Domestic Violence

Orange County Domestic Violence Attorney
Restraining Orders • Child Abuse / Neglect • Spousal Abuse

Changing Definition of Domestic Violence

With in-laws visiting and tensions running high, a man learns that his wife has been having an affair and plans to leave him and seek custody of their children. An argument ensues. The kids, aged 13, 10 and 7 are nearby watching television. In anger, he throws a vase on the ground. The police are called. He is charged with vandalism and three counts of child abuse/neglect, forced to post a $50,000 bond, and restrained from returning home and seeing his wife or children. Further, he is now at a serious disadvantage in any custody proceeding and faces losing his driver's license for a year and discipline with the Department of Real Estate, which governs his mortgage broker's license.

While this case may seem absurd to some, the fact pattern resembles numerous cases in Orange County. California law has become increasingly strict in its definition of domestic violence, and the penalties are significant, even for the most minor misdemeanor charge. Simply breaking one's own property during an argument (even if there are no injuries) can be considered domestic violence and more often than not, will carry a one-year driver's license suspension, among other penalties. Similarly, having an argument with a loved one while children are merely present could subject you to charges of child abuse or neglect. Both domestic violence and child abuse / neglect charges may render you unable to obtain custody of your children in a later divorce or custody dispute. Further consequences may include deportation or exclusion for non-citizens and license suspension or revocations for those holding professional licenses or credentials, such as real estate agents, mortgage brokers, lawyers, doctors, nurses or teachers.

Often devastating for families is the court's routine imposition of a restraining order after an arrest for domestic violence or child abuse/neglect (and before any finding of guilt). This restraining order can takes months to lift. If a restraining order has been imposed on you, it is important that you obey it as you can face immediate jail time, new criminal charges and revocation of your bail bond, even if the protected person has contacted you. It is important that you have qualified representation from the very first stage of the proceedings to avoid the imposition of a restraining order.

If you have been accused of any crime related to domestic violence or child abuse/neglect, it is essential that you obtain immediate effective and knowledgeable representation. Criminal defense attorney Staycie R. Sena provides sophisticated legal representation. She works to minimize the gravity of an arrest for domestic violence and to get families reunited as quickly as possible.

Call an attorney who understands the changing area of domestic violence at the Law Offices of Staycie R. Sena.

Orange County domestic violence attorney providing skilled criminal defense, spousal abuse, restraining order, child abuse, and assault & battery legal services to all of Orange County, including Irvine, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Rancho Santa Margarita, Laguna Beach, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Santa Ana, Tustin, Orange, Lake Forest, Aliso Viejo, Westminster, Huntington Beach, Stanton, Anaheim, Fullerton, La Habra, Yorba Linda, Anaheim Hills and surrounding counties in Southern California.

The Law Offices of Staycie R. Sena
Irvine Criminal Spousal Abuse Lawyer
Orange County Domestic Violence Attorney
The Atrium Building
19200 Von Karman Avenue
Suite 400
Irvine, CA   92612-8512

Telephone: (949) 477-8088
Fax: (949) 477-8089
Email