Close

Former Senior LA Prosecutor.
Harvard Law School Educated.
Now Providing an Aggressive Defense For You.

Domestic Violence Probation

Many defendants who are convicted of a domestic violence offense are placed on probation for a specified period of time. In some cases, the judge may deny probation and the defendant would be sentenced to serve his or her sentence in county jail or state prison, depending on whether or not the underlying offense was a misdemeanor or a felony. If the Court grants probation, the defendant will be expected to adhere to the terms and conditions of probation, including any domestic violence protective order.

Summary vs. Supervised Probation

If the defendant is convicted of a misdemeanor level offense, the Court typically will place him or her on summary probation for a period of three to five years. Defendants on summary probation are not actively monitored by the county probation department. Instead, they will be given several due dates by which they must complete counseling, community labor, community service, jail, fines and any other condition of probation imposed by the Court.

Defendants who are convicted of felony-level domestic violence crimes are often placed on supervised probation. They will have to regularly check in with the probation department and may be subject to random drug testing. Probation will monitor the defendant’s progress and will report any violations to the sentencing court.

Terms of Probation for Domestic Violence Offenders

Defendants who are convicted of a domestic violence crime will usually be expected to complete several requirements of probation. The Court will usually require that the defendant complete the 52-week batterers program designed for domestic violence offenders. In addition, the court may require that the defendant complete community service or community labor hours, pay extensive court fines and even serve time in jail.

The Court will usually issue a protective order as a condition of probation. This order would prevent the defendant from having any contact with the named victim. Any violation of the order could be considered a probation violation and would be grounds for new criminal charges. In some cases, the named victim may want to reconcile with the defendant and have the protective order lifted. The Court may be willing to terminate the protective order or reduce it to a Level One protective order which allows for peaceful conduct between the parties. The defendant would be ordered to surrender any firearms in his or her possession and would be precluded from owning or possessing firearms.

Domestic Violence Probation Violations

If the defendant fails to complete a term of his or her probation in a timely manner or is charged with a new offense, the Court may issue a probation violation and bench warrant for the defendant’s arrest. The Court may revoke probation entirely and send the defendant to jail or prison as a result of the violation or the Court may reinstate probation and add additional terms, such as extra community labor or community service days or additional days in custody.

The defendant is entitled to a hearing to contest the probation violation. At the hearing, the defendant’s attorney can present evidence and testimony showing why a violation did not occur. Unlike criminal trials, a probation violation hearing is held before a judge and not a jury.

If you or a loved one have been arrested for a domestic violence offense or are already on probation for a domestic violence crime, it is critical that you meet with an attorney who handles these types of cases as soon as possible. Michael Kraut is a former Deputy District Attorney with over 14 years of prosecutorial experience who fight hard on behalf of his clients charged with domestic violence crimes. In many cases, Mr. Kraut’s early intervention has led to criminal charges being dismissed or significantly reduced.

For more information about domestic violence probation and to schedule your free consultation, contact Michael Kraut at the Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers located at 6255 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 1520, Los Angeles, CA 90028. Mr. Kraut can be reached 24/7 at 888-334-6344 or 323-464-6453.


Client Reviews
★★★★★
Michael Kraut is outstanding! He genuinely cared about my case and instructed my mom and I throughout the entire process. He was very clear on what he needed in order to receive the best results. He kept us updated until the end. I thank him so much for getting my charges rejected. I highly recommend him to anyone with legal needs! Shaquan
★★★★★
I contacted Michael with concern for my personal and business reputation. He was very reassuring and confident the entire time. After about 3 weeks it was determined that no charges were being filed by any agency and I was in the clear of any investigation. One thing that is amazing is just how FAST Michael is at replying to phone calls, texts, and even emails! We are talking under 30 minutes in most cases. That is unheard of for most attorneys! Michael is incredible and not your typical run of the mill attorney. For best results hire him if you feel like you might be under investigation or could face charges. Even if you know you are innocent it is best to take care of the smoke before it becomes a fire. Brad
★★★★★
Michael Kraut is-hands down-the best criminal defense attorney and I can't begin to thank him for all that he did for me and my family. I reached out to him in the middle of the night and less than a couple hours later, he had gotten back to me and scheduled a meeting. He's a no-nonsense attorney who knows how to get the job done! From the second we retained him, I had peace of mind in knowing that we were in the best hands possible. If Michael Kraut couldn't get it done, I knew that it couldn't be done at all. You can't put a price tag on your freedom. He was worth every single penny. Lida
★★★★★
Michael Kraut is an outstanding attorney. He was extremely professional, and straightforward, yet sensitive with my case. I am confident I made the right choice by hiring Michael. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking a truly experienced lawyer. Daniel
★★★★★
Michael Kraut - I cannot thank you enough for all that you did for ​my son. When I came to you I read that you used to be a district attorney but I never knew how much that meant until I watch you in court. I knew it took 3 months but the final day when I heard the judge say that all charges were dismissed it was all worth it! I will always be grateful for all that you did for us. A.N.
Contact Us