Have You Been Arrested for Domestic Violence in Seattle?

If so, you may be concerned about the penalties you are facing. A domestic violence sentence can mean severe penalties that follow you for years. It is important to understand what penalties are associated with your accusations. Many domestic violence charges are considered felonies and can result in the following:

• Long periods of incarceration
• Steep fines
• No-contact orders
• Probation
• And more

In addition to the penalties, many people facing charges may want to know how their sentencing will be determined. It is vital for anyone accused of a domestic violence offense in Washington to call an experienced defense lawyer right away. At The Law Offices of Steve Karimi, we will listen to you and make sure you understand all the penalties that you face. Call us now to set up a free consultation.

Seattle Domestic Violence Sentencing Laws

When a defendant is convicted of a domestic violence related offense, it will be up to a judge to sentence them. While sentencing guidelines are spelled out in the laws, a judge still is given a lot of leeway when deciding what penalties they believe the defendant should receive. When a domestic violence crime is sentenced, the judge will consider all aspects of the case in order to determine an appropriate punishment. According to Washington law RCW 10.99.100, the judged will consider the following factors:

• Whether or not the defendant suffered a pattern of "coercion, control or abuse" from the victim and if the crime was a response to that abuse. This is quite common in cases of domestic violence where the long suffering victim finally reacts to their abuser and is then charged for domestic violence.

• Whether the offense was part of a pattern of abuse including psychological, physical or sexual abuse that occurred over a long period of time and involved multiple past incidents. This would suggest that the defendant was not acting on impulse but rather as part of a pattern of abuse and is, therefore, likely capable of repeat offenses in the future.

• Whether the crime occurred within the sight or earshot of a minor child under the age of 18. Crimes that were witnessed by children are treated more seriously.

The judge will also review the defendant's criminal history including offenses that occurred in the state of Washington and any other state and whether any protective orders have ever been placed against them.

Depending on the decisions of the judge, a domestic violence defendant can be sentenced to jail time and steep fines. Misdemeanors can result in fines up to $5,000 and up to one year in jail. Felony sentences can range anywhere from tens of thousands of dollars in fines to years in prison. In addition, under RCW 10.99.080, when sentenced for a domestic violence crime, the court can also imposed a penalty of not more than $100. This fine is in addition to any other penalties sentenced to the defendant. The money collected from this penalty is used in a fund domestic violence advocacy and prevention.

Fighting Your Domestic Violence Charges

In Washington, the most serious offenses are considered felonies. Many domestic violence charges are considered Class C, B and even A felonies. Once convicted of a felony, this will appear on your criminal record and will be visible in background checks performed by jobs, school and even banks.

If you are found guilty of domestic violence, it will most likely be the judge's decision as to what penalties you will face. The only way to avoid all penalties is to be found not guilty or have your charges dropped. This can only be accomplished with the aid of a domestic violence defense lawyer. Attorney Steve Karimi will work hard to help you build a strong defense. Attorney Karimi can work with the prosecution to get your charges reduced or dismissed. He may even be able to get you a plea bargain with a reduced sentence. Even if you want to plead guilty to your charges, a defense lawyer can help you get the lightest sentence possible. Do not face a Seattle domestic violence charge on your own, call the legal team at The Law Offices of Steve Karimi right away.

Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer in Seattle

If you are facing charges for a domestic violence crime in Seattle and would like to know more about the possible penalties and how sentencing occurs, contact us The Law Offices of Steve Karimi right now. The best way to make sure that you do not get sentenced with the maximum penalties for a domestic violence charge is to speak with a lawyer right away.

Attorney Steve Karimi is a former prosecutor for Washington State. Through his experiences, he is able to understand the ins and outs of both sides of the criminal process. He will work tirelessly to help you get the results you want. Call now to set up a consultation.