Anyone accused of domestic violence will be arrested under California state laws to ensure the safety of alleged victims. A defendant may offer many potential defenses to contest a domestic violence claim, including self-defense, wrongful accusation, or misrepresentation of events. If a defendant can successfully prove they not only did not engage in domestic violence but actually defended themselves from the accuser, they may flip legal action through a counterclaim and file charges against the initial accuser.
It is also possible for a defendant to win a domestic violence case after a falsified accusation. Unfortunately, some individuals file domestic violence accusations against their spouses or partners out of spite and frustration, ultimately experiencing significant legal consequences for their false accusations.
When a domestic violence case involves civil and criminal proceedings, it is important for both defendants and plaintiffs to remember that the standard of proof is different for each of these cases. In a civil case, a plaintiff must prove a defendant failed to act with reasonable care, and a jury will decide the outcome based on a “preponderance”.