A man was charged with felony domestic violence when he attacked his mother late last week in Ohio. The mother attempted to assist her son with a dispute taking place at Cashland and on the way home he demanded that she stop and purchase alcohol for him. The mother refused, which angered the man, and fearing for her life the mother attempted to call the police from her cell phone. To stop her, the man grabbed the cell phone away from her and launched it at her as a projectile, striking her. The man also allegedly threatened to kill her if he were sent to jail over the incident. This is the second time that he has been arrested for domestic violence.

Domestic Violence in Washington State

Domestic violence charges are often tricky because there are several situations that may arise in which a person can be charged with domestic violence. For example, in Washington, domestic violence does not just exist between spouses. The Washington Code outlines that domestic violence can occur between “family or household members,” the definition states:

• “spouses, domestic partners, former spouses, former domestic partners, persons who have a child in common regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time, adult persons related by blood or marriage, adult persons who are presently residing together or who have resided together in the past, persons sixteen years of age or older who are presently residing together or who have resided together in the past and who have or have had a dating relationship, persons sixteen years of age or older with whom a person sixteen years of age or older has or has had a dating relationship, and persons who have a biological or legal parent-child relationship, including stepparents and stepchildren and grandparents and grandchildren.”

Interfering with Reporting Domestic Violence

When domestic violence offenses occur, it is important that victims of domestic violence are able to get any assistance they may need without fear of retaliation or further compromising their safety. For that reason, Washington has made it illegal to interfere with the reporting of an act of domestic violence. A person is guilty of interfering with the reporting of domestic violence if they:

• "Commit a domestic violence criminal offense; AND
• Prevent or attempt to prevent a victim from calling 911 or law enforcement or seeking medical assistance."

If the scenario above had occurred in Washington, the son may have certainly had the added charge of interfering with reporting domestic violence.

Contact the Law Offices of Steve Karimi

Domestic violence charges are typically a gross misdemeanor in Washington. That being said, you may definitely experience elevated charges if you have been convicted of domestic violence before. If you or someone you love has been arrested for any domestic violence charge in the Seattle area, you need strong legal representation. Attorney Steve Karimi is a top-rated defense attorney in King County and is dedicated to fighting for your future. Contact the Law Offices of Steve Karimi today.