DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

PRACTICE AREAS

RECENT NEWS

New Law: Veterans Now Eligible for DUI Diversion

By michaelfannon • 25 Aug, 2017
On August 7, 2017, Governor Brown signed SB 725 which amends Penal Code section 1001.80 regarding veteran’s diversion by adding subdivision (l) to take effect as urgency legislation. Subdivision (l) now states: “Notwithstanding any other law, including Section 23640 of the Vehicle Code, a misdemeanor offense for which a defendant may be placed in a [..] The post New Law: Veterans Now Eligible for DUI Diversion appeared first on Ryan Birss, Attorney at Law.

Proposition 57 Update

By michaelfannon • 26 Jul, 2017
My friend Douglas Fienberg from the Fresno County Public Defender’s Office has been carefully tracking the proposed rules for Proposition 57.  You can see the proposed rules here: http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/proposition57/docs/Prop-57-Public-Comment-Regs.pdf. Here is the latest from Mr. Fienberg: There are at least four problems with the proposed regulations. First, the proposed regulations exclude people subject to indeterminate [..] The post Proposition 57 Update appeared first on Ryan Birss, Attorney at Law.

California Proposition 57: What You Need to Know

By michaelfannon • 21 Nov, 2016
On November 8, 2016, California voters approved Proposition 57, also known as the California Parole for Non-Violent Criminals and Juvenile Court Trial Requirements Initiative. Here’s a brief look at what Proposition 57 means to California and its citizens. New parole opportunities for those convicted of non-violent felonies. Proposition 57 changes the time calculation for parole [..] The post California Proposition 57: What You Need to Know appeared first on Ryan Birss, Attorney at Law.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is assault, battery, and related actions against a family member, significant other, or cohabitant. While domestic violence charges and sentences are legally similar to the underlying crimes, there are often additional penalties.


Judges generally give much harsher treatment to people accused of domestic violence and may give closer to the maximum sentence. In addition, protective orders will be issued requiring the accused to stay away from specific people and places. Even minor violations of a protective order could result in additional charges and jail time.


Too often, domestic violence is based on false allegations. A participant in a mutual disagreement may make a claim for revenge. A parent in a custody battle may be trying to gain an advantage.


You have the right to have your side of the story heard. While the police might be quick to make an arrest to end a situation, your criminal defense attorney can help you make sure the real facts — or lack of facts — come out in court.


Ryan Birss provides aggressive criminal defense representation for people who have been accused of domestic violence. Serving Shasta, Trinity, Tehama, Siskiyou, and Butte Counties.

Share by: