Riverside Domestic Violence Attorney

Domestic violence charges carry serious legal consequences, but people accused of these offenses have important rights. Because many rush to judgment based on the nature of the accusation, each case deserves a fair examination. False accusations are also common, sometimes made for personal leverage. If you face a domestic violence charge, you need experienced legal support on your side.

Take control of your domestic violence case now. Call (951) 777-9104 or contact us online to arrange a consultation. Your first is free.

Get an Award-Winning Trial Lawyer on Your Domestic Violence Defense Team

Attorney Daniel DeLimon is an award-winning trial attorney and former prosecutor with nearly 20 years of experience handling high-stakes criminal cases, including some of California’s most serious domestic violence charges. A four-time Attorney of the Year in Riverside County and member of the National Top 100 Trial Lawyers, he has taken more than 70 jury trials to verdict and is one of the few defense attorneys recognized by the Riverside Superior Court as qualified to handle capital cases.

Drawing on his background as a prosecutor, Mr. DeLimon understands how the state builds domestic violence cases — and how to break them apart. His deep knowledge of Riverside’s courts and his proven record of securing dismissals, reduced charges, and acquittals allow him to craft defense strategies that protect both your freedom and your future. When your reputation and relationships are on the line, you need a defense built by one of Riverside’s most respected trial lawyers.

What Sets DeLimon Law Apart in Riverside Domestic Violence Cases

When you are charged with domestic violence in Riverside, every move matters. Prosecutors act fast, and once charges are filed, they rarely back down unless the defense gives them a reason to. That is where DeLimon Law steps in. Our team understands how to shift that momentum by attacking weak evidence, exposing inconsistencies, and positioning the case for negotiation or dismissal.

Lead attorney Mr. DeLimon brings an uncommon advantage to domestic violence defense. As a former prosecutor, he knows how these cases are built, where the pressure points are, and what it takes to secure leverage in plea discussions. We use that experience to anticipate the prosecution’s strategy and to protect your rights at every turn. Our firm’s long-standing presence in Riverside County courts means we understand how local judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement operate — and how to work within that system to get real results.

At DeLimon Law, we do not wait for opportunities; we create them. Whether it means pushing for a reduced charge to preserve your firearm rights, contesting false allegations, or taking a case to trial, our goal is always the same: protect your record, your reputation, and your future.

Understanding the Broad Definition of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence cases in California are not limited to current or former spouses. State law uses a broad definition. Accusations can include people you dated in the past, those with whom you share a child, or even former roommates. Any act of violence connected to a current or previous relationship can fall under this category.

Riverside courts apply this broad definition to cases involving dating relationships, marriages, cohabitants, or former partners. The Riverside Hall of Justice regularly handles cases not just between married couples, but also those involving roommates, engaged couples, or co-parents. Riverside County law enforcement acts quickly on domestic violence reports, which means you could face charges based on statements from various parties in domestic or close relationships. 

If someone is accused of battery in a domestic violence case, they may face up to a year in prison. In California, battery means intentional, unlawful physical contact with another person. If there is no injury, the charge could be a felony or a misdemeanor.

If the accused causes injury during the incident, prosecutors may upgrade the case to a felony. Felonies can bring up to four years in state prison. A felony domestic violence conviction within seven years of a previous conviction carries a minimum two-year sentence.

Get ahead of the charges. Request your free consultation with our dedicated Riverside domestic violence lawyer.

Impact of a Domestic Violence Conviction on Your Life

While most domestic violence cases are charged as misdemeanors, the consequences extend far beyond jail time or probation. In addition to criminal penalties, a conviction can lead to several serious effects:

• For non-citizens, a domestic violence conviction could mean deportation or denial of a citizenship application.
• Once convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence, you lose your right to own a firearm. If a restraining order applies, authorities may confiscate your guns. This restriction applies nationwide, not just in California.
• Domestic violence convictions may cost you a professional license in jobs of public trust, such as a lawyer or a financial broker. Many employers treat such cases as character issues.
• Domestic violence charges may affect your rights regarding child custody or visitation.
• A conviction may require you to complete a year-long counseling program.

Officials in Riverside often require you to surrender firearms in nearly all domestic violence matters, no matter the injuries alleged. Many local employers in areas like public service or healthcare perform background checks, so a conviction may make future employment harder to find. Riverside family courts also review protective orders carefully, especially in child custody and visitation cases.

When you are charged with domestic violence, you have the choice to fight the charges or negotiate with the prosecutor. If the defendant is a first-time offender, their attorney may be able to get a favorable deal on their behalf. 

The key is to have an attorney who knows how to talk to prosecutors. If the defendant chooses to plead guilty, they may even be able to get a deal where they do not plead guilty to domestic violence. This will preserve their right to own a firearm. Given the consequences of a conviction and possible stiff punishments for repeat offenders, you may find that the best outcome is pleading guilty to a lesser charge.

Effective Defenses Against Domestic Violence Charges

Your attorney can discuss options for defending against the charges if you wish to contest them. Here are several defenses that may apply in a domestic violence case:

• The victim fabricated the story.
• The accused acted in self-defense after being attacked first.
• The conduct was too minor to count as a crime.
• Prosecutors lack evidence beyond a reasonable doubt.

Many Riverside cases turn on credible evidence presented in court. Defense teams often examine surveillance video, messages, and witness testimony closely. Our domestic violence lawyer may also challenge evidence when law enforcement mishandles investigations or procedure.

If police respond to a call and find any injury, they must make an arrest and seize firearms on-site. In those moments, contact a domestic violence attorney in Riverside right away. Early legal guidance helps you pursue the strongest available outcome.

The Riverside Domestic Violence Court Process

People arrested for domestic violence in Riverside usually begin the process with booking at a local facility like the Robert Presley Detention Center. After arrest, defendants appear at the Riverside Hall of Justice for arraignment, where the court announces formal charges. 

Judges in Riverside set bail based on case details and assess if a restraining order is needed. The process moves quickly, with pretrial conferences, motion hearings, and plea discussions often scheduled back-to-back. Local courts expect defendants to follow strict deadlines and meet all court requirements. 

Our legal team is familiar with Riverside court procedures and will help you stay on track and avoid costly mistakes.

Learn More About Domestic Violence Defense in California

If you or someone you care about is facing a domestic violence charge, learning how California law works can make a real difference in understanding your next steps. Our blog offers clear, practical insights into how these cases are handled in Riverside and across the state.

Our articles on domestic violence:

• Violating a Restraining Order: Charges in California. Learn what happens when a restraining order is violated, including possible penalties and how courts interpret “willful contact.”
• Can a Domestic Violence Case Be Expunged? Find out when and how a domestic violence conviction can be cleared from your record under California law.
• Domestic Violence Arrests in Riverside. Understand what to expect after an arrest, from initial booking to potential court appearances in Riverside County.

Domestic Violence Trends & Statistics in California

California has around 40 million residents. Domestic violence affects adults, children, and seniors. In 2019, Californians made approximately 161,123 calls related to domestic violence incidents.