“I needed an attorney to represent me in a criminal DV case, and I hired [Ryan Couzens] to do so. He was very straightforward about his representation, and his honesty and integrity were very comforting. He is very familiar and comfortable in court, and he proved his value throughout the duration of my case. I would absolutely use his services again if needed.” - Jacob Little, Colfax

Domestic Violence Defense Attorney Serving Placer, Yuba, Sutter, Sacramento, and Nevada Counties

“As a prosecutor, I did exclusively domestic violence for a time. In fact, your domestic violence case is likely being handled by a special team of prosecutors. You too should have someone trained with the knowledge and skills to handle these cases. These cases have special evidentiary rules, unique sentences and witness dynamics that require the right skills and experience to get the best outcome.” — Ryan J. Couzens

Domestic violence refers to alleged crimes committed against someone with whom the accused shares a close relationship—such as a spouse, dating partner, co-parent, or family member. These charges can arise from a range of accusations, including physical acts like assault or battery, as well as non-physical conduct like threats, intimidation, stalking, harassment, or violations of restraining orders.

Understanding Domestic Violence Charges

The law categorizes domestic violence offenses as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the severity of the alleged conduct and other surrounding circumstances. Misdemeanor domestic violence charges are typically considered less serious and may carry a maximum sentence of up to one year in jail. However, these cases are often eligible for alternative sentencing options like probation, community service, or counseling programs.

Felony domestic violence charges, on the other hand, are far more serious. These cases often involve significant injury, a prior history of domestic violence, or additional criminal behavior occurring at the same time. A felony conviction can result in multiple years in state prison, along with lasting consequences for your freedom, reputation, and future.

Some examples of domestic violence crimes are as follows:

California Penal Code §243(e)(1) – Misdemeanor Domestic Battery

This charge involves the use of force or violence against a current or former spouse, dating partner, cohabitant, or the parent of your child. No visible injury is required for a conviction—only that force was used. It’s a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and fines.

California Penal Code §273.5 – Corporal Injury to a Spouse or Cohabitant

This is a more serious domestic violence charge involving the intentional infliction of physical injury resulting in a visible wound or traumatic condition. It can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony (“wobbler”) and may carry significant jail or prison time.

California Penal Code §646.9 – Stalking

This statute covers repeated harassment or threats that place someone in fear for their safety or the safety of their loved ones. It can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on prior convictions or the presence of restraining orders.

California Penal Code §236 – False Imprisonment

This charge involves unlawfully restraining, detaining, or confining someone without their consent. It can apply to domestic situations where one party prevents the other from leaving. It may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the facts.

California Penal Code §273.6 – Violation of a Restraining Order

This code makes it a crime to knowingly violate a valid court-issued restraining or protective order. Even if the protected person initiates contact, the restrained person can still face criminal charges for responding or interacting.

What's at Risk in a Domestic Violence Case?

A domestic violence conviction can lead to:


• Jail or prison time; a simple domestic violence felony can carry up to four years in prison, or up to one year in jail with probation


• A permanent criminal record
- Loss of your professional license


• Restraining orders for up to ten years


• Loss of gun rights, even for a misdemeanor


• Child custody issues, domestic violence cases can change an ongoing family law case

Domestic Violence Probation Requirements

If you are granted probation after a domestic violence conviction in California, the law sets out mandatory terms the court must impose. These include:

• 52-Week Batterer’s Intervention Program – You must complete a certified year-long counseling program with weekly classes.

• Protective Orders – The court will likely issue a criminal protective order, even if the protected person doesn’t request it. This may include stay-away or no-harassment conditions.

• Probation Supervision – Formal probation is typically required, which means regular check-ins with a probation officer.

• Fines and Fees – The court may order restitution, victim compensation, and additional court-imposed fines and assessments.

• Community Service or Jail Time – Depending on the case, the court may impose county jail time or require volunteer work.

• Search Conditions and Firearm Restrictions – You may be subject to warrantless searches, and you’ll be prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.

These requirements are mandatory and must be followed precisely. Failing to comply with any condition can result in a probation violation and possible jail time.

Couzens Criminal Defense proudly represents clients in Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Granite Bay, Auburn, Loomis, Folsom, Fair Oaks, Citrus Heights, Carmichael, Rancho Cordova, Elk Grove, Galt, Orangevale, North Highlands, Rio Linda, Marysville, Yuba City, Antelope, Nevada City, and beyond.



