Domestic Violence in Olympia

Domestic violence cases are incredibly sensitive. If you're facing domestic abuse charges like assault, harassment, or violation of a no-contact order, you need legal representation that you can truly trust. Domestic violence charges in Washington state carry serious legal penalties, and even just allegations can ruin your life. Our Olympia defense attorneys specializing in domestic violence are here to help.

Domestic Violence Charges We Can Challenge

With our local knowledge of the Olympia courts and Thurston County legal system, we are prepared to help you face any type of domestic violence charge, including:

• Assault (First Degree)
• Assault (Second Degree)
• Assault (Third Degree)
• Assault (Fourth Degree)
• Malicious Mischief
• Stalking
• Violation Of A No-Contact Order
• Reckless Endangerment
• Interference With Reporting Of Domestic Violence
• Kidnapping
• Rape (First Degree)
• Rape (Second Degree)
• Coercion
• Unlawful Imprisonment

The penalties for conviction of any domestic violence charge are very severe in Washington state. This is why you need our experienced attorneys by your side.

What Steps Should I Take If I Am Accused Of Domestic Violence In Olympia?

If you face accusations of domestic violence in Olympia, don't wait. You must take action right away to protect your rights. Here's what to do if facing domestic violence allegations:

1. Avoid Escalation: Do not engage in any arguments or confrontations with the accuser. Any further conflict can make the situation worse and may be used against you later.
2. Contact Our Olympia Law Office: Hire our experienced Olympia criminal defense attorneys who specialize in domestic violence cases. We'll help challenge the charges.
3. Gather Evidence: Collect any evidence that could support your case, such as text messages, emails, photographs, or witness statements that back up your version of events.
4. Avoid Contact with The Accuser: If a no-contact order is in place, strictly follow it. However, even if the judge has not issued a restraining order, it's wise to avoid any communication with the accuser, as anything you say can easily be misinterpreted.
5. Document Your Side of the Story: Write down everything you remember about the incident, including the events before, during, and after. Understanding your side of things will help our attorneys identify any inconsistencies in the accuser's claims and strengthen your defense.
6. Do Not Discuss the Case Publicly: Avoid talking about the case with family, friends, or on social media. Anything you say could be used as evidence against you in court.
7. Consider New Housing: If you live with an accuser, it's a good idea to consider alternative housing during the case.

By taking these proactive steps, you will be prepared for the legal challenges ahead. Don't worry. You will not have to face these allegations alone. Our experienced Olympia defense attorneys will be at your side throughout the legal process.

How Will A Domestic Violence Conviction In Washington State Impact My Future?

A domestic violence conviction in Washington state carries severe legal and social repercussions that can affect almost every aspect of your life. Here are some of the consequences you could face:

• Prison Time: A domestic violence conviction carries up to 5 years in jail for felonies or up to 364 days in jail for misdemeanors.
• Fines: Fines can range from $1,000 to $20,000, depending on the offense's severity.
• Probation: The court may order probation, which could include things like community service, counseling, or mandatory drug testing.
• Protection Orders
• Loss of Rights: You may lose your right to own or possess firearms.
• Child Custody Issues
• Reputation Damage
• Housing Difficulties

The immense consequences of a domestic violence conviction are far-reaching, affecting your freedom, career, relationships, and reputation. Fortunately, you can defend against domestic violence charges with the help of our attorneys.

Legal Defenses Against Domestic Violence Charges

Our attorneys have several defense strategies that work in Thurston County domestic violence cases. Here are some we may explore:

• Self-Defense Or Defense Of Others: If you acted to protect yourself or others from harm, we could argue your actions were justified under Washington law.
• False Allegations: We may prove the charges are false, often arising from revenge, jealousy, or misunderstandings, using witness testimony or alibi evidence.
• Lack Of Sufficient Evidence: If the prosecution cannot prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, we can challenge the evidence and seek a dismissal.
• Mutual Affray: If both parties were involved in the confrontation and you didn't initiate violence, we can build a defense.
• Mistaken Identity: If the victim misidentified you, we can argue you were mistaken for someone else.
• Consent: In cases involving intimate partners, we can show the alleged victim consented to the actions and that no crime was committed.
• Lack Of Intent: We can work to reduce or dismiss the charges if there was no intent to harm the victim or the act was accidental.
• Unlawful Search or Seizure: If Olympia law enforcement obtained evidence through an illegal search, we can file a lawsuit to suppress it.

A strong defense can significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome in Thurston County Courts.

Olympia's Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys Will Fight For You

For an effective defense against domestic violence charges in Olympia, you need local attorneys who know the area and the Thurston County legal system. Our attorneys live and work in the city. You'll find us at local spots like Percival Landing Park, Capitol Lake, and Heritage Park. We're also regulars at Olympia's Farmers Market and enjoy events at the Washington State Capitol. We know the Olympia courts, judges, and prosecutors and have the experience to handle your case with the local insight you need.

We believe that every domestic violence charge can be challenged in Thurston County Courts. Whether we question the evidence, argue self-defense, or challenge inconsistencies in the allegations, we know how to fight for your rights. Contact our Olympia law offices now for a free consultation with a skilled domestic violence defense attorney. Let us put our expertise to work for you.

When someone hears the term “domestic violence” they automatically think of a husband beating his wife. While this is certainly domestic violence, this but one example of many potential forms of domestic violence (DV).

DV involves any type of crime where the two parties have some type of household relationship. This includes husband and wife, boyfriend and girlfriend, boyfriend and boyfriend, mother and daughter, father and step-son, step-brother and step-sister, etc.

Any type of crime in which one person perpetrate against another can be classified as DV. If a person harasses a random stranger, then they will simply be charged with simple harassment. However, if that other person is, say your ex-boyfriend, then you can be charged with DV harassment. If a woman slashes the tires of her ex-girlfriend, she can be charged with DV malicious mischief.

If you are facing a DV charge, give our office a call. It is important to speak to an attorney as soon as possible. There are a number of angles in play with these types of cases so it is important to be fully aware of them all. We understand there are two sides to every story. It is important to have an attorney guide you through the process and help make sure the prosecutor hears your side.