Felony Domestic Violence Charge

Felony Domestic Violence Charge in San Diego: Protecting Your Rights with Dod Law

Dod Ghassemkhani is an award-winning criminal defense attorney with Dod Law.  Dod Law is dedicated to safeguarding your rights and freedoms in the face of serious legal challenges, including felony domestic violence charges. While many domestic violence cases in San Diego are charged as misdemeanors, certain circumstances can elevate these offenses to felonies under California law. If you’re accused of felony domestic violence, having an experienced skilled attorney on your side is critical to navigating the legal system and achieving the best possible outcome.  If you have a felony domestic violence charge in San Diego call Dod Law to protect your rights and freedoms.

What is Felony Domestic Violence in California?

Felony domestic violence involves inflicting physical injury on a spouse, cohabitant, fellow parent, or child, and is prosecuted under strict California laws. This charge typically arises when the victim sustains significant injuries or the accused has prior convictions for domestic violence or other felonies. A conviction can carry severe consequences, including:

• Prison Sentence: Up to four years, with additional time for aggravated circumstances.
• Fines: Thousands of dollars in penalties.
• Additional Consequences: Probation, mandatory domestic violence classes, loss of gun ownership rights, and more.

If you’re facing felony domestic violence charges, contact Dod Law immediately at 619-814-5110. A San Diego skilled domestic violence lawyer can help reduce your charges to a misdemeanor—or even get them dismissed entirely.

Domestic Violence Charges and Penalties in California

Domestic violence charges are common in California and are aggressively pursued by prosecutors. Several Penal Code sections may apply, each with unique penalties. Below are the most common felony domestic violence charges in San Diego:

California Penal Code § 273.5 PC: Corporal Injury to a Spouse or Cohabitant

Under Penal Code § 273.5, inflicting injury on a spouse, cohabitant, or fellow parent resulting in a traumatic condition can lead to:

• Felony Penalties: Up to 4 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
• Aggravated Circumstances: An additional 5 years for causing great bodily injury.
• Additional Consequences: Probation, mandatory classes, community service, and a permanent criminal record.

California Penal Code § 243(d) PC: Aggravated Battery

Battery resulting in serious injury is charged under Penal Code § 243(d), with penalties including:

• Prison Sentence: Up to 4 years in county jail.
• Fines: Up to $10,000.
• Gun Ownership Prohibition: A lifetime ban on owning or purchasing firearms.

California Penal Code § 273(d) PC: Child Abuse

Willfully inflicting physical punishment on a child resulting in injury is a felony under Penal Code § 273(d). Penalties include:

• Prison Sentence: Up to 6 years in jail (or more for repeat offenses).
• Fines: Up to $6,000.

Consequences of a Felony Domestic Violence Conviction

A felony domestic violence conviction can impact every aspect of your life. Beyond prison time and fines, other legal consequences may include:

• Loss of firearm ownership rights.
• Strikes on your record under California’s Three Strikes Law, leading to harsher penalties for future felonies.
• Loss of professional licenses or immigration status.
• Restraining orders or child custody restrictions.

Even false accusations can lead to devastating outcomes. Dod Law’s experienced domestic violence attorneys are skilled in building strong defense strategies to protect your future.

Defense Strategies for Domestic Violence Cases

Dod Law understands that every domestic violence case is unique. Common defense strategies include:

1. Self-Defense or Defense of Others: Proving you acted to protect yourself or someone else.
2. Accident: Demonstrating the injury was unintentional.
3. False Accusations: Exposing fabricated claims by the alleged victim.
4. Insufficient Evidence: Challenging the prosecution’s case with a lack of proof or procedural violations.

In some cases, charges may be reduced to misdemeanor domestic battery under Penal Code § 243(e)(1), carrying far less severe penalties than a felony conviction.

Act Now!  Get a Free Domestic Violence Consultation with Dod Law

A domestic violence charge can disrupt every part of your life—your home, career, and relationships. With Dod Law on your side, you’ll have an experienced legal team fighting to protect your rights and freedoms to help minimize the impact of the charges.

If you or a loved one is facing felony domestic violence charges in San Diego, call Dod Law today at for a free consultation. Our award-winning defense lawyers are here to help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

We have three office locations in southern California.  To schedule a free consultation with a member of our first-class legal team, call us
today at our downtown San Diego office (619) 814-5110 | Santa Ana, Orange County office 949-681-7020  | Vista office 760-814-6025 | or schedule an appointment by filling out our online contact form