Recent Posts in Domestic Violence Category

A plea deal has been reached in the assault case against singer Chris Brown in the Los Angeles Criminal Court. Brown, 20, faced charges of assaulting his pop star girlfriend, Rihanna.

Under terms of the agreement, Brown will serve five years of probation and must serve 180 days in jail or the equivalent, about 1,400 hours in labor-oriented service.  He must also undergo a year-long domestic-violence counseling class.

Brown pleaded guilty to one count of Assault with the intent of committing great bodily injury in connection with the argument inside a rented Lamborghini on a Hollywood street in February.

Rhianna , whose real name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, made a brief appearance at the hearing after Brown had left the courtroom to hear Los Angeles Criminal Court Judge Patricia Schnegg discuss the issuance of a "stay away" order requiring him to stay 100 yards from her. Through her attorney, Rihanna had requested that such an order not be issued. However, Schnegg refused that request, saying she would issue such an order but would revise it to 50 yards, 10 yards if the two are at the same "industry event" together.

Schnegg said Brown could apply to have his supervised probation transferred to Virginia, where he maintains his legal residence. He also can complete his community service there, she said, but it would have to meet the court's standards.

If you or someone you know has been charged with Assault or Domestic Violence charges contact Los Angeles Defense Lawyer Robert M. Bernstein today.

Police misconduct refers to objectionable and even illegal actions taken by police officers in connection with their official duties, which can lead to a miscarriage of justice. Some criminal defendants could get new trials because an Oceanside, CA police officer withheld taped interviews in cases dating back to 2001.

Officer Damon Smith, who disclosed that he had some recordings in his locker that were not entered into evidence as part of a domestic violence case in April, apparently failed to turn over interviews with suspects and witnesses ever since he was hired eight years ago.

In criminal proceedings, all evidence must be made available to both sides to ensure a fair trial. The tapes found in Smith's locker were extremely significant and should not have been withheld from the court. The San Diego District Attorney's Office is currently reviewing and gathering information in order to complete a legal analysis and take appropriate action. Prosecutors are reviewing the tapes and plan to turn them over to their defense attorneys, who could argue for new trials.

At the Law Offices of Robert M. Bernstein, we are able to provide the highest level of legal representation to our clients.  Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Robert M. Bernstein is experienced in defending all major felony and misdemeanor cases in Federal, State, and Juvenile Court.