Puyallup, WA Domestic Violence Attorney

A domestic violence charge can destroy your reputation, career, and family relationships in a matter of days. The consequences extend far beyond potential jail time—you face restraining orders that could prevent you from seeing your children, loss of employment opportunities, and a permanent criminal record that follows you for years. Even when accusations are false or exaggerated, it is essential to have experienced legal representation from the moment charges are filed.

The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz has spent decades defending clients against domestic violence charges in Puyallup and throughout Pierce County. Our firm understands the devastating impact these allegations can have on your life, and we fight aggressively to protect your rights and preserve your future.

Why Choose The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz for Your Defense?

A Proven Track Record of Results for Our Clients

Your freedom and reputation depend on having an attorney who knows how to defend your rights in court. Mark S. Treyz has successfully defended thousands of criminal cases throughout his career, securing dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts for clients facing serious charges. His extensive trial experience includes cases in every court throughout Pierce, King, and Thurston Counties, giving him intimate knowledge of local prosecutors, judges, and court procedures.

Years of Experience in Criminal Defense Law

Mark brings a unique perspective to domestic violence defense, having served as both a prosecutor and defense attorney. After graduating from Seattle University School of Law in 1986, he gained valuable experience as a Pierce County prosecuting attorney before dedicating his career to defending the accused. This background provides invaluable insight into how prosecutors build their cases and where weaknesses can be found.

Flexible Payments and Accessible Representation

Facing criminal charges creates enough stress without worrying about how to afford quality legal representation. Our firm offers reasonable, competitive fees with flexible monthly payment plans tailored to each client’s financial situation. These payment arrangements carry no interest or additional costs, allowing you to focus on your defense rather than legal bills.

Types of Domestic Violence Charges in Washington 

Washington defines domestic violence as any physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or inflicting fear of physical harm between members of the same household or family. Because of this wide interpretation, numerous criminal acts can be classified as domestic violence. 

These may include:

• Assault
• Kidnapping
• Rape
• Burglary
• Criminal trespassing
• Property damage
• Violation of protective orders

When police respond to domestic violence calls and find probable cause that an offense occurred within the past four hours, they must arrest the person they believe to be the primary aggressor. This “four-hour rule” requires very little evidence to trigger an arrest, even if charges are later dropped or reduced. If you are arrested on domestic violence charges in Puyallup, it is vital to get in touch with a Puyallup criminal defense lawyer right away. 

Potential Penalties for Puyallup Domestic Violence Convictions

The penalties for domestic violence convictions vary depending on the specific charges and your criminal history. Many domestic violence offenses are classified as gross misdemeanors, including simple assault, harassment, and certain no-contact order violations. These charges carry maximum penalties of 364 days in jail and $5,000 in fines.

However, many domestic violence charges are felonies carrying much more severe consequences. These charges are categorized into classes with escalating penalties: 

• Class C felonies carry up to five years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
• Class B felonies allow up to ten years in prison and $20,000 in fines.
• Class A felonies can result in life imprisonment and $50,000 in fines.

Washington State Sentencing Guidelines govern felony penalties, creating standard sentencing ranges based on the crime’s seriousness and your criminal history. Judges typically stay within these ranges unless aggravating or mitigating factors justify exceptions. Additional mandatory penalties may apply when deadly weapons or firearms are involved.

Defending Against Domestic Violence Allegations in Court

To convict someone on domestic violence charges in Washington, prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the crime occurred. You will need to challenge every aspect of the prosecution’s case in order to build an effective domestic violence defense.

At The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz, we will thoroughly investigate every detail of your case, starting with a comprehensive review of police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence. We examine inconsistencies in the accuser’s story, identify potential motives for false allegations, and work to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s timeline of events. We will also file motions to suppress questionable evidence and challenge improper police procedures that may have violated your constitutional rights.

Our attorney will present compelling evidence that supports your innocence, whether that’s alibi witnesses, surveillance footage, phone records, or medical evidence that contradicts the alleged injuries. When beneficial to your case, we will call upon character witnesses who can testify about your reputation and behavior patterns that are inconsistent with the accusations. 

What to Do If You Are Accused of Domestic Violence in Puyallup, WA

If you are facing domestic violence charges, it is important to stay calm and take the following steps:

• Contact a Puyallup domestic violence attorney immediately—do not wait to seek legal representation. Every hour counts in building your defense.
• Remain silent and do not speak to police without your attorney present, as anything you say can and will be used against you in court.
• Never contact the alleged victim directly, as this could result in additional charges for violating no-contact orders or harassment.
• Avoid discussing your case with friends, family members, or anyone other than your attorney, as these conversations are not protected by attorney-client privilege.
• Follow all court orders exactly, including any no-contact orders or protective orders, even if you believe they are unfair.

Don’t Wait—Contact The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz Today

Domestic violence allegations carry devastating consequences: restraining orders, loss of child custody, criminal charges, and lasting damage to your reputation. These accusations can destroy your life, even when they are false or exaggerated.

The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz provides aggressive defense against domestic violence charges, protecting your rights and fighting for your future. If you were arrested for domestic violence in Puyallup, don’t wait to seek help—contact us at (253) 272-8666 immediately for confidential legal counsel.