Laws in the state of California specifically distinguish between domestic abuse and other violent crimes including assault and battery. Penal Code 273.5 addresses domestic violence and specifically prohibits "traumatic" bodily injury that results due to a confrontation between cohabiting couples, dating couples, former cohabiting couples, former dating couples, former spouses, and spouses. To be convicted of domestic offense, a person must have inflicted these injuries either intentionally or willfully.
Offenses committed under this law can be prosecuted as either a felony or misdemeanor based on the facts that are involved in a case. Being convicted of a misdemeanor involving domestic violence can result in a person facing jail time of up to one year, fines of up to $6,000, payment of up to $5,000 to a domestic violence shelter, a restraining order against the injured party, counseling, community service, and three years of probation. Being convicted of a felony in these cases can result in a person facing up to five years in prison or more if great bodily injury is involved, a possible criminal record, probation, and a restraining order.