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Temecula, Murrieta Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer – Can I prevent my spouse from testifying against me in a domestic violence or spousal battery case?

I’m sometimes asked by husbands who were arrested for domestic violence — California Penal Code section 273.5 or 243(e)(1) — whether they can prevent their wives from testifying in court by invoking their marital privilege. California law recognizes two marital privileges. First, a spouse may refuse to testify against the other spouse. This privilege is…

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What is “self-defense” and when can I use it?

Suppose that you’re charged with assault, battery, domestic violence or assault with a deadly weapon. Self-defense may be used by an experienced attorney as an absolute defense to the crime with which you’re being charged. Simply stated, self-defense means that it is lawful to defend yourself from attack if: (1) as a reasonable person, you…