Stevie Chapman, Esq.
Family Law & Criminal Defense Attorney at Seki Family Law in Roseville
FAMILY LAW & CRIMINAL LAW
What to Do If Criminal Allegations Are Affecting Your Family Law Case in Placer or Sacramento County
By Stevie Chapman, Esq. · Seki Family Law · Roseville, CA
If you are dealing with a criminal allegation at the same time as a family law matter, you are not alone. This situation is more common than most people realize, and it is one of the most legally complex positions a person can be in. The decisions you make in the coming days and weeks can affect both proceedings significantly.
Why the Overlap Matters
Family law and criminal law operate on separate tracks, with different courts, different rules, and different standards. But they share consequences. A criminal conviction can affect custody arrangements. A restraining order sought in family court can complicate a criminal defense. Statements made in one proceeding can surface in the other.
In Placer and Sacramento Counties, family law matters are heard in superior court, and criminal matters follow their own court calendars. The timelines do not always align, and without careful coordination, clients can find themselves making decisions in one proceeding that inadvertently harm them in the other.
Common Situations Where the Two Intersect
The overlap between criminal and family law arises most often in cases involving domestic violence allegations, DUI charges where children were present or custody is at stake, drug or substance abuse charges that become relevant to parental fitness arguments, and criminal history that the opposing party attempts to introduce in a custody dispute.
In each of these situations, having an attorney who understands both systems is not just helpful. It is essential.
If you are facing criminal allegations and have an active family law matter, the most important first step is to get legal guidance that accounts for both proceedings. Do not make decisions in either case without understanding the implications for the other. Do not assume the criminal case will resolve quickly or that its outcome will not affect your family court matter.
As part of Seki Family Law in Roseville, Stevie Chapman helps clients in exactly this situation. Her background includes six years at the Public Defender's Office handling criminal defense matters, with a strong focus on domestic violence cases. She now brings that experience to clients navigating family law matters with criminal dimensions, working within an established and successful family law practice that has served the greater Sacramento region for years.
What to Do First
Serving Placer, Sacramento, and El Dorado Counties
Seki Family Law is based in Roseville and serves clients throughout Placer County, Sacramento County, El Dorado County, and surrounding Northern California communities. If criminal allegations are affecting your family law case, reach out through the firm. Every inquiry is handled with discretion and care.