Domestic Violence

Washington state law treats domestic violence with the utmost severity. The law imposes harsh penalties that can result in loss of freedom, reputation, and the ability to maintain a stable future. You will face jail time, probation, losing custody of your children, and a permanent criminal record if convicted. It's a delicate situation that requires trusted legal representation to protect your rights. If you're facing domestic violence charges, you can't afford to face this on your own. You need a trusted Everett defense attorney who understands the gravity of the situation.

For over 20 years, your neighbors have trusted our Everett defense attorneys to defend them against domestic violence charges. Our team works tirelessly to provide a powerful defense that challenges the evidence and ensures a possible positive outcome. Don't wait. Facing domestic violence charges without legal representation can have devastating consequences. Contact us today, and let us fight for you. You don't have to go through this alone.

In Washington state, domestic violence refers to violence or threats of violence made against individuals in a domestic relationship. Domestic violence occurs most often between family members, spouses, partners, or people who share a household. Here are the types of domestic violence charges our skilled Everett criminal defense attorneys handle:

• Fourth-Degree Assault
• Third-Degree Assault
• Second-Degree Assault
• First-Degree Assault
• Domestic Violence Harassment
• Stalking
• Violation of a Protection Order
• Kidnapping
• Violation of a Domestic Violence No-Contact Order
• Domestic Violence Property Destruction
• Child Abuse

These charges carry significant legal consequences, including prison time, fines, protective orders, and lasting effects on your personal life. If you are facing any of these charges, you must speak to our qualified Everett domestic violence defense attorneys right away.

When you are facing domestic violence charges, it's hard to know what to do. Here are the steps our knowledgeable Everett defense attorneys specializing in domestic violence advise:

1. Avoid Escalating The Situation Further: If you are arrested or confronted by law enforcement, remain calm and do not engage in aggressive behavior. Avoid making any statements because the prosecution may use them against you later in court, and anything you say to the police can count as evidence. Do not contact the alleged victim or violate any no-contact orders. Violating a protection order could result in additional charges.
2. Contact An Experienced Everett Domestic Violence Defense Attorney: The most critical step after being charged is to speak to our experienced attorneys who specialize in domestic violence cases. We will help you understand the charges, explain your rights, and guide you through the legal process.
3. Do Not Discuss Your Case With Others: Avoid discussing your case with friends, family, or on social media. The prosecution can even use private conversations against you in court. Speak to your attorney about what you can and cannot share.
4. Gather Evidence And Build Your Defense: Your attorney will work with you to gather evidence to support your defense, including:

• Witness statements and testimonies
• Text messages, emails, or other records that can show the context of the incident
• Physical evidence

Your attorney may also investigate whether there were any errors in the police investigation or whether the alleged victim's accusations are false.

5. Explore Possible Defense Strategies: Your attorney will discuss possible defenses with you, including:

• Self-defense or defense of others
• False accusations or mistaken identity
• Lack of evidence or insufficient proof to support the charges

With some domestic violence charges, your attorney may negotiate with the Snohomish County prosecutor to have your charges reduced or dismissed if the allegations are based on misunderstandings or lack sufficient evidence.

6. Follow Snohomish County Court Orders: Attend all court hearings, including your arraignment, pretrial hearings, and any trial dates. Failure to do so may result in bench warrants or additional charges. Follow any court orders, such as no-contact orders or requirements to attend counseling. Violating court orders can lead to more severe penalties.

7. Consider Your Options For Resolution: In some cases, your Everette domestic violence defense attorney can negotiate a plea deal. We may even be able to get you a reduced sentence. Plea deals are beneficial if the evidence against you is strong and you want to avoid a lengthy trial. If the evidence against you is weak or if you believe you are innocent, your attorney may advise taking the case to trial. At trial in Snohomish County Courts, both sides will present their arguments. Then, a Snohomish County judge or jury will determine the outcome.

Throughout the process, provide your Everett defense lawyer with any information that might help your case, including updates or changes in the situation. Your attorney will be your advocate, so the more you share, the better they can help you. Even if you're found not guilty or courts drop the charges, a domestic violence arrest can still have lasting effects. You may face difficulties with employment, housing, and personal relationships. It's important to work with your attorney on how to handle the aftermath, including clearing your record if possible.

Everett has safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, and family-friendly events, making it a great place for families to thrive. Whether it's spending the day at Howarth Park, enjoying the scenic views at Jetty Island, or exploring the local shops and restaurants along Colby Avenue, the city has a lot to offer. Outdoor activities like hikes at Silver Lake Park and meals at local favorites like Scuttlebutt Brewing are just some of the many things families can do together in Everett.

Domestic violence charges in Everett carry serious consequences. They can affect your family, reputation, and freedom. We're here to help you protect the values that matter to our Everett community the most. Our experienced attorneys have been defending clients against domestic violence charges for over 20 years. With our knowledge of Washington laws and the Everett courts and how to build a strong defense, we believe every domestic violence charge can be successfully challenged. Call us now, and let us put our expertise to work to protect what matters most.

Being accused of domestic violence can often be confusing to individuals. The extremely negative connotations that follow that charge can severely impact your name in the Everett, Washington community.

Any type of crime which can be committed against another individual can be designated as “domestic violence.” Most well known is assault. However, for example, you can also be accused of malicious mischief (such as when a person scratches the paint on their ex-boyfriend’s car.)

It is also important to know domestic violence occurs in relationships beyond simply husband and wife or boyfriend and girlfriend. First of all, a woman can just as easily be charged with a crime against the husband. Other domestic relationships include incidents between parents and children, between siblings, same sex couples, and exes to just name a few.

Most many domestic violence cases can be tricky. Emotions can run hot at times and someone could have over reacted. In other instances, the officers involved over reacted. Whatever the circumstances are, a domestic violence criminal charge in Everett is a serious offense. It will impact your gun rights, it will typically include a no-contact order with the alleged victim, it will require court ordered classes, and can also include jail and fines. With these potential ramifications, it is important to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible to help guide you through this difficult stretch of your life. Contact our Everett office today for a free consultation.