Protecting Your Family and Your Rights

When the police respond to a domestic dispute, they are not there to mediate on your behalf or to help your family resolve an argument. They are there to arrest someone – usually (though not always) a man.

Like much of California, Santa Clara County has a “Do Not Drop” policy. This means that the “victim” cannot drop the charges, even if she or he wants to do so.

If you have been arrested and charged with domestic violence or domestic abuse, you need a defense lawyer with experience fighting these cases in court; one who understands when it’s best to negotiate for a better situation. Contact the Law Offices of Holden W. Green, A Professional Corporation for skilled, professional legal help.

Since 2000, attorney Holden W. Green has been representing people facing misdemeanor or felony charges for spousal abuse, assault, child endangerment, child abuse, stalking, or violation of a restraining order. He also defends people in hearings requesting a permanent restraining order.

The consequences of a domestic violence conviction can be severe:

◾ The charge will go on your permanent record.
◾ You face possible jail time
◾ Your name may be entered into the statewide CLETS (California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System) database

Negotiating Settlements and Alternative Sentencing Options

There are many opportunities in domestic violence cases for an experienced lawyer to negotiate for better circumstances in a case:

◾ Charges can be negotiated from criminal to non-criminal so your case can be heard in family court or a child protective services hearing rather than a criminal court.
◾ Charges can be reduced to a misdemeanor “disturbing the peace” rather than domestic assault.
◾ If there is a protective order, it may be possible to leave children out of that order so the parent can continue to see his or her children.