Great Bodily Injury – P.C. 12022.7
One of the most serious sentence enhancements in California is for "GBI" which can add 3-6 years in prison on top of the underlying sentence. It also makes the underlying charge a strike offense.
Radford & Rome - LA Criminal Defense Attorneys
Los Angeles' Best Criminal Defense and Employment Law Firm
Radford & Rome - LA Criminal Defense Attorneys
Los Angeles' Best Criminal Defense and Employment Law Firm
Elder Abuse in California
California Penal Code §368 is the state’s primary law protecting elders and dependent adults from abuse, neglect, or exploitation. It criminalizes a wide range of behavior—from physical violence and emotional mistreatment to financial crimes and neglect by caregivers.
Domestic Battery — California Penal Code § 243(e)(1)
Domestic Battery, defined under California Penal Code § 243(e)(1), is one of the most common charges within the broader category of domestic violence crimes. It applies when someone uses force or violence against a spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, fiancé, dating partner, or the parent of their child.
Child Abuse – California Penal Code § 273a(a) and § 273a(b)
Child abuse in California can be prosecuted under several statutes, but Penal Code §§ 273a(a) and 273a(b) are among the most common. Both sections criminalize causing or permitting harm to a child, yet they differ in severity based on the circumstances.
Domestic Violence, Penal Code § 273.5(a)
California Penal Code § 273.5(a): Corporal Injury to a Spouse or Cohabitant Domestic violence is a broad term, but Penal Code § 273.5(a) targets one of the most basic and serious forms: willfully inflicting a corporal injury that produces a traumatic condition…
Violating a Restraining Order (Penal Code § 273.6)
A restraining order—also called a protective or stay‑away order—is a court directive that prohibits a person from contacting or approaching a protected individual. Violating such an order is a crime under California Penal Code § 273.6.
Marsy’s Law – Advocating for Crime Victims in California
California’s Victims’ Bill of Rights—better known as Marsy’s Law—amended the state constitution in 2008 to give victims clear, enforceable rights. While prosecutors and law enforcement are obligated to respect those rights, victims frequently feel left out of the process or unsure of how to make their voices heard.
Dropping Domestic Violence Charges in California – When a Witness Doesn’t Want to Press Charges
Domestic violence allegations can tear families apart. In many cases the complainant later has second thoughts and wants the case dismissed. California law, however, leaves charging decisions in the hands of prosecutors, not victims. Even if the person who made the report no longer wishes to cooperate, the district attorney can – and often will – proceed with a domestic‑violence case. That is why it is critical to retain experienced counsel who understands both the prosecution’s discretion and the rights of victims and defendants.