Vista DUI Lawyer and Criminal Attorney Peter M. Liss

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Does Domestic Violence Include Roommates?

May 26, 2017 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss Last Updated on February 22, 2023

domestic violence against a roommate

Domestic violence doesn’t have to occur between spouses but can also affect persons who have had a child together or who live together. But can you be charged with committing domestic violence against a roommate? Not usually. Here’s why you should always disclose the full extent of your relationship to your domestic violence defense lawyer if you are accused of assaulting a roommate.

California Domestic Violence Laws

Domestic violence laws in California are defined mainly by Penal Codes 273.5 and 243(e)(1), both of which only cover physical attacks against specific people, including the defendant’s spouse or former spouse, fiance or former fiance, co-parent of their child, current or past romantic partner, or cohabitant or former cohabitant. Reading the definitions, it seems easy enough to interpret the law as protecting platonic roommates. Still, courts have consistently held that both domestic violence codes only apply to cohabitants that have had some type of romantic or sexual involvement.

According to the Penal Code, a dating relationship means frequent, intimate associations primarily characterized by the expectation of affectionate or sexual involvement independent of financial considerations. In other words, if you went on one date or repeatedly were involved with a prostitute, domestic violence charges will not apply if you are accused of physically attacking the other party. Suppose you have been accused of domestic violence by a roommate (or another person) with whom you have never been intimate. In that case, you should share this information with your attorney, as it could make a massive difference in your case.

Blurred Lines in Domestic Violence Between Roommates Cases

When it comes to defining intimate relationships, things aren’t always so simple. Some people may think they went on dates together when the other person thinks they just went to dinner as friends or roommates. Similarly, the case can be more difficult if the parties engaged in sexual intercourse once and never did so again. In these cases, small details can be critical in helping your defense lawyer, and the courts determine if the nature of your relationship would be covered under domestic violence laws or not since domestic violence against a roommate can fall in a legal grey area when sex or dating is involved.

You Can Still be Charged with Assault or Battery

Even if you successfully argue that you had no intimate relationship with a roommate you have been accused of physically harming, you can still be charged with battery or assault. Depending on the severity of these charges, a conviction for either offense could leave you behind bars for up to four years.

If you have been accused of domestic violence against a roommate, there are ways to fight these charges, even if there may be evidence that you were intimate. The most important thing you can do is to contact Peter M. Liss as soon as possible so you can protect your rights and build the most robust possible case. Please call (760) 643-4050 to schedule a free consultation.

Filed Under: The CA Legal System, CRIMINAL DEFENSE, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Tagged With: Domestic Violence Against a Roommate, domestic violence roommate, california domestic violence laws, roommate domestic violence, cohabitants definition, who is protected by domestic violence law

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I have been practicing law for over 35 years, and opened my own law firm in 1998, after serving as Assistant Supervising Public Defender for the Vista Public Defender’s Office. I have defended many high profile cases in my career, fighting charges ranging from drunk driving to capital murder.

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About the Legal Information on This Website

I rely on my experience as a top defense lawyer in my area to personally review all information on this site; however the information offered here should not substitute as legal advice. If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Vista, please contact a qualified defense attorney.