Santa Clara County Defense Attorney for Corporal Injury to a Spouse

Trusted Lawyer in San Jose for Those Accused of Domestic Violence

The Fuller Law Firm has over 10 years of experience helping criminal suspects defend against domestic violence charges brought against them. We believe that a person accused of a crime is still a person and that he or she deserves to have an aggressive and persistent defense. If you have been charged with corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant, you probably have many questions. Attorney Cory Fuller and the professional team at the Fuller Law Firm can help you fully understand the charges against you and advise you as to the next steps. We are fully capable of representing you at every stage of criminal proceedings, including at trial if necessary.

Understanding Corporal Injury to a Spouse or Cohabitant Charges

Criminal defendants are often overwhelmed and uncertain about the justice system. One of the reasons for this is the confusing legal jargon and terminology used to describe crimes in California. The charge of "corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant" refers to an allegation that the defendant willfully injured or harmed a current or former spouse or live-in domestic partner. The victim could also be a person with whom the defendant shares a child. The injury or harm that can result in a criminal charge is not clearly defined in California law. The law only specifies that the injury is visible. This means that anything from a broken arm, black eye, concussion, or small bruise could be considered "corporal injury." Most often, corporal injury refers to harm caused by hitting, kicking, slapping, punching, pushing, or biting.

Penalties for a Corporal Injury Conviction

If you are convicted of corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant, you face serious punitive consequences. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime, corporal injury may be considered a misdemeanor or felony. A conviction of corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant is punishable by up to four years in prison and fines up to $6,000. The sentence you could face depends on your prior criminal history, the circumstances of your specific case, and whether the charge is handled as a misdemeanor or felony.

Defending Against Domestic Violence Criminal Charges

One of the most important parts of building a solid defense against corporal injury charges is the question of willfulness. The harm you have allegedly done to a spouse or cohabitant must be intentional. If an accident led to a visible injury, a conviction is not appropriate. You may also be able to avoid conviction if your actions were in self-defense or if you have been falsely accused. If it is proven that you unlawfully touched the alleged victim, but did not actually cause bodily injury, your charges may be reduced. A district attorney may offer a plea bargain and give you the opportunity to plead guilty to domestic battery, which can be a misdemeanor offense.

Attorney Cory Fuller and his team will work with you in exploring all of your available options. We understand that you are more than just a defendant or the name on a criminal complaint. You are a real person with unique experiences and challenges, some of which may have contributed to the charges you are facing. Our team will help determine your eligibility for diversion programs that focus on second chances rather than harsh punishments so that you can avoid jail time and a permanent criminal record if possible.

Schedule a Case Consultation Today

If you have been charged with a domestic crime, you do not have to face these charges alone. Let the professionals at the Fuller Law Firm help. Contact our office by calling 408-234-7563 to schedule a confidential consultation and case review today. We serve criminal defense clients in the San Jose area, including Palo Alto, Gilroy, Fremont, Alameda County, Santa Clara County, and the neighboring communities.