A 28-year-old Los Angeles man has been arrested for allegedly violating the restraining order his ex-wife filed against him. According to a news report in The Santa Monica Mirror, the man was arrested in the 1400 block of Lincoln Boulevard in Santa Monica. Officers say his ex-wife refused to let him enter her residence and called the authorities when he refused to leave. He was arrested and charged with violating a domestic violence restraining order, and his bail was set at $60,000.
There are many consequences that result from being convicted of domestic violence in Los Angeles. A misdemeanor domestic violence conviction can result in:
- a jail sentence of up to one year in county jail;
- mandatory attendance in a counseling program;
- up to 40 hours of community service or physical labor;
- substantial court fines;
- a stay-away order from the victim including the requirement of moving out of a shared residence;
- “No Harm, No Strike” order; and/or
- creation of a criminal record.
It is common for individuals facing accusations of domestic violence to have restraining orders filed against them. A restraining order, or order of protection, is a civil action that will specifically outline what type of contact is allowed between the person accused of committing the violent act and the alleged victim. The goal of filing a restraining order is to protect the alleged victim from future harm and threats of injury or harm. A restraining order can prevent someone from going within a certain distance of another, which can affect where the defendant can live, work, or even commute.
Anyone facing domestic violence charges would be well advised to contact a skilled defense attorney who will protect his or her best interests. There are serious penalties for all types of domestic violence charges. If you are facing these types of charges, it is crucial that you contact an experienced L.A. County restraining order violation lawyer in order to protect your rights and best interests.