Domestic Violence Conviction Leads to 29-Year Sentence

A Ventura man will spend the next 29 years in prison following a domestic violence conviction. A jury found the man guilty of false imprisonment; inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant; and witness intimidation. The jury also found true 16 special allegations against the man, including a “third-strike.” The jury found him not guilty of exhibiting a deadly weapon, and the judge dismissed a charge of making criminal threats. In addition, the jury found not true one allegation of using a deadly weapon.

According to prosecutors, the man pinned his then-girlfriend to a table. The pair fell to the floor, and the woman suffered serious injuries on impact. The man also prevented the woman from moving following the fall. When the woman tried to change her clothes and seek medical treatment, the man threatened her. He also attempted to dissuade her from reporting her injuries to authorities.

The suspect has a history of domestic abuse, which included felony convictions for kidnapping and making criminal threats.

Ventura Domestic Violence Attorney

Domestic abuse charges can result in significant prison time, especially for those with a prior history of felony offenses. When you face charges for spousal abuse, hire an experienced domestic violence attorney like Robert Helfend. Mr. Helfend has more than 30 years of experience in criminal defense. He takes domestic abuse cases in Ventura County.

Mr. Helfend does not judge his clients based on the charges against them. Instead, he works hard to get the charges against them reduced or dropped. This case illustrates the chilling effect that a “third strike” can have on sentencing. The law doubles sentences for second felony convictions and can impose lifetime incarceration for a third violent felony.

That’s why your first move following an arrest should be to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney. Relying on an inexperienced defender can have significant negative consequences for you and your future.

Contact Robert Helfend or call toll-free at (800) 834-6434, (805) 273-5611, (310) 456-3317 or (818) 591-2809 for an immediate consultation on your Ventura County domestic violence case.

Photo Credit: Steve Rhodes, via Flickr.com