Bellevue Domestic Violence Lawyers
Domestic violence claims can be made or exaggerated for many improper purposes, including jealousy, resentment, rage, or to obtain leverage in divorce or child custody proceedings.
Nonetheless, because the conduct is often not witnessed, and because law enforcement and the public are often predisposed to sympathize with the alleged victim, defending against these claims can be difficult.
Through a thorough investigation, use of forensic and circumstantial evidence, and exposing the alleged victim’s motives, an experienced Bellevue defense attorney can sometimes have charges dismissed, reduced or obtain an acquittal at trial.
As A Skilled Domestic Violence Attorney In Bellevue
We have successfully defended many claims relating to abuse, violation of protection orders and other domestic criminal matters. It is important to act swiftly if faced with domestic violence charges.
For a confidential consultation, contact our office by phone at 855-898-2542 or through our online contact form.
Domestic Violence Under Bellevue, Washington, Law
In Washington, domestic violence is defined as committing harm, bodily injury or causing reasonable fear of harm to a member of your household. Additionally, the state of Washington makes it mandatory for responding officers to make an arrest, if probable cause is found, when called about a domestic violence accusation. During this situation, officers will assess the evidence and make a determination about who the aggressor is and then place them under arrest.
What Evidence Do Prosecutors Use To Try To Prove Domestic Violence?
When building their case, prosecutors will scour for any evidence they can find to prove the validity of their clients’ claims. Some common forms of evidence include:
- Medical records
- Witness testimony
- Victim statements
- Police reports
- Photographs
- Prior convictions
Our attorneys are accessible at all times of the day to offer additional information and support. Please reach out to our firm if you would like to speak with an attorney about your case.
Confronting Domestic Violence Charges
Domestic violence charges most commonly start with a 911 call. Sometimes a victim calls the police, but often a family member or another witness calls. The police separate the parties and question each of them separately. The officers then will decide whether there is probable cause to believe that one or both parties have perpetrated a crime of domestic violence. If one party is an aggressor, the officer has very little discretion under RCW 10.31.100(2) over whether an arrest occurs. When it appears that somebody over age 16 has assaulted a family member or committed another physical action intended to make the victim fear imminent bodily injury or death within four hours of the call, the officer must arrest the aggressor.
If the aggressor is arrested, he or she is held in jail without bail until a judge or magistrate can see him or her. Usually the appearance before the judge or magistrate occurs within the first 24 to 48 hours after arrest. The court can impose a significant bail amount and several protective orders or conditions of release. It is common for the court to impose a no-contact order, a ban on possession of weapons and participation in probation services. No-contact orders are often the most surprising and devastating to both the aggressor and the victim. These can be imposed to prohibit the aggressor from contacting the victim and possibly his or her family. A violation of a no-contact order can lead to further criminal charges, even if the victim wants to have contact or claims there was no domestic violence.
Domestic violence is a designation placed on several types of crimes, including assault and rape, rather than an independent crime. The categorization is used when there is a household or family relationship between the perpetrator and victim. Some people might not be aware that a household or family relationship can exist even between 16-year-olds with a dating relationship. Thus, even teenagers or people who have not been living together can be charged with domestic violence.
Federal Domestic Violence Defense
Federal laws also protect against domestic violence. These laws seek to limit domestic violence in two ways. First, federal law prohibits crossing state lines to physically injure an intimate partner, harass or stalk an intimate partner, or to violate a protection order.
This conduct is also prohibited on federal Indian lands. Second, federal law limits the rights of domestic abusers to own firearms. Violation of any of these federal laws is a felony.
- Domestic violence crimes overview in Washington state: Our attorneys can help accused Washington residents protect their reputation and find strategies to minimize their charges.
- Domestic violence charges in Washington state: Threatening, stalking or assaulting a domestic partner, spouse or other household member.
- Domestic violence penalties: Those facing domestic violence charges could face a prison sentence of up to one year or a life-long sentence in aggravated cases. Additionally, offenders could face fines ranging from $5,000 to $50,000.
- Child endangerment: The act of placing a child in danger or threatening their safety. Offenders could additionally face felony charges.
- Domestic elder abuse: Neglecting or abusing an elderly loved one whom you are responsible for caring for can lead to severe penalties and consequences.
- Stalking: Stalking falls into the criminal harassment category as this behavior reasonably causes the victim to believe they are in danger and could be harmed.
Call Our Firm For A Free Initial Case Evaluation
If you have been accused of domestic violence and need a criminal defense attorney in Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Federal Way and throughout Washington, contact us online today or call 253-300-4762.