Laguna Beach, Orange County - Police in Laguna Beach responded to a possible domestic violence situation along Pacific Coast Highway on reports that a man was hitting a girl inside a car this past weekend, according to media reports.
It's unclear if anybody was arrested or what was precisely was the situation.
Assuming this was a case of domestic violence, says Irvine criminal attorney Michael L. Guisti, it's likely the suspect will face charges of corporal injury on a spouse.
It's important to understand, says Guisti, that a spouse in this case could be a husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, domestic partner, the other parent to your child, or even a person you once had a relationship with.
There must be three things to prove you committed this crime, that, you inflicted corporal injury, that you willfully caused and inflicted the injury, and that the injury resulted in a "traumatic condition," says Guisti.
It's very important to note, Guisti stresses, that traumatic condition is a bodily injury and it doesn't matter how minor or severe the injury is, but only that it's visible.
Corporal injury on a spouse can be charged either as a felony or misdemeanor, which is why it's important to have an attorney who can work to reduce serious charges, says Guisti.
Even if there weren't any visible injuries the victim could charge emotional distress, which means the suspect could possibly be charged with making criminal threats or assault, according to Guisti.
It's very important to know and understand that if the victim changes their story, refuses to cooperate with police, or just doesn't show up to court you can still be charged and tired for this crime, according to Guisti.
Domestic violence is taken very serious by law enforcement and the district attorney as those agencies have their own specialized units in deal with domestic violence, which is why it's very important to to contact the Orange County domestic violence attorney specialists at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti right now at 888-478-8999 if you've been accused of this crime.
We have over a decade of experience in successfully defending our clients accused of domestic violence charges that include having charges dismissed, reduced or found not guilty, which is why you need to call us now.
