When most people think of domestic violence, they generally think of assault charges, i.e. 2 people get into an argument and it escalates into violence. There are many other charges that can be label as domestic violence as well. Generally these charges are in addition to an assault charge but you can be arrested for any of these charges on their own as well. Like all domestic violence charges, they should be taken seriously and a Seattle domestic violence defense attorney should be contacted right away.

Seattle domestic violence attorneys know all of the ways that you can be charged with domestic violence. In a domestic violence situation where property damage is caused, you may be facing a charge for malicious mischief. Any type of damage such as breaking furniture of putting your fist through a wall can be considered malicious mischief. If the damage amounts to over $5,000 you could be charged with a felony crime. If it is believed that you prevented the alleged victim from calling 911 or seeking aid somehow, you can be charged with interfering with reporting domestic violence. Another common domestic violence charge is reckless endangerment. When you act in a way that puts another person at serious risk of injury or death such as swinging around what could be considered a weapon during the heat of an argument, you could be charged with reckless endangerment.

These charges can be committed without you even realizing. For example, if you're angry and upset with somebody and you ask them not to leave because you want to try and work it out, this could be considered interfering with reporting. If you blocked the exit or took your phone out of the alleged victim's hand, this can be enough to warrant an interfering charge. The best thing to do after being arrested for any of these charges is to contact an experienced Seattle domestic violence attorney.