Domestic Violence

When you have been accused of or arrested for domestic violence, attorney Matt Sullivan is experienced, skilled and aggressive, in the defense of domestic violence matters. Mr. Sullivan has handled serious felony cases in San Mateo County, at both the Redwood City and South San Francisco courthouse. He has also handled a number of misdemeanor domestic violence matters. Those charged with domestic violence, misdemeanor or felony, may face penalties which can include fines, jail time, and counseling. A domestic violence conviction on your record may also have employment or professional licensing consequences. Charges like this can impact child custody arrangements. We understand that domestic violence affects the entire family, including children. At the Law Office of Matt Sullivan, you can rely on a professional with compassion, and a criminal lawyer with the skill and in-depth understanding necessary to assist you in navigating this process.

What are the penalties you may face if arrested on charges of domestic violence? Depending upon your individual circumstances and whether it is charged as a misdemeanor or felony, you may face prison or jail time of as much as 3 years or more, fines, a lifetime ban on possessing firearms, probation, anger management classes, the 52 week batterer's intervention program and more. Regardless of the circumstances, it is critical that you consult with an experienced criminal attorney as soon as you have been arrested in a domestic violence case.

The severity of the punishment you face if convicted will depend on factors such as whether injury occurred, the severity of the injury, whether a weapon was involved, and your prior record, if any. Regardless of whether you believe you are innocent, or that you believe you committed some unlawful act, you should discuss your case with a criminal attorney who has handled hundreds of criminal cases. The prosecution in San Mateo County will aggressively prosecute domestic violence matters. An attorney you hire will work with you to determine the facts of the case, evaluate what defenses you may raise to the charge, and also analyze if it would be to your advantage to enter a plea, seek to negotiate a plea to a lesser charge, or set your case for trial in Redwood City or South San Francisco.

Some of the defenses used by skilled attorneys include self-defense, lack of injury to the alleged victim, false accusations made by the alleged victim, accident, intoxication issues, or mental health issues. If you made any statements to the police, there may be issues that need to be raised related to any failure on the part of police to read the accused his/her Miranda Rights. Your criminal attorney will review the details of your case and work with you to determine the best course of action to take in order to protect your legal rights and freedom. In some situations, it is to the accused individual's advantage to consider an alternative sentence which may include electronic home monitoring, community service or other options.

Domestic violence is a serious offense that can negatively impact your career, reputation and family, including child custody and divorce proceedings. Whether you are guilty or innocent of the charges leveled against you, it is important that you have a capable criminal lawyer to defend you in your San Mateo County criminal case, and an attorney who will work with you to determine the best solution for your unique circumstances, whether it requires motions litigation, trial, or negotiating a plea bargain. Contact us today for legal guidance and representation in your matter.