Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Re: Domestic violence

If you want to admit to criminal conduct and abuse, I guess you could, but it doesn't sound like a good plan to me. Instead, tell the DA you don't wish to prosecute, don't want to testify, and want to reconcile. They need to drop the restraining order.

Re: Domestic violence

Typically, courts will impose the restraining order to ensure the "victim" is protected. The courts, and the D.A., are quite accustomed to the "vitim" saying it was their fault in order to minimize any possible punishment. You should not communicate directly with your girlfriend until this matter is resolved. Only do so via her attorney. She has two problems right now. First, the pending charges. You can help her by writing a letter on her behalf. It is also very helpful for others who know her, teachers, employers, family, to write letters on her behalf. Talk to her attorney first. Such letters should be given to her attorney so that he may use them to persuade the D.A. to reduce or dismiss the charges. Second problem is the probation violation. Her situation depends on the offense for which she was on probation. If a similar offense to this one, it will be more difficult for her. If the current charges are dismissed, there is no violation. However, if the D.A. stands firm on the new charges, the letters will help to persuade them to perhaps allow her probation to simply be reinstated in view of whatever new penalty they want. There are no simple answers. If you genuinely want to help, do so only with the guidance of her attorney. Otherwise, you will only make things more difficult for him.