Misdemeanor or Felony?
While all federal domestic violence crimes constitute a felony it is the state and local authorities who have jurisdiction in most cases.
In California, including Orange County, the penalties for domestic violence cases will be decided under Section 273.5 of the California Penal Code. Section 273.5 (a) states "Any person who willfully inflicts upon a person who is his or her spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, former cohabitant, or the mother or father of his or her child, corporal injury resulting in a traumatic condition, is guilty of a felony."
Any Orange County domestic violence incident where the victim has suffered serious injuries such as broken bones will most likely be treated as a felony case. If the victim suffers minor or no injuries, then it will likely be a misdemeanor charge.
THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!
1-800-706-7888
