Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Domestic Violence Falsely Accused

My ex-boyfriend and his ex-wife beat me up. I didn't even have a chance to protect myself. I called the police, they left came back an hour after the police arrived and said that it was me who hit them and I was arrested even though I had the bruises and a black eye and they had some redness on their face. The only other witness was a 16 year old boy who lives across the apartment from them who gets his pot from them. 1. Is it domestic violence since we weren't living together? and 2. I have been assigned a public defender who is a jerk and is not only interested in hearing my side, but believes everything that all 3 people say and believes that I am lying and is trying to convince me that I should just plead guilty. I have no money for a real lawyer because the same ex boyfriend stoled money and personal belongings from me and maxed out my credit cards which is why we broke up. Would I even have a chance if this went to trial? Is it innappropriate for me to contact the DA to get him to drop the charges since the public defender refuses to do it?


Asked on 5/12/08, 1:34 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Anne Marie Healy Law Offices of Anne Marie Healy

Re: Domestic Violence Falsely Accused

Don't plead guilty. If you can't afford an attorney, then force the public defender to take it to trial. It would be better to be found guilty by a jury then to admit guilt for something you did not do. And I hope pictures were taken of your injuries.

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Answered on 5/12/08, 11:56 am
Jacek W. Lentz Law Offices of Jacek W. Lentz

Re: Domestic Violence Falsely Accused

You can ask the judge to assign another lawyer for you. A hearing why your present lawyer is not effective/competent will have to take place. Telling the judge the the lawyer is not listening to your side of the story can be grounds to get another one.

Jacek W. Lentz, Esq.

310.273.1361

www.lentzlawfirm.com

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Answered on 5/12/08, 1:40 pm


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