domestic violence... my husband was arrested here in california for pushing me down

my husband was arrested here in california for pushing me down. my knees got hurt. my older daughter of 12 may or may not have seen this happen. he also cupped his hand around her neck to convince her to go back in the house. which she pulled herself away and when the police asked if he hit her, she said he grabbed her neck. i don't want to press charges as he provides the income and medical (my youngest has heart trouble). approximately 18 years ago he hospitalized me. but since the other night everything has been fine. is there a statute of limitations for calling this last episode a "first offense"? will the da be easy on him so he can keep his job? will cps be called and my children taken away?
please help

[annjd]

Try speaking to the DA, or have World Law's lawyers or other local lawyers do so.

The state has the right to continue to pursue the case on their own (even if you don't want them to) but if they feel this was a one-time incident and will never happen again--they may drop it. They want to make sure no abuse is continuing if and when you two are back together.