Riverside Felony Domestic Violence Attorney

A felony domestic violence charge can instantly disrupt your whole life. You might be stressed about going to jail or prison, getting a permanent criminal record, losing rights to see your children, or being forced out of your own home. You may also be wondering how an argument or misunderstanding turned into a major felony charge in the first place.

At The Law Offices of Ty Martinez, we stand up for people facing domestic violence charges across Riverside County. We look closely at what you are accused of, review the police evidence, and uncover what really happened. Our job is to give you clear answers, guide you through your choices, and build a strong defense for your future.

Facing a felony charge? Call (888) 464-1038 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation. 

When Does Domestic Violence Become a Felony in California?

Not every domestic violence call leads to a felony. It depends on the specific claim, whether anyone was hurt, your past record, and what the local prosecutor decides to file.

• Corporal Injury on a Partner (Penal Code § 273.5): This charge applies when someone is accused of causing a physical mark or injury (a "traumatic condition") to a spouse, partner, live-in partner, or co-parent. It ranges from minor scratches or bruises to serious injuries. Prosecutors can choose to file this charge as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
• Domestic Battery (Penal Code § 243(e)(1)): This is usually charged when physical force or touching is alleged, but there are no visible marks or injuries. This is a misdemeanor.
• Other Related Charges: Domestic arguments sometimes lead to additional charges like making threats (PC 422), stalking (PC 646.9), breaking property (PC 594), or keeping someone from leaving (PC 236).

What You Should Know: Just because the police arrested you on a felony does not mean the prosecutor has to keep it as a felony. We work early to push for charges to be dropped or reduced to a misdemeanor under California Penal Code § 17(b).

Key Things That Affect Your Case

Every case is different. Important details include:

• Whether there are photos showing physical marks or injuries (or showing that there were none).
• Whether police reports match what is shown on police body-camera footage.
• Whether you have any past criminal convictions on your record.
• Physical proof like 911 phone recordings, text messages, phone call histories, and doctor records.

How We Defend Your Case in Riverside

We never make assumptions about what happened. We look at the actual facts and build a defense suited to your situation.

1. Reaching Out to the Prosecutor Early

In Riverside County, a felony arrest is reviewed by the District Attorney’s Office before official charges are filed in court. In many cases, getting involved early—showing the prosecutor your text messages, witness statements, or proof that you were defending yourself—can convince them to reduce the charges or drop the case before court ever starts.

2. Finding Contradictions in Statements

Arguments happen fast, and emotional statements given to the police often change later. We carefully compare the police reports against 911 calls, text messages, and body-cam video to point out major inconsistencies in the claims made against you.

3. Showing Self-Defense

Police officers called to a domestic argument often make quick arrests just to play it safe. We investigate whether officers ignored evidence that you were only defending yourself, blocking strikes, or trying to calm down the situation.

What Happens After a Domestic Violence Arrest in Riverside?

Your First Court Date (Arraignment)

Your first court appearance is called an arraignment. The judge reads the charges, takes your plea, and sets bail or release rules. 

In Riverside County, your case will go to a courthouse near where the arrest happened:

• Riverside Hall of Justice (Downtown Riverside)
• Southwest Justice Center (Murrieta)
• Banning Justice Center (Banning)
• Larson Justice Center (Indio)

Restraining Orders & No-Contact Rules

At your first court date, the judge will almost always issue a Criminal Protective Order. This order often forbids you from contacting your partner or going back to your shared home.

• Crucial Rule: The person who called the police cannot cancel this court order. Even if your partner calls you, texts you, or asks you to come home, talking to them is a brand new crime under Penal Code § 273.6 and will lead to an immediate arrest.

Can the Accuser "Drop the Charges"?

No. In California, individual accusers do not drop charges, only the District Attorney can do that. Even if your partner changes their story or signs a letter saying they do not want to prosecute, the district attorney can still move forward with the case using 911 calls, officer notes, and photos.

Potential Consequences of a Felony Conviction

A felony domestic violence conviction carries severe life consequences:

• Time served in County Jail or California State Prison.
• Probation and a mandatory 52-week domestic violence class (Batterer’s Intervention Program).
• Losing your right to own or carry a gun under state and federal law.
• Major setbacks in child custody and visitation battles in family court.
• Problems getting or keeping a job, housing, or professional license.

Why Choose Us?

When your freedom, home, and family are on the line, you deserve straight answers and real legal experience.

At The Law Offices of Ty Martinez, we bring over 40 years of combined criminal defense experience to clients throughout Riverside County. We combine an aggressive defense in the courtroom with honest advice so you always know where your case stands.

• We build a strategy based on the facts of your case, not a one-size-fits-all plan.
• We give you clear expectations without making false promises.
• We carefully check body-cam footage, police logs, and phone records.
• We keep you informed and supported from your arrest through the end of your case.

Recognized with the AVVO® Client Choice award, our team is ready to stand by your side.

5 Practical Steps to Take Right Now

1. Keep your papers. Save all bail paperwork, release forms, and court notices that show your court date and courthouse location.
2. Save all evidence. Keep text messages, voicemails, photos, social media posts, and location records. Never delete or edit any messages.
3. Write down what happened. Write a private, step-by-step timeline of events for your lawyer while your memory is fresh.
4. Follow court orders. Never violate a protective order, even if the other person reaches out to you first.
5. Talk to a lawyer first. Do not talk about your case with friends, family, police, or on social media before speaking with your defense attorney.

Speak with a Riverside Domestic Violence Lawyer Today

Don't wait to protect your rights. Contact The Law Offices of Ty Martinez to speak with a defense lawyer about your felony case.

Call (888) 464-1038 or contact us online today for your free consultation.