Just before the kick off of National Domestic Violence Awareness month, Boston Celtic guard Jabari Bird was arrested for a domestic violence incident against his girlfriend. Prosecutors say that Bird repeatedly strangled his girlfriend which caused her to lose consciousness at several different points. “He is facing charges that include strangulation, kidnapping, assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and kidnapping.” The incident left them both hospitalized, but upon discharge, Bird was arraigned in Brighton County Municipal Jail and his bail was set at $50,000.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The month of October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month. Staggeringly, statistics from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence tell us that, in the United States, nearly 20 people every minute is abused by an intimate partner. That equates to approximately 10 million in a one-year span. Further, domestic violence accounts for 15% of all crime nationally. Unfortunately, 72% of all murder-suicides involve a domestic violence scenario.

Domestic Violence in Washington State

On the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence website, they list a number of reports. Some of the statistics are taken directly from crimes statistics provided by Washington State law enforcement and some of the reports are gleaned from research conducted by the National Network to End Domestic Violence. One study showed that in 2017, during one 24-hour period alone there were 1,808 victims served in domestic violence shelters throughout Washington.

In Washington, '“domestic violence” means:

• Physical harm, bodily injury, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury or assault, between family or household members;
• Sexual assault of one family or household member by another; or
• Stalking of one family or household member by another family or household member."

Domestic Violence in King County

Tragically, domestic violence situations are often fatal. Over the last 10 years, there have been a total of 892 domestic violence-related homicides in the state of Washington and 318 of those homicides were actually a murder-suicide domestic violence situation. During that same 10-year period, 228 out of the 892 domestic violence-related homicides occurred in King County.

Fighting Domestic Violence Charges in Washington

A domestic violence charge is stressful and dangerous for everyone involved. An arrest for domestic violence, depending on the severity of the circumstances, can range from a gross misdemeanor to class A felony with the potential to face up to life in prison and $50,000 in fines. Other than jail time and fines, a domestic violence conviction can also be used against you in any divorce or custody proceedings, potentially derailing your family life.

A domestic violence charge should never be taken lightly and for that reason, it is essential that you retain the services of an experienced domestic violence defense attorney. Steve Karimi is a skilled and dedicated lawyer who will work hard for you. Mr. Karimi is a former prosecutor who now uses his insights into prosecution strategies to fight for the rights of the accused. He is a top-rated criminal defense attorney in the Seattle area and will help you no matter what the charges are—misdemeanor or felony. Contact the Law Offices of Steve Karimi today.