Gurbaksh Chahal, a multimillionaire Internet mogul, has been charged with 47 counts of domestic violence connected to an alleged dispute with his girlfriend. Chahal has appeared on the Fox television show “Secret Millionaire” and has made an appearance on Oprah Winfrey’s television program as well. The criminal charges brought forth against Chahal include battery and assault with a deadly weapon.
Previously named one of America’s most eligible bachelors, Chahal’s reputation will most definitely be tarnished regardless of the outcome of his case. Those accused of domestic violence can face a public backlash affecting job opportunities and relationships. If convicted, Chahal could face several years in prison and thousands of dollars in penalties.
San Francisco Domestic Violence Penalties
Chahal has been charged with forty-five separate felonies, including two counts of criminal threats, two counts of false imprisonment, and forty-one counts of domestic violence and assault. He is currently on bail and is set to be arraigned in San Francisco court. Penalties for San Francisco domestic violence charges can vary widely depending upon the circumstances of each defendant’s case. In Chahal’s instance, the number of charges brought against him could result in years of incarceration.
In California, assault with a deadly weapon, making criminal threats, false imprisonment, and domestic violence are what is known as “wobbler” offenses. This means that prosecutors can file them as a misdemeanor or felony offenses, depending upon the case circumstances. If convicted of felony assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm, felony criminal threats, and felony domestic violence, Chahal could face numerous years in prison and thousands of dollars in penalties.
According to a report released by the San Francisco Department on the Status of Women in 2010, the Department of Emergency Management fielded more than 7,000 domestic violence-related calls. Of those, more than half indicated some sort of fight with no weapons involved, 34% indicated an assault, and 9% were considered some alternative form of domestic violence.
San Francisco Domestic Violence Defense Strategies
Those facing charges for domestic violence in San Francisco can use a variety of different defense strategies to prove their innocence, all of which are utilized depending on each defendant’s circumstances. If you or your loved one are serious about obtaining a case dismissal or not guilty verdict, obtaining counsel from an experienced domestic abuse lawyer is in your best interest. Many domestic violence lawyers offer free consultations and case reviews.