Domestic Violence

Providing Legal Representation in Domestic Violence Cases

Since 1993, The Law Offices Of Alexandra R. McIntosh has been providing legal guidance to both plaintiffs and defendants in domestic violence cases in the greater San Diego area. Our firm offers compassionate and tenacious legal representation tailored to your unique situation, ensuring your safety and protecting your rights. With a client-centered approach, we prioritize open communication and personalized legal strategies to help you navigate this challenging time.

Don’t face domestic violence alone. Contact us at 760-891-4284 or fill out our contact form. The Law Offices Of Alexandra R. McIntosh is here to support you.

Types of Domestic Violence Cases

Domestic violence can manifest in various forms, each with severe consequences for the victims. Understanding the different types of domestic violence is crucial for identifying and addressing these issues effectively.

Physical Abuse: involves the use of physical force against another person, resulting in injury or harm. This can include hitting, slapping, punching, kicking, choking, or using weapons to cause injury.
Emotional & Psychological Abuse: includes behaviors that cause emotional pain or distress. This type of abuse can involve constant criticism, humiliation, threats, intimidation, manipulation, and isolation from friends and family.
Verbal Abuse: involves the use of words to cause harm. This can include yelling, insulting, belittling, and using derogatory language.
Sexual Abuse: involves any non-consensual sexual activity. This can include rape, forced sexual acts, and any other unwanted sexual contact.
Financial Abuse: occurs when the abuser controls the victim’s financial resources, limiting their access to money and financial independence.
Stalking & Harassment: involves repeated, unwanted attention and contact that causes fear and distress. This can include following the victim, showing up at their home or workplace, sending threatening messages, and other behaviors intended to intimidate and control the victim.

emotional implications for families

Domestic violence takes many forms and has serious legal and emotional implications for families. Real and false allegations of violence can complicate divorce proceedings and have a significant impact on child custody and other family law matters. Domestic violence issues call for legal advice and representation.

If you have been a victim of domestic violence

If you have been a victim of domestic violence and your main concern is safety, you need an attorney who can help you quickly obtain the protection you need. If appropriate, we can help you secure a temporary or permanent order and help you understand the legal consequences of a protective or restraining order.

If you have been accused of violent behavior

If you have been accused of violent behavior and your rights are at stake, it is essential to have an attorney who can help you protect those rights. We are highly experienced in representing clients in matters involving restraining orders and protective orders. We can help you understand and address the impact of these orders on support, custody, employment, firearm possession and other important issues. These orders can affect your career, especially active military and professional law enforcement.

While the process for obtaining a temporary restraining order is often straightforward, the court will look more closely at the situation and hear testimony from the accused person prior to entering a permanent restraining order.
The issuance of restraining orders not only restricts a person's right to possess a firearm and may have implications on his or her employment, it often has a dramatic impact on orders for custody, visitation, and potentially spousal support.
Other types of restraining orders come into play when a divorce summons is issued and served, covering issues such as out-of-state child removal and unauthorized transfers of property — and we advise our clients accordingly.

How Are Domestic Violence Cases Handled in California?

California’s court system handles thousands of cases each year involving domestic violence, also known as “family” or “intimate partner” violence. These cases can proceed through different branches of the court system depending on the circumstances and nature of the offense. Understanding how domestic violence cases are handled can help victims and accused individuals navigate the legal process more effectively.

Criminal Court System: When domestic violence involves criminal charges, the case is handled through the criminal court system. This includes incidents where the accused has committed a crime such as assault, battery, or threats of violence against a family member or intimate partner.

Family Court System: In situations where the domestic violence case involves issues such as divorce, child custody, or restraining orders, it is handled through the family court system. The family court can issue protective orders, make decisions on child custody and visitation, and address other family law matters.

Juvenile Court System: Cases involving minors, either as victims or perpetrators of domestic violence, are handled in the juvenile court system. The juvenile court focuses on the welfare and rehabilitation of minors.

Resources and Support for Victims

California provides extensive resources for victims of domestic violence through the California Courts Self-Help Center. This includes access to court forms, instructions, and information about restraining orders and other court processes. Victims can also find support services, including counseling, shelter, and legal assistance, to help them through the difficult process.