Domestic Violence Defense Attorney Chris Caraway

Protecting Your Rights Against False Allegations and Serious Charges

If you have been arrested or charged with a domestic violence crime in California, you are facing a rigorous criminal justice system that often acts first and asks questions later. California law (Penal Code § 13700) allows police to make arrests based on minimal evidence, and prosecutors often pursue charges even if the alleged victim wishes to drop them.

The Law Office of Chris Caraway understands that a domestic violence accusation can destroy reputations, dismantle families, and lead to significant jail time, and is dedicated to providing aggressive, confidential, and strategic legal representation to protect your future.

Understanding Domestic Violence in California

In California, domestic violence is defined as abuse committed against an intimate partner—including spouses, former spouses, cohabitants, someone you have a child with, or a dating partner.

"Abuse" is not limited to physical injury; it includes:

  • Physical force or threats of force.

  • Sexual abuse.

  • Emotional or psychological abuse.

  • Financial control or coercion.

Common California Domestic Violence Charges

The Law Office of Chris Caraway defends clients against all types of alleged domestic abuse, including:

  • Corporal Injury to a Spouse or Cohabitant (PC 273.5): Known as "felony domestic violence," this involves inflicting a visible injury. It is a "wobbler," meaning it can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor.

  • Domestic Battery (PC 243(e)(1)): Willful use of force against a partner, even if no injury occurs. This is a misdemeanor.

  • Criminal Threats (PC 422): Threatening to kill or seriously injure a partner.

  • Child Endangerment/Abuse (PC 273a/273d): Allegations that a child was present or harmed during a domestic incident.

  • Elder Abuse (PC 368): Abuse of a person aged 65 or older.

  • Violation of a Protective Order (PC 273.6): Violating a temporary restraining order (TRO) or Emergency Protective Order (EPO).

Potential Penalties & Consequences

A conviction for domestic violence in California carries severe, life-altering penalties:

  • Jail or Prison Time: Up to one year in county jail for misdemeanors, and up to 4 years in state prison for felonies.

  • Mandatory Batterer’s Intervention Program: A minimum 52-week, court-mandated program.

  • Restraining Orders: Loss of access to your home, children, and belongings.

  • Firearm Ban: A 10-year or permanent lifetime ban on owning or possessing firearms.

  • Permanent Criminal Record: A conviction cannot be expunged if it is a felony, and it will appear on background checks for employment.

Proven Defense Strategies

Just because you were arrested does not mean you will be convicted. The Law Office of Chris Caraway explores all legal defenses, including:

  1. Self-Defense/Defense of Others: You used reasonable force to protect yourself or your children.

  2. False Allegations: The accusation was made out of anger, jealousy, or to gain an advantage in a custody dispute.

  3. Accidental Injury: The alleged injury was the result of an accident, not intentional abuse.

  4. Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution cannot prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

Act Fast to Protect Your Rights

Do not talk to the police without a lawyer. Anything you say can and will be used against you. The Law Office of Chris Caraway can immediately work to:

  • Prevent the prosecution from filing charges.

  • Challenge the validity of a temporary restraining order (TRO).

  • Investigate the scene and interview witnesses.

Call (530) 591-4304 to schedule your free consultation.

Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. Information is accurate as of January 2026 based on California Law.