Long Beach, Arrest Report Sealed for Domestic Violence Case

Our client, age 41, and her husband were out drinking one evening in downtown Long Beach. They had walked to a local restaurant from their home and lost their house keys to get into their home. They were frustrated and blaming each other.
Out of frustration, our client’s husband threw our client’s I-phone to the ground, causing it to crack. In response, our client gently pushed her husband’s face away, trying to de-escalate the situation. She also called the police, as she was concerned her husband might continue the argument and wake up the neighbors.

The couple eventually were able to enter their home. Police then arrived, but our client remained in her home and her husband spoke to police. The officers then arrested her for misdemeanor domestic battery (Penal Code § 243(e)(1)) without asking her any questions regarding about what took place. Our client did not physically hurt or injure her husband, but he told the police she had slapped him.

Our client spent the night in the Long Beach Police Station before being released the following morning and contacting Greg Hill & Associates. Greg met with the couple at his office and listened to the facts of the case and told her what could be done. Our client had no prior criminal history whatsoever.

Greg then wrote a letter to the Long Beach City Prosecutor’s office, suggesting that the case be referred to an office hearing in light of the minor nature of the incident, our client’s young age and her lack of any prior history. The letter included a declaration from the client’s husband and the client’s resume. The client also had enrolled in an approved batterer’s program, proof of which was included in the letter.

The case was not filed at first and after one year passed, it could not be filed. So, Greg advised the client of this after the year passed.

Long Beach Courthouse

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