R&B singer Chris Brown was sentenced to five years of probation and six months of physical labor for the domestic violence beating of then girlfriend Rihanna last February. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg sternly warned the singer that he could do jail time if he violates the terms of his sentence. Brown was also ordered to attend domestic violence counseling for one year.
High profile domestic violence cases like Brown's shed a national spotlight on a growing problem. The latest federal National Crime Victimization Survey shows a 42% increase in domestic violence over the past two years. According to the American Institute on Domestic Violence, 90% of all domestic violence victims are female; and domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women. Statistics compiled by the American Bar Association indicate that approximately 1.3 million women and 835,000 men are physically assaulted by an intimate partner each year. In 2000, 33% of female murder victims and 4% of male murder victims were killed during domestic violence disputes.
Layoffs, job loss, home foreclosures, loss of retirement savings and financial problems resulting from the recession appear to be fueling the nationwide increase in domestic violence. "Domestic violence covers a wide range of abuse, including spousal abuse and child endangerment," said expert Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Stephen Rodriguez. In California, domestic violence laws apply not only to married couples, but also to cohabiting couples, ex-spouses, unmarried parents of a child, dating couples and people with a former dating relationship.
California domestic violence laws are complex and highly specialized. "Any threatening or violent act, even if the accused did not intend to harm or compromise the safety and security of the victim, could be grounds for prosecution under the California Domestic Violence laws," warns criminal defense attorney Rodriguez. In Los Angeles, a domestic violence charge demands skilled representation by a criminal defense attorney experienced in domestic violence litigation.
