A domestic violence arrest opens two cases at once. The criminal charge moves through court on its own schedule; a protective order — issued within hours — can decide where you live and whether you see your children right now. Both have to be worked from the first day.
The order moves faster than the case
The first conversation is free, confidential, and with Aaron — not an intake service. You will leave it knowing what you are facing, what happens next, and the flat fee in writing.
What you’re facing
These are the things people actually say on the first call. Each has an answer, and none of them require you to have decided anything yet.
The protective order is a separate proceeding with its own hearing, and it is addressed directly rather than waited out. Where you live and whether you see your children should not sit unargued while the criminal case takes its time.
In California the decision belongs to the District Attorney, not the person named in the report. What the other party wants still matters — but it has to be put before the prosecutor as part of a defense, not instead of one.
Reports written in the first hour are testable. Photographs, messages, prior statements and the physical layout of what allegedly happened are all discoverable, and inconsistencies are examined closely.
Why this firm
The lawyers you speak to on the phone are the lawyers who stand up in court. There is no intake centre between you and your representation, and no unknown associate you have never met.
The first conversation is with Aaron. Four people work your file and you will know all of them by name — the same team from the first call through to resolution.
No family law, no personal injury, no side practice. Over fifteen years spent in Los Angeles County courtrooms on criminal matters and nothing else.
You know the number and the plan at the start. The strategy is agreed with you rather than presented to you, and nothing is agreed on your behalf without your say-so.
The line is answered 24/7, and written case reviews are answered within one business hour between 8am and 10pm, seven days a week.
If you call today
From the first call to the last hearing you always know what is happening, why, and exactly where you stand.
Send the case review or call the line. The team who will argue your case is the team you speak to — not an intake service.
The charge is assessed, your exposure explained plainly and every option set out — including the ones that need no lawyer at all.
Reports, body-cam, priors and procedure read in full. Strategy and a flat fee confirmed in writing before anything is filed.
Motions, negotiation or trial — whichever the record supports. Nothing is agreed on your behalf without your say-so first.
In their own words
“Attorney McAllister goes above and beyond. It is clear he is very passionate about his work and getting justice and the most favorable outcome for his clients. I have hired him personally and referred him to family and friends.”
Al — hired attorney
Avvo review · March 2025
“Attorney McAllister exudes Professionalism and I felt as though I knew him personally starting on Day One. He listened intently and came up with a strategy to move forward and address our case.”
Hired attorney
Avvo review · November 2024
“Not only did he take me under his wing IMMEDIATELY and without hesitation after hearing my situation, he didn’t judge me, he was quick, and was the 1st attorney out of dozens whom I called, that didn’t interrupt me nor put me on the backburner.”
Christian — hired attorney
Avvo review · November 2021
“You can tell Aaron cares about his clients and will fight tooth and nail to get the best result. He explores every avenue in a defense looking for motions to file. I’m an attorney myself, Los Angeles native, and if any of my family members need help, I would trust them in Aaron’s hands.”
Givelle Lamano — criminal defense lawyer
Peer endorsement · Avvo
This testimonial or endorsement does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter. Reviews excerpted from the firm’s public Avvo profile; the peer endorsement is by a fellow attorney, as published on Avvo.
Why now
If there is a hearing date on your paperwork, bring it to the first call — the order and the criminal case have to be worked together from the start.
Common questions
No — in California only the District Attorney decides whether charges proceed. The other party’s wishes are a factor prosecutors weigh, but they have to be presented properly, as part of the defense.
Often where you can live, who you can contact and whether you see your children — effective immediately, before the criminal case is decided. It has its own hearing, and it can be argued.
The pre-filing window is often the most valuable time in the case. What is presented to the prosecutor before the filing decision can shape whether and what they file.
A domestic violence conviction, and in many cases a protective order on its own, carries firearm restrictions under both California and federal law. It is one of the first consequences assessed.
It can still be addressed — the order has its own hearing, and its terms can be argued and modified. Bring the paperwork and any hearing date to the first call.
It can. Domestic violence offences carry particular immigration consequences, which is why any disposition is weighed for its effect on status before it is discussed.
Want the full picture? Read the full guide to domestic violence defense ↗