What Are the Penalties for Domestic Violence and Child Endangerment in Pasadena, CA?

Facing domestic violence or child endangerment charges can be stressful and overwhelming. As a dedicated Pasadena domestic violence attorney, Antony Tung offers personalized legal support.

Antony has extensive experience handling both common cases and complex situations involving stalking, cyberstalking, or interfering with emergency calls. His deep understanding of California laws (Penal Codes §273.5 and §243(e)(1)) ensures effective strategies tailored to each client.

Our attorneys focus immediately on your rights, addressing misunderstandings or false allegations common in custody disputes or contentious relationships. Knowing the local dynamics, Antony provides context sensitive guidance that resonates in Pasadena courts.

Antony Tung prioritizes your future, your family, and your reputation. With compassionate advocacy, our attorneys help you navigate these difficult charges toward the best possible outcome.

What Is Considered Domestic Violence in California?

Domestic violence under California law includes far more than just physical assault. It covers a wide range of abusive behaviors between individuals in a domestic relationship.

Under Penal Code §13700 and Family Code §6211, domestic violence includes harm, threats, or intimidation directed at a spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, romantic partner, co-parent, or close family member. The relationship between the parties is key to whether a charge qualifies as “domestic.”

The abuse doesn’t have to be physical. It can involve emotional manipulation, threats of harm, stalking, harassment, or destroying property. For example, tearing out a phone line during an argument or breaking a partner’s phone can be charged as domestic violence if done to control or intimidate.

California courts also recognize financial abuse, coercive control, and sexual assault within intimate relationships as forms of domestic violence. This broad definition allows prosecutors to bring charges even when there are no visible injuries.

Understanding the full scope of what’s considered domestic violence is critical. People often assume it only applies when someone is physically hurt; but the law protects against a wider range of harmful behavior. This can result in serious legal consequences, even for first time offenders or those caught in emotionally charged situations.

If you’re facing allegations under California’s domestic violence statutes, having an attorney who understands these complexities can make a significant difference in how your case is handled.

Can Domestic Violence Be Charged as a Felony in Pasadena, CA?

Yes, domestic violence charges in California can be filed as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances. These are known as “wobbler” offenses because the prosecutor has discretion in how to charge the case.

The severity of the alleged injuries, whether a weapon was involved, and the accused’s criminal history all influence this decision. For example, a shove that causes no visible injury might lead to a misdemeanor charge under Penal Code §243(e)(1). But if the incident results in bruising, cuts, or other trauma, it could be charged as a felony under Penal Code §273.5 for inflicting corporal injury.

In felony cases, the potential penalties are much more serious. A conviction under §273.5 can lead to 2, 3, or 4 years in state prison and fines up to $6,000 or higher if aggravating factors exist. A prior history of domestic violence or other violent offenses can elevate sentencing even further.

In Pasadena, where domestic violence cases are handled by the Los Angeles County District Attorney or the Pasadena City Attorney, these decisions are made quickly after arrest. That’s why it’s critical to have legal representation early before charging decisions are finalized.

The domestic violence attorneys at Tung & Associates work proactively to challenge weak evidence, argue for reduced charges, or present mitigating facts. Getting involved early gives us the opportunity to steer your case away from felony prosecution whenever possible.

What Are the Most Common Domestic Violence Charges and Penalties?

Domestic violence is not a single charge. It refers to a wide range of offenses that happen within intimate or family relationships. Each charge carries its own penalties, and some can lead to jail or prison even without physical injuries.

