups in all cities – find one and attend the meetings.

Conclusion
If you are the victim of domestic violence, you need to take step 1 to put a stop to this.  Call us at the Domestic Violence Law Offices of “insert attorney name” because we take the time to listen.