Domestic Violence. Champions Of Your Defense.
When private matters become legal matters, it’s imperative that you’re represented by a firm that can protect your rights while protecting your reputation. Pacific Point Defense specializes in Domestic Violence cases and knows how to find the facts needed to win. We listen to our clients and prepare defense strategies that are built for their success. If you’ve been charged with a Domestic Violence crime, contact us today and let’s work together to clear your name and win your case.
Recent Victories
Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers in King County and Seattle, WA
If your case involves a relative, the legal process can become emotional and overwhelming. That’s why our first action is always to listen and hear your account of the story. Armed with your truth, we discover the information needed to help secure the outcome you’re seeking. We’ve managed a range of Domestic Violence charges and have the experience and talent to defend your rights and keep you out of jail.
This is important because Washington law allows judges to order harsher penalties for domestic violence crimes than they would impose on suspects who commit comparable illegal acts against strangers. Striking a partner or pushing a spouse is more likely to result in criminal charges than a mild scuffle with a person who is not in an intimate relationship with the accused. Domestic violence charges can bring serious consequences such as loss of firearm rights, travel restrictions, anger management treatment requirements and restraining orders.
State law encourages Washington and Seattle police officers to make an arrest in domestic violence cases anytime they may have probable cause. Since a simple accusation (“he slapped me first”) is all the proof it takes to constitute probable cause, domestic abuse arrests are commonplace in King County, Seattle and elsewhere in Western Washington.
False accusations of domestic violence are common and accusations are often exaggerated.
A domestic violence defense attorney in Seattle can help with allegations of domestic abuse.
You can avoid unwarranted convictions and unfair prosecution. To find out how an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you, call Pacific Point Defense at (206) 660-9990.
What is Domestic Violence in King County, Seattle and Kent?
In Washington, the victim of a domestic violence accusation can be:
A spouse, former spouse, or domestic partner
A parent of the accused person’s child
An existing or past roommate
A person in a current or former dating relationship
A crime is labeled domestic violence (DV) if the complaining witness is related to the person accused. The relationship can be based on a current or past romantic relationship, a common child or residence, or any blood or marriage familial tie. The most common domestic violence Seattle charges include assault, malicious mischief or destruction of property, interfering with a 911 call, violation of a domestic violence protection order or no contact order, harassment and reckless endangerment.
Because these allegations are usually based on one persons account of an incident there is often very little physical evidence to support the charge. The charges often arise from a heated moment and can be exaggerated or even fabricated. Calling into question the accuracy of the “victim’s” statement is one of primary ways to combat charges of domestic violence. An experienced King County Domestic Violence lawyer can make all of the difference. The Attorney’s at Pacific Point routinely obtains dismissals on domestic violence charges.
Charges that include Assault, No Contact Orders, Malicious Mischief and Burglary
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime of Domestic Violence in Pierce County or King County the consequences can be very serious. Even, misdemeanor DV charges can result in jail of up to 364 days and fines of up to $5000.
What’s more is that whether your case is a misdemeanor or felony, if you are convicted of a crime involving Domestic Violence in Seattle, Kent, or King County the court often times orders anger management or domestic violence classes, protective orders, and probation. The loss of firearm rights is also a direct consequence of a DV conviction (which can be particularly impaction if you are a military member). If you are facing Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, or Renton Domestic Violence charges it is imperative that you bring on a team of competent criminal defense attorneys.
You are probably already aware that when the police respond to a domestic violence 911 call, an arrest of one of the parties present is extremely likely. Often you or your loved one will be forced out of the home while the case is pending. Washington has some of the harshest domestic violence laws and once the process has begun, the complaining witness no longer has the right to drop the charges.
People are often shocked that a felony level Seattle domestic violence assault (2nd Degree Assault) can arise without any actual physical marks on an alleged victim. Assault in the second degree, which is a very serious strike offense, can arise from an allegation of choking or strangulation without injuries. Judges in Pierce, King and Thurston County have no problem setting bail upwards of $50,000 at the first appearance even when the defendant has no criminal history.
Types of Domestic Violence Charges that we handle:
Defense of all Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond Domestic Violence Allegations
Pacific Point fights for client’s rights in domestic violence crime situations.
The following charges are frequently listed as domestic violence crimes in Washington:
Assault
Assault does not always require proof of a physical injury. An assault arrest can be made by a simple push or shove.
Malicious Mischief
If the property of another is damaged in any way, no matter how small, you can be arrested and charged with malicious mischief.
Violation of a No Contact Order
A restraining order may be issued to protect an alleged victim of domestic violence. Protective orders usually prohibit a certain individual from carrying out certain acts such as contacting the listed person or going to that person’s house or job. Any violation of the order, including text, email or Facebook messaging, can be grounds for criminal prosecution.
Success Story
“From the moment that I spoke with Angela Horwath over the phone, she was confident and assuring. From day one, Angela was prepared to stand in my corner and take my case to trial. When we went before the judge, she was prepared and ready to rebut anything that was not correct – her hard work and tenacity resulted in my case being dismissed and closed. They made this process effortless for me, while saving my blemish free criminal record. I would suggest Pacific Point Defense. They are professional, experienced, and accurate in all aspects of law. ”