Quote Quoting donut110169
I recently had a one time incident with my husband. We were both drunk, my son was there.
Bad news. And probably an automatic report to CPS as well.

The cops showed up and my son told them that my husband hit me.
Pretty damning, I'd say. Also, not a good thing to be teaching the young one.

I told them that he didnt as I don't believe he did. My husband and I struggled and I ended up with a bloody nose.
That USUALLY requires a good pop to the nose. In any event, you had a physical altercation that resulted in a traumatic condition (the bloody nose) - this is sufficient for a felony arrest pursuant to PC 273.5.

The cops took pictures and arrested my husband. If I don't press charges will he go to jail.
You don't "press charges" - the DA does. In fact, the DA expects you to waffle and recant - 75%+ of all DV victims do so.

What are the possible outcomes of this. We live in California. I am scared we will lose everything if he has to go to jail.
The possible (and likely) outcomes for him will be probation, anger management, a possible Criminal Protective Order barring contact with you or your child(ren), fines and program fees. It is also possible that CPS will actively monitor the situation.

There are programs to help you if he goes to jail. As a victim of domestic violence there are a number of resources availabl to you for aid. Contact your local county's Victim/Witness program for further information.

- Carl