A domestic violence charge can disrupt your entire life. At Couzens Criminal Defense, we understand how high the stakes are—your freedom, your job, your family, and your future may all hang in the balance. As a former Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney with 16 years of experience, Ryan Couzens knows exactly how these cases are prosecuted—and now he uses that knowledge to fight for you. Whether you’re looking to stop charges before they’re filed or defend yourself in court, we provide aggressive representation to bring you the best outcome.



When so much is at stake, you need a skilled domestic violence lawyer who knows how to protect your rights. We work to keep you out of custody, challenge restraining orders, and defend your reputation. Call Couzens Criminal Defense today for a free consultation.

What Sets Couzens Criminal Defense Apart

At Couzens Criminal Defense, you benefit from:


• A former award-winning prosecutor who now defends people accused of domestic violence


• Nearly two decades of courtroom experience with domestic violence 

• Early, pre-filing intervention to stop charges before they start

• A firm that knows how to investigate, challenge, and negotiate on your behalf


• Customized defense strategies including self-defense, mutual combat, lack of intent, and false accusation



Why You Still Need a Lawyer—Even If the Alleged Victim Wants to Drop the Charges

Many people are surprised to learn that in a domestic violence case, the alleged victim does not have the power to drop the charges. Once the police respond to a domestic incident, they generate a report that goes straight to the District Attorney’s office for review. Even if both parties later reconcile or agree the situation was misunderstood, the case is now in the hands of the prosecution—and only the DA can decide whether to file charges.

One of the ways in which domestic violence cases is unique is that most “DV” victims “recant” or try to say the crime did not happen.  DV prosecutors are accustomed to this.  Trying to persuade the alleged victim to drop the case can actually make matters worse.In some situations, that kind of contact could be interpreted as dissuasion, intimidation, harassment, or even witness tampering—potentially leading to additional charges. That’s why early intervention by an experienced defense attorney is absolutely critical. At Couzens Criminal Defense, we engage with the DA’s office right away, presenting context, character evidence, and mitigating facts in an effort to stop charges from being filed in the first place.

How Do We Defend Against a Domestic Violence Case?

1. Self-Defense or Defense of Others: You may have acted reasonably to protect yourself or another person from harm. California law allows the use of force if you were facing an immediate threat.

2. False Allegations: Domestic violence accusations are sometimes made out of anger, revenge, or to gain leverage in family court. We investigate motive, credibility, and inconsistencies in the accuser’s story.

3. Lack of Evidence: The prosecution must prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence is weak, missing, or contradictory, we will challenge its sufficiency at every stage.

4. Mutual Combat: If both parties were engaged in a physical altercation and there is no clear aggressor, the prosecution may not be able to prove the necessary intent to commit a crime.

5. No Intent to Harm: Many domestic violence statutes require proof that you intended to injure the other person. Accidental or incidental contact is not a crime.

6. No Visible Injury (in 243(e)(1) cases): In cases where there’s no visible injury and no corroborating witness or physical evidence, it may be possible to avoid charges or win an acquittal.

7. Violation of Constitutional Rights: If police violated your rights—for example, conducting an illegal search, failing to advise you of your Miranda rights, or coercing a statement—we may be able to suppress critical evidence.

8. Alibi: If you were not present at the time of the alleged incident, we can present evidence such as witness statements, phone records, or surveillance footage to prove it.

9. Improper Police Investigation: Officers often make split-second judgments in emotionally charged situations. We review bodycam footage, dispatch logs, and police reports for mistakes, bias, or incomplete procedures.

10. Plea Negotiation or Diversion Programs: In appropriate cases, we may be able to resolve the matter without a conviction through anger management, counseling, or California’s domestic violence diversion programs—particularly for first-time offenders.

If charges are filed, we continue to fight from every angle—working to reduce or dismiss the charges, negotiate a resolution that protects your future, and, when necessary, prepare to defend you aggressively at trial.

Contact Us Today for Expert Legal Help!

Call Couzens Criminal Defense today at 916-603-2000 to schedule your free, confidential consultation. We represent clients throughout Placer, Sutter, Yuba, Nevada, and Sacramento Counties. Don’t wait—your future depends on the actions you take today.