Common Domestic Violence Charges in California

• Domestic Battery (Penal Code §243(e)(1))
  This charge applies when someone uses force or violence against an intimate partner, even without visible injury. It’s a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in county jail and a fine of up to $2,000. Most convictions also require attending a 52-week batterers’ program.
• Corporal Injury to a Spouse or Cohabitant (Penal Code §273.5)
  This applies when someone willfully inflicts physical injury that causes a traumatic condition like bruising or bleeding. It’s a “wobbler,” meaning it can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. A felony conviction can result in 2 to 4 years in prison and fines up to $6,000 or more.
• Criminal Threats (Penal Code §422)
  Threatening serious harm, even without physical contact, can result in this “wobbler” charge. A felony conviction may lead to up to 4 years in prison if the threat caused the victim to reasonably fear for their safety.
• Child Abuse (Penal Code §273d)
  If physical harm is inflicted on a child it may be prosecuted as abuse. Felony convictions can bring up to 6 years in state prison, while misdemeanors carry up to 1 year in jail.
• Elder Abuse (Penal Code §368)
  Abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of an elder (65+) within a domestic setting may be charged under this statute. Penalties vary from 1 year in jail (misdemeanor) to 4 years in prison (felony), depending on the severity.

Other charges often filed alongside domestic violence include:

• Stalking (PC §646.9)
• Violating a Restraining Order (PC §273.6)
• Dissuading a Witness (PC §136.1)

Why the Charges Matter

Each of these charges carries not only criminal penalties but long-term consequences like mandatory probation terms, protective orders, and limitations on custody, employment, and gun rights. Even a misdemeanor can disrupt your family life and damage your reputation.

Our Pasadena attorneys know how to challenge the facts, negotiate with prosecutors, and work toward dismissals or reduced charges. We take every case seriously because even the most minor charge can change a life.

What Are Some Uncommon Domestic Violence Scenarios That Still Lead to Criminal Charges?

Not all domestic violence charges stem from obvious physical altercations. In California, some lesser-known behaviors can also lead to serious criminal charges, even if there was no injury or the conduct seems minor.

Uncommon Domestic Violence Scenarios We See in LA County

• Damaging Communication Devices (Penal Code §591)
  Cutting a phone line, breaking a partner’s cell phone, or disabling internet access during an argument may be charged as a felony. Prosecutors treat this as interfering with a person’s ability to call for help and is often seen as an indicator of control or intimidation.
• Revenge Porn (Penal Code §647(j)(4))
  Sharing or threatening to share intimate images of a former partner can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges. Though classified under privacy laws, this is often treated as a form of emotional abuse and domestic violence when used to harass or control.
• Unlawful Entry or Trespass During a Domestic Dispute
  Showing up uninvited at a partner’s home, especially after a breakup or while a protective order is in place, can result in trespass or even burglary charges. This is common in emotionally charged breakups, particularly when one person refuses to respect boundaries.
  Child Abduction (Penal Code §278)
  Taking a child without legal custody can lead to felony charges. This often occurs in heated disputes where one parent tries to flee with the child, believing they are protecting them from harm.
• Stalking or Cyberstalking (Penal Code §646.9)
  Repeatedly contacting, following, or monitoring a former partner, either in person or online, can be charged as stalking. This is a wobbler offense and frequently arises after a relationship ends, even without physical abuse.

Why These Matter

These scenarios are often misunderstood or underestimated, but California law treats them seriously. A person may not realize their actions qualify as domestic violence until they’re arrested and facing multiple charges. Many of these charges can carry jail or prison time, mandatory counseling, and long-term personal consequences.

We’ve seen firsthand how quickly these situations escalate. Our attorneys know how to explain context, challenge overreach, and work to prevent these uncommon charges from permanently altering your life.

Get Help for Domestic Violence Charges

If you or someone you care about is facing domestic violence or child endangerment charges, it’s important to act quickly and get legal help from someone who truly understands what’s at stake. These cases move fast, and even a first-time allegation can lead to jail time, court orders, and long-term consequences for your family, your future, and your freedom.

We’ll help you understand your options, protect your rights, and guide you toward the best possible outcome without judgment and with the professionalism and compassion you deserve.

Contact Tung & Associates today for a confidential consultation.

Call (626) 416-4668 or arrange to visit our office to speak with an experienced Pasadena domestic violence attorney. The sooner we’re involved, the sooner we can begin building your case and helping you move forward.