Will My Domestic Violence Charges be Dismissed?
- April 28, 2016
- Jerod Gunsberg
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I’ve been defending clients against domestic violence charges for years. I handle them all the time here in Los Angeles County. Here’s what I know: In 9 out of 10 cases, the alleged victim will not want to testify. But…
Bail in Los Angeles County Domestic Violence Cases
- February 4, 2016
- Jerod Gunsberg
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If a loved one was just arrested for domestic violence in Los Angeles County and you’re trying to figure out whether or not to post bail, you will want to read this. Here are some quick things you need to know….

California Court of Appeal Says Rap Lyrics Are Criminal Threats
- July 27, 2015
- Jerod Gunsberg
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Last week, the California Court of Appeal ruled that rap lyrics may not be protected speech under the First Amendment if a trial court determines that the lyrics contain threats to a victim under California Penal Code Section 140(a). The case stems from…

Violating a Protective Order in a California Domestic Violence Case Carries Severe Consequences
- April 28, 2014
- siproduction
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In almost every domestic violence case, there is a criminal protective order issued against the defendant. In many cases this is a complete stay away order (meaning that there can be no contact between the defendant and the accused). Violation of…

What is the Definition of “Cohabitation” in California Domestic Violence Cases?
- April 16, 2014
- siproduction
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Penal Code 273.5(a) is a commonly charged domestic violence offense for battery-with-injury committed against a spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, former cohabitant, and co-parents. But what, exactly, does all this “cohabitant” and “former cohabitant” language really mean? There’s nothing in Sec….

How Do Protective Orders in California Domestic Violence Cases Work?
- March 21, 2014
- siproduction
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In domestic violence cases in California, there are two varieties of protective orders which control contact between the defendant and any alleged victims or witnesses. While these orders apply in any applicable case classified under Family Code 6211, they are most commonly used in…