Every assault or domestic violence case involves two stories.  Tell us your side.

We will aggressively pursue any defenses.

• Self Defense

• Defense of Others

• Defense of Property

• False Reporting

Call now for a free consultation.

(206) 624-9605

(425) 455-4646

(253) 852-8989

Have you been arrested or charged with a crime that alleges domestic violence?

An allegation of domestic violence is always devastating.  It is also often a shock.  In many instances, several aspects of what ends up allegedly being reported to the police are blown totally out of proportion to what actually transpired.  Unfortunately, once the police are called, everything is out of your hands and the hands of the alleged victim.

If you are like most of our clients, you've been arrested, humiliated and thrown in jail.  You probably also learned that domestic violence charges are precluded from having bail set.  So, you probably spent at least a night in jail.  You've probably also been forbidden from returning to your own home. 

Now what?  This is where we step in.  We are experienced domestic violence lawyers.  Have you been arrested or charged with any of the following:

• Assault - Domestic Violence in Seattle, Washington
• Harassment - Domestic Violence in Seattle, Washington
• Malicious Mischief - Domestic Violence in Seattle, Washington
• Violation of a Protection Order - Domestic Violence in Seattle, Washington
  

Experienced Washington State Domestic Violence Attorneys.
If so, we are here to help.  We understand how the system works.  In the overwhelming majority of police contacts involving an allegation of domestic violence, some is going to get arrested regardless of what actually happened.  Most of the time it is the man.

If you have been arrested for allegedly committing acts of domestic violence, it is important to understand that you have very important legal rights.  And it is critical that you speak with an experienced Washington State criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Under Washington law, many different crimes can potentially charged as "domestic violence".  The most common types of crimes that are charged with an alleged element of domestic violence under Washington law and here in Seattle are Assault IV, Harassment, Malicious Mischief and Violation of a Protection Order.

As a practical matter, however, virtually any crime under WA State law can be charged as domestic violence.  In order to be charged under the current Washington Domestic Violence laws, there simply must be an allegation that the crime was committed against a "family or household" member.

"Family or Household Members" under Washington State Law.

According to Washington's Domestic Violence Laws, "Family or household members" means

• Spouses;
  
• Former spouses;
  
• Persons who have a child in common regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time;
  
• Adult persons related by blood or marriage;
  
• Adult persons who are presently residing together or who have resided together in the past;
  
• Persons sixteen years of age or older who are presently residing together or who have resided together in the past and who have or have had a dating relationship;
  
• Persons sixteen years of age or older with whom a person sixteen years of age or older has or has had a dating relationship;
  
• And persons who have a biological or legal parent-child relationship, including stepparents and stepchildren and grandparents and grandchildren.

At Seattle Washington Domestic Violence Lawyer, we understand that being arrested, being evicted from you home, and having a restraining order taken out against you is incredibly stressful.  It is confusing and frustrating.  We are here to help.

Washington state's Domestic Violence laws are easily and often abused.
In our opinion, Washington State's domestic violence laws are easily manipulated and often abused.  They are also frequently misused by those seeking to get an upper hand in a divorce or family law matter.  This is wrong, and we can help you if this is the case in your situation.

If you have been charged with a crime that involves an allegation of domestic violence, there are several things that you must know.  First, there may be a restraining order implemented as a result of your arrest. 

In general, courts are very reluctant to not issue a restraining order when requested by the prosecutor.  If a restraining order is issued in your case, it is absolutely imperative that you follow it to the letter.

Additionally, if you have been arrested your wife or significantly other will almost certainly be able obtain a civil restraining by filling out a simple form at the courthouse and swearing out a brief declaration.

Clients often ask me if it is OK for them to have contact with the subject or alleged victim of their restraining order if the alleged victim is the one who contacts them.  The answer is a resounding NO!  If you are found to be in violation of a court-ordered restraining or no-contact order, you will likely face additional criminal charges in addition to possibly having your bail either revoked or dramatically increased.

If you have been charged with a crime such as Assault, Harassment, Malicious Mischief or Violation of a Protection Order that includes an allegation of domestic violence, please call us for a free consultation.  You owe it to yourself to learn about your rights and your options so that you can make an informed decision about how to proceed.

Call now for a free consultation.

(206) 624-9605

(425) 455-4646

(253) 852-8989