Los Angeles Domestic Violence Lawyer

Defense for Threats, Intimidation and Domestic Violence in Los Angeles

When does an argument become domestic violence? If no one was physically injured, how can it be called domestic violence? For many people, the line between a family disagreement and domestic violence can be hard to distinguish. Verbal threats, for example, do not cause physical injury, but they could cause a fear of physical injury. So called "terrorist threats" or "criminal threats" such as, "I'll kill you!" can be charged as a felony!

Domestic Violence is defined in the California Penal Code section 13700 as: Abuse committed against an adult or a minor who is a spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, former cohabitant, or person with whom the suspect has had a child or is having or had a dating or engagement relationship.

If you are facing charges for threats or intimidation, now is the time to talk to a Los Angeles domestic violence defense attorney about your legal rights and options. At the Takakjian & Sitkoff law firm, we are concerned about any current charges you are facing. We also are concerned about your future and that you understand the dangers of making verbal threats and otherwise intimidating family members.

Stalking and Harassment

California Penal Code section 646.9(a) defines Stalking as: Any person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or willfully and maliciously harasses another person and who makes a credible threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear for his or her life or safety, or the safety of his or her immediate family is guilty of the crime of stalking.

Often people do not even realize the fear a verbal threat or "terrorist threat" can produce in another person. What may seem like a harmless remark to one person can sound like a threat of imminent violence to another.

• Emotional abuse, calling someone names, psychological abuse, playing mind games, can make the other person feel intimidated.
• Controlling another person by monitoring and controlling who they see or talk to can have the effect of isolation and intimidation.
• Intimidation can include glowering looks, a loud voice, smashing things, destroying property, demonstrating greater strength or size in an angry manner.
• Making verbal threats about physical harm, about taking the children away, or reporting a spouse to authorities can make a victim feel threatened and inadequate as a parent and spouse.

California Penal Code section 646.9(e) defines Harassment as: A knowing and willful course of conduct directed at a specific person that seriously alarms, annoys, torments, or terrorizes the person, and that serves no legitimate purpose. This course of conduct must be such as would cause a reasonable person to suffer emotional distress and must actually cause substantial distress to the person.

Verbal threats may seem harmless because they do not cause physical injury. They can, however, create a threatening, violent environment that is damaging to all the residents of a household. If you have questions about the dangers of verbal threats and intimidation, we urge you to talk to a counselor or support group. Yes, even verbal threats can result in a FELONY charge of "TERRORIST THREATS" and domestic violence.

Our lawyers care about your future, your freedom, and the health and safety of all your family members. Contact a Los Angeles Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer at our firm today for a free review of your case.