Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Domestic Violence

I have been accused and arrested for domestic violence, though I was the one who was beaten by my wife and mother in law. I refused to hit them but instead grabbed my wife, supposedly by the neck, and tossed her off of me onto a soft couch, then held my mother in law on the ground so that she would stop hitting me. The police arrested me for pretty much defending myself. I go to court on the eighth and I don't know what to do. The two women involved do not want to press charges and admit that they struck the first blows. I have no prior convictions of any type. I really do not know what to do. I can't really afford a lawyer. Should I get one or use a public defender? Or should I just take what the judge gives me and have this horrible thing on my record forever? I love my wife very much, she came from an abusive series of relationships and reverted back to the way they were. I have forgiven her and she I. Alcohol was involved by the way. I need help.


Asked on 11/01/02, 1:32 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Benjamin Berger Berger-Harrison, A Professional Corporation

Re: Domestic Violence

If your wife and her mother are willing to admit that they were the agressors and that you did nothing more than defend yourself, you should have nothing to worry about. Public defenders are terrific.

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Answered on 11/01/02, 2:20 pm


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