Tacoma Domestic Violence Lawyers
Domestic violence claims can be made or exaggerated for many improper purposes, including jealousy, resentment, rage or to obtain leverage in divorce or child custody proceedings.
Nonetheless, because the conduct is often not witnessed, and because law enforcement and the public are often predisposed to sympathize with the alleged victim, defending against these claims can be difficult.
Through a thorough investigation, the use of forensic and circumstantial evidence, and the exposing of the alleged victim’s motives, an experienced defense attorney can sometimes have charges dismissed, reduced or obtain an acquittal at trial.
How Our Skilled Tacoma Domestic Violence Attorneys Can Help You
We have successfully defended many claims relating to abuse, violation of protection orders, and other domestic criminal matters. It is important to act swiftly if faced with domestic violence charges.
For a confidential consultation, contact our office by phone at 855-898-2542, or through our online contact form.
The Basics Of Domestic Violence In Tacoma, Washington
The law of the state of Washington recognizes domestic violence as a serious crime against society and recognizes that until the last few decades, domestic violence protections under the law have not always been evenly enforced by law enforcement.
As a result, the state requires that criminal laws be enforced without regard to whether persons are married, cohabiting, or in a relationship. Particular protections are given to police officers in the enforcement of domestic violence laws.
As a result of this public campaign against domestic violence, sometimes police, prosecutors and the courts are overzealous in the prosecution of alleged domestic violence, and innocent people suffer as a result.
Domestic violence claims generally rest upon some other improper conduct, such as a physical or sexual assault, placing a person in imminent fear of harm, stalking, harassment, criminal trespass, and so forth.
When this conduct occurs between two individuals who are current or former spouses or partners, cohabiting family members, parents and other relatives of a child, or cohabitants who are or were dating, special legal protections come into play.
Even the emotional or economic abuse of an individual where these family-type relationships are present can amount to domestic violence. Domestic violence claims can generally be charged as felonies or as misdemeanors depending on the circumstances, and getting a defense attorney involved before charges have been filed is important.
Domestic violence complaints can be easily made. Once they are made, the wheels of the state’s justice system begin moving, and recanting or dropping of charges by the complaining party will not necessarily stop the prosecution. Prosecutors have the discretion to continue to pursue domestic violence claims even when the alleged victim drops the charges.
The alleged victim is generally portrayed as one who suffers from battered person’s syndrome or a similar condition and is blaming him or herself and seeking to avoid confrontation with the alleged abuser. Often when the prosecution forges ahead in these cases, the defendant and the family suffer as a result.
Federal Domestic Violence Defense
While domestic violence cases are generally tried at the state level, in some instances federal law may come into play. The main three federal bills that are often used in domestic violence cases are, The Violence Against Women Act, The Victims of Crime Act and The Family Violence Protection and Services Act. Our attorneys are knowledgeable about each of these bills and can offer legal strategies to help you overcome your charges. For additional information, please seek assistance from one of our attorneys or follow the links below to learn more.
- Domestic violence crimes overview in Washington state: Our attorneys have handled countless domestic violence cases and know how to navigate these types of cases while defending our clients.
- Domestic violence charges in Washington state: Prosecutors will do everything they can to obtain a conviction and hand down the most severe penalties possible. We can advocate for you and fight back on your behalf.
- Domestic violence penalties: The penalties for domestic violence charges are not light. Our lawyers can help you potentially minimize the possible repercussions you face.
- Child endangerment: Putting a child in danger is a significant offense. Our attorneys can evaluate the evidence against you and defend your rights in court.
- Domestic elder abuse: Neglecting or abusing an elder is a serious charge to face. We can gather evidence and assemble legal strategies to support you during this time.
- Stalking: If you are facing an accusation of stalking, obtaining legal support is vital to ensure you are protected throughout your case.
Reach Out To Our Tacoma Domestic Violence Defense Law Firm To Schedule A Free Consultation
If you have been accused of domestic violence and need a criminal defense attorney in Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Federal Way and throughout Washington, contact us online today or call 855-898-2542.