{"id":371845,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/california-law\/california-spousal-abuse-charges.html"},"modified":"2025-05-19T13:03:55","modified_gmt":"2025-05-19T18:03:55","slug":"california-spousal-abuse-charges","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/california-law\/california-spousal-abuse-charges.html","title":{"rendered":"California Spousal Abuse Charges"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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California Spousal Abuse Charges<\/h1>\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

California spousal abuse laws encompass specific charges and penalties for domestic violence between individuals with personal connections, such as spouses, intimate partners, or cohabitants. Charges like spousal battery and corporal injury carry potential jail time and fines, depending on the severity and circumstances.<\/h5>\r\n

States have laws in place for trying to eliminate domestic violence, and California is no exception. California takes the fight against domestic violence<\/a> one step further, with additional penalties for abusers and extra protections for victims of spousal abuse.<\/p>\r\n

Whether you’re a victim of domestic abuse or stand accused of domestic violence crimes<\/a>, knowledge of California spousal abuse laws is essential. In this article, we’ll define and explain spousal abuse, show how it differs from other California domestic violence charges, and review what forms of protection are available for victims.<\/p>\r\n

The focus will be on restraining orders. You’ll learn which one applies to your situation, how to file, what to expect during the process, and the penalties for violations. Read on for a better understanding of spousal abuse laws in California.<\/p>\r\n

For a general overview of the law and domestic violence in California, give FindLaw’s California Domestic Violence Law<\/a> article a look. If you want a detailed examination of the state’s restraining orders<\/a>, the California Protective Orders Laws<\/a> article is exactly what you need.<\/p>\r\n

California Spousal Abuse Charges: What Are They?<\/h2>\r\n

Domestic violence cases<\/a> involve offenses between at least two people who have a personal connection. They can be family members, related by marriage, or share a household. Spousal abuse charges focus on a specific subset of those affected by domestic violence crimes.<\/p>\r\n

California Spousal Abuse: Who Is Involved?<\/h3>\r\n

California domestic violence laws also offer spousal abuse charges. Spousal abuse charges require a certain relationship to be applicable. California Penal Code 273.5<\/a> narrows the focus of the classification eligibility to:<\/p>\r\n