Every crime in California is defined by a specific code section. Our attorneys explain the law, penalties and best defense strategies for every major crime in California.
Crimes by Code
Every crime in California is defined by a specific code section. Our attorneys explain the law, penalties and best defense strategies for every major crime in California.
California DUI
DUI arrests don't always lead to convictions in court. Police officer mistakes, faulty breathalyzers and crime lab errors may get your charges reduced or dismissed. Visit our California DUI page to learn more.
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A criminal record can affect job, immigration, licensing and even housing opportunities. In this section, we offer solutions for clearing up your prior record.
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Senate Bill 1129 was signed into law by Gov. Brown in September 2018. The bill applies to divorce proceedings and it has two main impacts on California’s divorce laws. These are:
The bill also places restrictions on the above offenders’ ability to receive:
SB 1129 marks a change in California law. The new law is harsher on those convicted of domestic violence and sex offenses against their spouses. Prior to the bill:
California domestic violence laws define “domestic violence” as abuse committed against an intimate partner.
Examples of an “intimate partner” include:
SB1129 applies in California divorce proceedings. The bill:
As to the latter, please note that this presumption can be rebutted by the offender spouse. This means the court can still award spousal support to the offender if he/she can show, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the party is entitled to support.
Please also note that the SB 1129 places restrictions on an offender’s ability to receive:
SB 1129 marks a change in California law. The new law is harsher on those convicted of domestic violence and sex offenses against their spouses. Prior to the bill:
California domestic violence laws define “domestic violence” as abuse committed against an intimate partner.
Examples of an “intimate partner” include:
A person commits “abuse” when he or she intentionally or recklessly uses, or threatens the use of, physical force against an intimate partner.
Common crimes of “domestic violence” in California include battery, abuse, threats, and neglect.
Most crimes of domestic violence in California are “wobbler” offenses. A “wobbler” is a crime that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on:
Most California counties impose a minimum jail sentence of 30 days for a domestic violence conviction. This is true even if the charge is a misdemeanor and it is the defendant’s first offense.
Proponents of the new law support it because it helps curb and prevent instances of domestic violence and violent sexual felonies. These goals help protect victims from harm and help children from abusive parents.
Senate Bill 1129 was introduced by Senator Bill Monning. The bill amends Sections 4324.5 and 4325 of the California Family Code.
A former Los Angeles prosecutor, attorney Neil Shouse graduated with honors from UC Berkeley and Harvard Law School (and completed additional graduate studies at MIT). He has been featured on CNN, Good Morning America, Dr Phil, The Today Show and Court TV. Mr Shouse has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as one of the Top 100 Criminal and Top 100 Civil Attorneys.