There are several crimes which are considered to be crimes of domestic violence. These crimes include:

Categories of crimes, which are often charged in a domestic violence case are:

* Penal Code Section 273.5 : willful infliction of corporal injury on a spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, former cohabitant etc.

* Penal CodeSection 242 : Battery - any willful or unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another.

* Penal Code Section 243 (e): battery against a spouse, cohabitant, parent of the defendant's children etc.

* Penal Code Section 240 : Assault - an unlawful attempt, coupled with a present ability to commit a violent injury etc.

* Penal Code Section 136.1 of the : intimidation of victims and witnesses.

Domestic violence can be charged either as either a misdemeanor or a felony. This is what is called a "wobbler" offense.  Whether a case is charged as a misdemeanor or felony will depend on the nature of the abuse and the seriousness of the injuries. A client charged with a domestic violence offense is potentially facing probation, incarceration, parole, court enforced counseling ( e.g. anger managment, domestic violence or parenting clasees), and fines.