Just 25 miles north of Seattle, Everett is among the 10 largest cities in the state. It’s home to a Boeing airplane assembly facility as well as a U.S. Naval Station, making it a hub of activity for professionals and families alike.

As one of the main cities in the Puget Sound region, Everett provides access to whale watching, salmon fishing and pleasure boating. With a community college, national forest, museums, festivals, and plenty of food and drink, Everett is a lovely place to live or visit for people of all interests and ages.

Despite our love for Everett, WA, it’s not without its legal challenges. Like any city, we see cases of criminal activity, including sex crimes and domestic violence. At Vindicate Criminal Law Group, we strive to do our part for the community by fairly representing those who’ve been accused of these and other crimes.

Sex Crimes

Covering a range of illegal activities, sex crimes are intentional acts that engage another person in unwanted sexual conduct. The accused may use force or threatening language against the other person, and it does not need to result in violence or sexual intercourse to count as a sex crime.

This kind of crime varies from exposing oneself in public to taking indecent liberties to rape of a child, and several actions in between, including:

  • Child pornography
  • Voyeurism
  • Sexual assault
  • Sexual exploitation of a minor
  • Custodial sexual misconduct
  • Rape
  • Statutory rape
  • Solicitation and prostitution

For example, sexual assault is a common charge that might include unwanted threats, unwanted bodily contact, or rape. Generally, it includes physical contact with a body part without the other person’s consent.

In the state of Washington, all sex crimes are outlined in the Revised Code of Washington.

Situations leading to sex crimes charges might be if the accused “knowingly caused” sexual contact with a minor, abusing a significant relationship or supervisory position (such as a teacher molesting a student), or abuse by foster parents.

Indecent liberties include forced sexual contact with someone who cannot consent because of their age, incapacity, or disability.

Washington law makes it relatively easy to file these charges, though defending the accused is quite difficult, even when you work with a sex crimes lawyer. It is the word of the accused against the word of the accuser.

Generally, a successful defense means exploring the credibility of the accuser. If you live locally, this kind of defense demands the knowledge and experience of a criminal defense attorney in Everett, WA.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence tends to include improper conduct such as physical abuse or sexual assault, though emotional or financial abuse may also be considered domestic violence. The law provides special protections to people who are spouses, coparents, family members, or cohabitating partners.

A domestic violence charge in Washington is relatively easy to make, and once that happens, the justice system becomes difficult to reverse in this area, even with the help of a domestic violence lawyer.

Even if the accuser drops the charges, the prosecution won’t necessarily halt the investigation. Part of the reason is that, historically, protections from domestic violence weren’t always fairly enforced.

Today, the public, as well as prosecutors and juries, are quick to sympathize with a victim. The alleged act itself is rarely witnessed, and even law enforcement is given special protections when dealing with such cases.

The truth is that domestic violence charges have been brought and exaggerated out of anger, jealousy, resentment, or even to gain power in divorce or child custody proceedings. This might not be right, but defending the alleged abuser in such situations is still a challenge.

If you live locally and are facing these claims, it’s always in your best interest to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Everett, WA.

Order of Protection

Similar to a no contact order, an order of protection is a means of protecting a victim from someone who has threatened their safety. Typically, the order of protection is issued in the wake of sexual abuse, domestic abuse, or general harassment. It might also be called a restraining order.

If you are subject to an order of protection, it’s usually because someone close to you fears harm to themselves, their children, or others they care for.

This court order does not require the accused to face any criminal charges, and it is typically temporary. In fact, you don’t even need to be present when the order is put in place–it may be served to you after the fact.

While an order of protection should be taken very seriously, the fact that you might not be initially aware of it could put you in a difficult situation, with or without the help of an order of protection lawyer.

Violating it may be a gross misdemeanor or even a felony in the state of Washington, resulting in significant and long reaching consequences.

Washington law states that you need to know about the order to be prosecuted for violating it, but things get complicated if the order was issued out of state or no criminal charges exist.

If you’ve been accused of violating an order of protection in the state of Washington, trust your case to a local criminal defense attorney in Everett, WA. We understand the nuances of defending against these accusations, and will work hard to see you get a fair outcome.

Vindicate Criminal Law Group Defends the Accused in Everett, WA

Our team understands how stressful these circumstances can be for you and your family. We’ve dedicated ourselves to defending the lives and futures of clients like you, no matter how serious the accusations. Everyone deserves a chance at a fair outcome.

When you’re ready to learn more about how we can defend you against charges of sex crimes, domestic violence, or order of protection violation, call or text (888) 212-4824 or complete the contact form on our website.