How serious is a domestic violence related charge? This is a question commonly inquired about when someone initially calls SQ Attorneys. The answer is that a domestic violence allegation is incredibly serious and can be a misdemeanor, a gross misdemeanor or even a felony; if the person is arrested (which is often the case when the police receive a DV related 911 call) he can, and most likely will, go to jail – this is so because Washington law mandates an arrest based upon a domestic violence related call if the police contact the parties within 4 hours of the alleged incident.
A misdemeanor domestic violence charge is filed in a district or municipal court of limited jurisdiction, and can be either a simple misdemeanor (punishable by a maximum of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine), or gross misdemeanor charge (punishable by a maximum of 365 days in jail and/or a $5,000 fine). If the accused is convicted of either charge, the court typically places you on probation for two and possibly five years.
A felony domestic violence charge is filed in a superior court, and can range from a class C felony to a class B or A felony, which is the most serious charge possible in Washington state. Class C felony crimes are punishable by up to five years in jail. Class B and A felony crimes are punishable from ten years up to life in prison or even (gulp) … death.
If you (or a loved one) find yourself facing a DV related criminal charge, it is infinitely important to immediately contact and hire a Seattle domestic violence attorney. The Seattle domestic violence attorneys that make up the criminal defense team of SQ Attorneys are highly qualified and reputable Seattle domestic violence lawyers that are dedicated to providing top notch, aggressive representation for those arrested for crime all across Western Washington and the Greater Puget Sound region. The team creates success by working with law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney’s office to ensure that all facts and circumstances related to the criminal allegations are considered in creating the fairest, most equitable and just resolution possible in light of all the surrounding circumstances of the given case. So, whether cited for domestic violence related assault, malicious mischief, property destruction or some other crime, protect yourself … call SQ Attorneys immediately at 206.441.0900.
