Do I Really Have To Hire A Lawyer For Pd To Review Case Info And Press Charges?

Location: Orange County, California. US

I'm at a loss on how to proceed so any direction is helpful. I have already consulted with a recommended lawyer and will reiterate what I was told.

A family member of mine was a victim of DV where a neighbor called police, victim taken to hospital with broken arm/head contusions, and aggressor booked on false imprisonment and corporal injury to spouse. Emergency protective order issued.

This was a weekend night and on Monday, without a court hearing, (I checked county records) defendent was bonded out and by end of week was sent a notice of DA declining to prosecute and charges being deemed a detention due to CA penal code 851.6 (b)

It is unclear whether the detective on case received clarity on status of her injuries past being dropped off at hospital and having her statement taken. Apparently there was clear indication of a struggle and broken furniture inside the apartment as well, and defendent was combative with police and has extensive criminal history.

Police dept and records and victims advocate told me only the victim can commumicate with them in any capacity. CA state advocate told me direct family members are covered under Marsys Law.

I contacted a Marsy's law lawyer who then said with a $10k retainer, they would communicate to police within the statute of limitations to review evidence and reassess filing charges since it sounds like it could easily be charged as a felony.

I can't afford that and victim is scared to do anything. Is this the only possible path forward?

Can I elevate my concerns to anyone or request FOIA of incident?