Marin County Attorney for Domestic Violence Charges During the Coronavirus Crisis

Criminal Defense Lawyer Addressing Domestic Violence in San Rafael, CA

The COVID-19 outbreak has increased stress levels for families throughout California. Orders to “shelter in place” may require couples and family members to remain in close proximity to each other for an extended length of time, and families may also be facing financial difficulties due to business closures or layoffs. These stresses can combine with existing concerns about drug or alcohol dependency, struggles with anger management, and other emotional difficulties, leading to increased levels of conflict in a household. Because of these or other issues, there has been an increase in the number of domestic violence complaints throughout Marin County and the Bay Area.

If you have been accused of domestic violence, or if you are a victim of violence by a family member or person in your household, Burglin Law Offices, P.C. can provide you with the legal help you need. Criminal charges in these cases may result from violations of the following sections of the California Penal Code:

Penal Code section 273.5(a) - Willing infliction of corporal injury on a family member, including a spouse, fiance, former fiance, cohabitant, former cohabitant, dating partner, or former dating partner. This may be charged as a felony or misdemeanor.

Penal Code section 242 - Assault and battery, which consists of the willing use of unlawful violence or force against another person. This is a misdemeanor offense, and it may be charged even in seemingly minor situations, such as pushing someone or grabbing their arm.

Penal Code section 236 - False imprisonment, which consists of violating someone’s personal liberty. This offense may be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor, and it can be applied in situations in which a person blocks someone else’s path or prevents them from leaving the room.

Penal Code section 422 - Criminal threats, which consist of threatening to cause bodily harm or death. This offense may be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor, and it may apply in cases involving verbal threats such as phone calls.

Penal Code section 591.5 - Removal or destruction of wireless communication devices, which may apply when a person acts to prevent someone else from contacting law enforcement or receive assistance from a public safety agency. This offense is a misdemeanor, and it may be charged in situations such as taking a cell phone from someone to prevent them from making a call to the police.

If you have been charged with any of these offenses, Attorney Paul Burglin can work with you to have the charges dismissed or reduce the potential consequences you may face. Before making any statements to police officers or others involved in the case, you should contact us and secure legal representation. We can help you avoid incriminating yourself or taking any other actions that may negatively affect your case.

For immediate legal help with domestic violence charges or any related offenses, contact us now. Attorney Burglin will personally return your call as soon as possible. Call our office today at 415-729-7300.