Domestic violence allegations carry consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. In these situations, you need a Bellevue criminal defense attorney on your side with the experience and track record necessary to protect your future.
The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz provides aggressive, strategic defense for individuals in Bellevue who are facing domestic violence charges. We know what’s on the line, and our Bellevue domestic violence attorney is prepared to fight for you. Don’t wait to protect your rights—contact us today for a confidential consultation and let us start building your defense.
What Constitutes Domestic Violence Under Washington Law?
Domestic violence charges in Washington aren’t defined by a single criminal act. Instead, they involve specific crimes committed against particular people. The key factor is the relationship between the accused and the alleged victim.
Under Washington law, domestic violence occurs when certain crimes happen between family members, household members, or intimate partners. These include:
- Adults related by blood, marriage, or adoption
- People who live together now or have lived together in the past
- Parents and children, including stepparents, stepchildren, grandparents, and the intimate partners of parents
- Current and former legal guardians
- Spouses, domestic partners, former spouses, and former domestic partners
- People who are in a dating relationship or were in one previously
- People who are dating and living together, or who dated while living together
Domestic violence charges cannot arise from incidents involving strangers or casual acquaintances. If someone you dated and lived with stalks you, that can be prosecuted as domestic violence. If a coworker stalks you, it is still a serious crime, but it won’t be charged as domestic violence because the relationship does not fit the statutory definition.
The Criminal and Personal Consequences of Domestic Violence Charges
A domestic violence conviction in Bellevue, WA can reshape your entire future. The penalties vary depending on the severity of the underlying offense, but even misdemeanor convictions carry serious ramifications.
Jail time is a real possibility. Depending on the charge, you could face anywhere from a few days to several years behind bars. Fines can reach thousands of dollars, adding financial strain on top of everything else that you are facing.
After your sentence ends, you can still feel the consequences. A domestic violence conviction appears on background checks, making it harder to find employment or secure housing. Some professional licenses may be suspended or revoked. If you are involved in a custody dispute, a conviction can severely impact your parenting time or decision-making rights.
If you are a legal permanent resident or undocumented, certain domestic violence convictions can lead to deportation or make you ineligible for naturalization. You may also lose your gun rights permanently.
Domestic Violence Protection Orders and How They Affect Your Rights
Domestic violence protection orders (DVPOs) are a common feature of domestic violence cases, and they can impose serious restrictions on your daily life. Violating a DVPO—even unintentionally—can result in additional criminal charges.
These orders can force you to leave your home, stay away from your workplace or your children’s school, and avoid any communication with the other party. The restrictions can be broad and difficult to navigate, especially if you share children or property with the alleged victim.
A temporary DVPO can be issued quickly, often without you present to contest it. You’ll have an opportunity to challenge the order at a hearing, where both sides can present evidence and call witnesses. If the court finds that the threat of domestic violence is ongoing, it can issue a full DVPO that lasts for a fixed period or, in some cases, permanently.
How a Bellevue Domestic Violence Lawyer Can Defend Your Case
Domestic violence cases are deeply personal, and the accusations can feel overwhelming. You need someone in your corner who understands the law, knows how prosecutors build their cases, and can develop a strategy tailored to your situation.
The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz brings decades of experience defending clients against domestic violence charges in Bellevue and the surrounding areas. We take the time to understand your side of the story and challenge the evidence against you. Many domestic violence cases hinge on conflicting accounts of what happened, and we know how to expose inconsistencies, question witness credibility, and present alternative explanations.
Our firm also knows that not every case should go to trial. Sometimes the best outcome involves negotiating with prosecutors to reduce charges, seek alternative sentencing options, or get the case dismissed altogether. We will assess every angle of your case and pursue the approach that gives you the best chance of protecting your future.
We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach—your case is unique, and your defense should be too. If protecting your firearm rights, avoiding immigration consequences, or maintaining custody of your children is a priority, we will fight for an outcome that addresses those concerns.
What to Do If You Are Arrested for Domestic Violence in Bellevue
If you have been arrested for domestic violence, remain calm and exercise your right to remain silent. Anything you say to law enforcement can be used against you, even if you are trying to explain your side of the story. Politely decline to answer questions until you have an attorney present.
Do not contact the alleged victim, even if you want to apologize or clear things up. Any contact could be interpreted as a violation of a no-contact order or used as evidence against you. Respect any restrictions placed on you by the court, no matter how inconvenient they may be.
Contact a domestic violence attorney in Bellevue, WA as soon as possible. An experienced domestic violence attorney can communicate with prosecutors on your behalf, protect your rights during questioning, and begin building your defense.
Discuss Your Case with The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz
The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz has represented clients throughout Bellevue who faced accusations they believe were unfair, exaggerated, or completely false. If you are confronting domestic violence charges, contact us immediately at (253) 272-8666. Your future is worth fighting for, and our Bellevue domestic violence attorney will handle your case with the seriousness it deserves.