Seattle Domestic Violence Lawyer
Domestic Violence Defense Law in Washington
Domestic violence charges in Washington State arise in a wide range of situations and are broader than many people realize. Domestic violence does not only apply to physical altercations between spouses. Under Washington law, domestic violence is defined as:
(a) Physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, or assault, between family or household members; (b) sexual assault of one family or household member by another; or (c) stalking as defined in RCW 9A.46.110 of one family or household member by another family or household member.
The term “family or household member,” defined under RCW 26.50.010, includes spouses, former spouses, domestic partners, former domestic partners, individuals who share a child, adults related by blood or marriage, persons who reside or previously resided together, individuals in a dating relationship (age 16 or older), and those with a biological or legal parent-child relationship.
Seattle Domestic Violence Charges
Domestic violence is not a standalone crime. Instead, it is a designation added to other criminal offenses when the alleged conduct occurs between qualifying family or household members. Assault is the most commonly associated charge, but many other offenses may carry a domestic violence designation.
Under RCW 10.99.020, the following crimes may be charged with a domestic violence enhancement:
- Felony or misdemeanor assault
- Drive-by shooting
- Reckless endangerment
- Coercion
- Burglary
- Criminal trespass
- Malicious mischief
- Kidnapping
- Unlawful imprisonment
- Violation of a restraining or no-contact order
- Rape
- Stalking
- Interference with reporting domestic violence
Seattle Domestic Violence Penalties
Domestic violence charges carry serious consequences. Most are classified as gross misdemeanors or felonies.
Gross Misdemeanor Penalties
- Up to 364 days in jail
- Fines up to $5,000
Felony Penalties
Felony domestic violence charges are categorized into three classes:
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Class A Felony
- Up to life in prison
- Fines up to $50,000
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Class B Felony
- Up to 10 years in prison
- Fines up to $20,000
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Class C Felony
- Up to 5 years in prison
- Fines up to $10,000
In addition to incarceration and fines, courts may impose probation, mandatory counseling, firearm restrictions, and No Contact Orders. Violating a court order can result in additional felony charges.
A domestic violence conviction can also have lasting consequences beyond the courtroom. It may impact employment opportunities, professional licenses, firearm rights, immigration status, and child custody proceedings.
Seattle Domestic Violence Attorney
Domestic violence allegations should never be taken lightly. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or felony charge, early legal intervention can make a significant difference.
Steve Karimi is a former King County prosecutor with more than 25 years of criminal law experience. He understands how domestic violence cases are investigated and prosecuted and uses that knowledge to build strategic, thorough defenses for his clients.
Every case is carefully examined for evidentiary weaknesses, constitutional violations, inconsistencies in witness statements, and procedural errors. Even when the evidence appears strong, there may be viable defense strategies available.
If you have been arrested for domestic violence in Washington State, contact The Law Offices of Steve Karimi for a confidential consultation.