Don't let an unfortunate event ruin your life.

If you are convicted for domestic violence, here's what can happen:

Violence against a spouse, girlfriend or "ex" partner (Penal Code 273.5) is a "wobblers" in California. This means that it can be looked at as either a felony or a misdemeanor. A FELONY CONVICTION IS PUNISHABLE BY UP TO 4 YEARS IN STATE PRISON. A misdemeanor carries a maximum sentence of UP TO 1-YEAR IN JAIL. A Felony charge is more likely if the victim has visible marks, bruises or requires medical attention.

Furthermore, a domestic violence conviction -- even one that only results in probation -- will generally come with court-ordered anger management classes. These anger management classes are normally ordered for a 52-week period. Failure to complete the entire year will result in a violation of probation being filed against you. In addition to this, a domestic violence conviction can result in crippling fines.

If you are accused of a crime in which the victim is related to you by marriage or lives with you, the offense probably falls within the mandatory domestic violence guidelines. Given the recent coverage of domestic violence incidents, these matters are now aggressively prosecuted by all agencies. A conviction may result in sanctions against your professional license, limitation of child visitation rights, loss of gun privileges, and mandatory counseling.