Domestic Violence Attorneys in Seattle
Under Washington State law, there are a large number of crimes that can be charged as a domestic violence. In fact, any crime involving an alleged victim can be charged as domestic violence based on the defendant's relationship to the alleged victim. Domestic violence is defined as a threat or physical harm that is committed against a person who is a co-habitant, family member or intimate partner. When assault or violent threats are made against a person who is involved in a domestic relationship with the person who committed the crime, it may be charged as domestic violence. Domestic violence charges can include a wide variety of abusive behaviors, and doesn't always include physical violence.
If you have been accused of domestic violence by your partner, it may be for one or more of the following reasons:
- Unwanted touching
- Forced sex or sexual acts
- Physical harm during sex
- Unwanted sexual remarks or gestures
- Sexual assault or rape
Crimes Associated with Domestic Violence
The City of Seattle is very committed to keeping adults and children safe from domestic violence, and they have created a hotline phone number for victims to call for immediate help. The problem with these hotlines is that they allow spouses or children to make phone calls when they are highly emotional or looking for revenge. As a result, many individuals are wrongfully accused of domestic violence. Here at Baker, Lewis, Schwisow & Laws, PLLC, we fight to protect the rights of those who are accused of domestic violence and similar charges.
Below, we have listed some of the other charges that can result from a domestic violence call or accusation. You should not hesitate to call a criminal defense lawyer if you have been accused of any of these serious offenses.
Aggressive Defense Against Seattle Domestic Violence Charges
One of the reasons why domestic violence cases are so heavily prosecuted in court is because domestic violence costs our country $5.8 billion every year in medical costs, lost wages, mental health costs, and lost productivity. There have been several studies linking domestic violence to alcohol abuse and drug abuse, and as a result defendants may be charged with drug crimes as well. Any person who is accused of domestic violence in Washington State is banned from possessing firearms indefinitely. Some of the other penalties for domestic violence can include a jail term, costly fines, and probation.
These crimes can be tried as a misdemeanor or felony offense, depending on your criminal history and any additional circumstances. The attorneys at our firm have a firm belief that every case has opportunities that can vastly improve your situation. It will take hard work, skill and dedication to find these opportunities, but they are always there waiting to be discovered under the surface. Domestic violence charges can be brought up with little or no evidence to prove the case. Most of the time, all that is needed to arrest someone is simply a witness statement from the victim. Some lawyers are too busy to devote the time and effort to your case that it deserves, which is unfortunate as the client may ultimately bear the burden of a conviction.
When you choose to work with Baker, Lewis, Schwisow & Laws, PLLC, you can rest assured knowing that every effort will be placed into having your domestic violence charges reduced or dismissed. If you have been charged with domestic violence, it is in your best interests to call a Seattle criminal attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you find representation, the sooner an attorney can begin working on your case. When facing a serious charge like this, your lawyer will need as much time as possible to gather evidence to find an effective defense to your charges.