Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill that allows criminal courts to issue restraining orders for up to 10 years against those convicted in domestic violence cases, officials announced Monday.
Currently, California courts can only issue restraining orders for an extended period of time in the event of a felony conviction where serious bodily injury and/or stalking takes place.
In other misdemeanor or felony cases, the victim is afforded no protection once the culprit is released from jail, unless they seek a restraining order in family court.
Obtaining restraining orders can be an arduous process, as more time and money must be spent before the order can be secured.
The new bill will streamline the process by giving judges the power to issue increased protective measures.
The law will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2012.
State Sen. Fran Pavley (D-Santa Monica), the bill’s author, was pleased with the law’s positive reception from both sides of the political spectrum.
“We simply must protect victims from the threat of further attack from an abuser,” Pavley said in a statement released Monday.