Amanda Stanton, a previous contestant on “The Bachelor,” was arrested in Las Vegas, Nevada for domestic battery. Stanton was in Las Vegas to celebrate a bachelorette party when the Las Vegas Metropolitan police were called for a domestic disturbance around 3:00 AM. Stanton and her boyfriend were speaking with security when Stanton allegedly shoved her boyfriend hard enough that security deemed it necessary to call the police. Subsequently, Stanton was arrested for battery domestic violence.

Domestic Violence and Other Charges in Washington

Domestic violence charges can be made up of several other charges, such as assault, which Ms. Stanton may have been charged with had this incident happened in the state of Washington. The Washington code defines domestic violence as:

• “Physical harm, bodily injury, assault, 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.”

A “family or household member” can encompass those in dating relationships.

Domestic Violence Assault

There are four degrees of assault in Washington, first degree being the most serious charge and fourth degree being the lightest and charged as a gross misdemeanor. Both first and second degree assault requires the use of a deadly weapon and/or intent to cause death or substantial bodily harm. It is unlikely that Stanton would meet the threshold for assault in the first or second degree. Further, assault in the third degree is reserved for those with special positions in society, i.e., law enforcement, EMTs, judges, nurses, etc..

What is assault in the fourth degree? Does it have any effect on a domestic violence charge? “A person is guilty of assault in the fourth degree if, under circumstances not amounting to assault in the first, second, or third degree, or custodial assault, he or she assaults another.” In addition, assault in the fourth degree is a “class C felony if the person has two or more prior adult convictions within ten years for any of the following offenses where domestic violence was pleaded and proven:

• Repetitive domestic violence offense;
• Crime of harassment;
• Assault in the third degree;
• Assault in the second degree;
• Assault in the first degree; or
• An out-of-state comparable offense.

Although assault in the fourth degree is a gross misdemeanor and the lightest of the assault charges, there may still be steep penalties attached, especially in the case of domestic violence. For that reason, you should not hesitate in speaking to a lawyer about your assault charges. 

Defense Attorney Steve Karimi Can Help

If you or someone you love has been arrested for any domestic violence charge you need to retain the services of a skilled and experienced lawyer immediately. Steve Karimi is a former prosecutor with a proven record of successfully defending domestic violence clients. He now uses his knowledge and insight into the criminal justice system to fight for the rights of those accused. Contact the Law Offices of Steve Karimi today.