Top Federal Way, WA Domestic Violence - Criminal Lawyers Near You
Former Prosecutor now an expert in providing justice for clients.
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We Win Cases. We Only Practice Criminal Defense. Clear Your Name--Call Us Today for a Free Consultation to Protect Your Rights! Phones answered 24/7.
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Get the help and answers you need today on your Criminal Defense matter. We've been helping accused for 25 years in the PNW. Contact us today 24/7!
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Former Prosecutor with experience here to defend the people.
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As a former prosecutor for 15+ years in Sno County, I can build a solid defense for your DV charge. Call now 24/7!
PO Box 50, Cle Elum, WA 98922
Contact Heritage Law Office in Federal Way, Washington for experienced legal assistance in Domestic Violence - Criminal.
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16000 Christensen Rd, #304b, Tukwila, WA 98188
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The Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe has experience helping clients with their Domestic Violence - Criminal needs in Federal Way, Washington.
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1105 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma, WA 98402
A law firm in Federal Way, Washington, Michael Austin Stewart, Attorney at Law experienced in helping clients with Domestic Violence - Criminal issues.
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705 S. 9th St, Suite 204, Tacoma, WA 98405
986 ZYX Street, Suite 452, Lynnwood, WA 98036
1818 Westlake Ave. N., Suite 216, Seattle, WA 98109
999 Third Avenue, Suite 3900, Seattle, WA 98104-4040
451 SW 10th St, Suite 215, Renton, WA 98057
604 West Meeker Street, Suite 206, Kent, WA 98032
215 NE 40th St, Ste C3, Seattle, WA 98105
108 S. Washington Street, Suite 406, Seattle, WA 98104
720 3rd Ave, Suite 2015, Seattle, WA 98104
5611 76th St W, Suite A, Lakewood, WA 98499
9924 4th Ave W, Everett, WA 98204
2025 1st Avenue, Suite 1140, Seattle, WA 98121
1200 Westlake Avenue North, Suite 700, Seattle, WA 98109
2122 112th Ave NE, Suite A-200A, Bellevue, WA 98004
3250 Airport Way S, Suite 206, Seattle, WA 98134
400 Warren Avenue, Suite 415, Bremerton, WA 98337
520 Pike St, Suite 2350, Seattle, WA 98101
19309 68th Ave S, Suite R-102, Kent, WA 98032-2112
12835 Newcastle Way, Sute 301, Newcastle, WA 98056
PO Box 77041, Seattle, WA 98177
32116 SE Red Fall City Rd, Fall City, WA 98024
1001 Fourth Avenue, Suite 4400, Seattle, WA 98154
Federal Way Domestic Violence - Criminal Information
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What Is Criminal Domestic Violence?
Criminal domestic violence occurs when a spouse or partner commits an act (or willfully threatens with the reasonable capacity to commit an act) of violence against the victim. Sexual abuse, spousal rape, intimate partner violence, battery and assault are all in territory nearby to criminal domestic violence, and charges spurring from such allegations often take these forms as well.
Under the expanded protections afforded to victims of domestic violence via the 1994 Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), emotional abuse, economic abuse (controlling finances to control behavior and force compliance from the victim) and psychological abuse can all be considered to be forms of domestic violence.
What Is The Difference Between Civil vs. Criminal Domestic Violence?
While criminal domestic violence, and charges pertaining to any number of offenses beneath that legal umbrella, are heard in criminal court, there are civil remedies available.
Civil courts are generally called upon, in alleged situations of domestic violence, to produce a restraining or protective order in favor of the alleged victim. Such an order may call for the defendant to maintain a physical distance from the victim and other family members, and violation of this civil order can result in immediate criminal charges.
Criminal domestic violence cases have a much higher burden of proof to clear. The onus is placed on the plaintiff to prove beyond any reasonable doubt that acts of abuse did occur. Civil courts have a much lower standard of proof in terms of awarding protective orders or restraining orders, but it is a common defensive strategy employed by alleged victims to set such boundaries before proceeding to a criminal case if deemed necessary.
Is Criminal Domestic Violence a Felony?
Acts of criminal domestic violence can be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors, depending on the specific nature of the charges as well as the jurisdiction. Cases heard in federal court are almost always prosecuted as felony charges.
At the state level, domestic violence charges can range from misdemeanor offenses to felony offenses. In some states, both third degree and second degree domestic violence charges are classified as misdemeanors, with first degree domestic violence and domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature (DVHAN) being classified as felonies.
It should be mentioned that domestic violence charges could also be classified as sexual abuse, battery, aggravated battery, or similar, rather than as strictly related to domestic violence.
What Is the Penalty for First-Degree Criminal Domestic Violence?
Federal domestic violence charges typically relate to the underpinning crime, although protections afforded via VAWA allow for additional charges to be appended to larger offenses. Battery, aggravated battery and sexual abuse charges can lead to 20 years to life in prison if you are found guilty of more serious offenses.
At the state level, punishments in response to first-degree (or aggravated) criminal domestic violence typically range from two years behind bars to up to 10 years imprisonment.
What Are Other Penalties for Criminal Domestic Violence?
With third and second degree domestic abuse charges being more common than first-degree or aggravated domestic abuse charges, penalties are less severe than those listed above. Domestic battery is sometimes listed as a first degree misdemeanor with a potential punishment, for those found guilty, of up to one year in county jail. Probation and a fine of up to $1,000 may also be a penalty for domestic violence.
How Can a Lawyer Help With Criminal Domestic Violence Charges in Washington?
All charges of domestic violence — felony or misdemeanor — should be taken seriously. A conviction could result in a sizable jail or prison sentence in addition to substantial fines and restitution.
An experienced criminal defense attorney familiar with case law pertaining to domestic violence can help guide you through the facts and discuss the material evidence to craft the best case possible.
An attorney can also often resolve your particular legal issue faster and better than trying to do it alone. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, while avoiding costly mistakes or procedural errors.