Domestic violence charges can arise quickly from heated arguments, misunderstandings, or false accusations, but their impact on your life can be long-lasting and severe. The consequences of a conviction can include jail time, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record that follows you for years.
When your family relationships and future are at stake, you need an attorney who will listen to your side of the story and fight to preserve what matters most to you. The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz knows that the truth may be more complicated than initial allegations suggest, and we will aggressively defend your rights and freedom.
We also defend clients against domestic violence charges, and our Tacoma, WA domestic violence lawyers are prepared to fight for your rights when family relationships and your freedom are at risk. Contact us today for your confidential consultation with a Lakewood domestic violence attorney.
Understanding Washington State Domestic Violence Laws
Domestic violence isn’t a single crime but rather encompasses a broad range of criminal acts committed between people who share specific relationships. Under Washington state law, domestic violence occurs when one family or household member commits almost any criminal act against another family or household member.
Family or household members include:
- Spouses and former spouses
- Parents of a child
- Adults related by blood or marriage
- Adults who are presently living together or who have lived together in the past
- Persons 16 years of age or older who are presently living together or who have lived together in the past and who have or have had a dating relationship
- Persons 16 years of age or older who have or have had a dating relationship
- Persons with a biological or legal parent-child relationship, such as stepparents or grandparents
When a police officer responds to a domestic violence incident, they are required to arrest the perpetrator if they have probable cause to believe that a domestic violence assault or other serious offense was committed within the previous four hours. If the officer determines that both parties assaulted each other, they will arrest only the person they believe to be the primary aggressor.
Once domestic violence charges are filed, the alleged victim cannot ask the prosecutor to drop them. Only the prosecutor has the authority to dismiss domestic violence charges, and a judge must approve any such request. In many cases, the state will pursue prosecution even if the alleged victim refuses to testify.
Types of Domestic Violence Charges and Penalties in Lakewood
The scope of crimes that can fall under domestic violence charges is extensive and includes:
- Property damage
- Kidnapping
- Coercion
- False imprisonment
- Assault
- Stalking or cyber stalking
- Burglary
- Rape
- Interfering with the reporting of domestic violence
- Violation of a protection order
- Reckless endangerment
- Criminal trespass
- Manslaughter or murder
The penalties for a domestic violence conviction can radically change the accused’s life. Misdemeanor domestic violence charges carry potential punishment of up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Gross misdemeanor charges can result in up to 365 days in jail and a $5,000 fine.
Felony domestic violence charges carry much more severe penalties. Class C felonies have maximums of 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine, Class B felonies in Washington can result in up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine, and Class A felonies—the most serious—carry potential life imprisonment and a $50,000 fine.
Why Do People Make False Domestic Violence Claims?
Unfortunately, false allegations of domestic violence occur more frequently than many people realize. People may make false claims for various reasons, such as gaining an advantage in divorce or child custody proceedings, seeking revenge after a breakup, or attempting to force someone out of a shared residence. Sometimes, what appears to be a false claim may actually stem from genuine fear or misunderstanding, where someone interprets normal behavior as threatening due to the emotional intensity of their situation.
Even if the alleged victim’s claims are proven to be false, being accused of domestic violence can have a major impact on your life. Unfounded charges can damage your reputation, affect your employment, strain relationships with family and friends, and create long-term emotional trauma. A Lakewood domestic violence defense attorney can work to expose inconsistencies in the accuser’s story, gather evidence that contradicts false allegations, present witness testimony that supports your version of events, and challenge the credibility of claims that don’t align with the physical evidence or circumstances of the case.
Our Lakewood sex crimes defense lawyers knows that even unproven allegations can carry a heavy stigma, which is why we fight to ensure that your side of the story is heard and your rights are fully protected against unfair prosecution.
How to Build a Strong Defense Against Domestic Violence Allegations
Washington takes domestic violence allegations seriously, and prosecutors often pursue these cases aggressively even when the alleged victim wants to drop the charges. However, effective defense strategies can challenge the prosecution’s case and prove your innocence.
The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz will thoroughly analyze the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime, your arrest, and the subsequent investigation. While not every defense applies to every case, we will evaluate all available options to identify the most effective strategy for your situation:
- Self-Defense or Defense of Others: When you acted to protect yourself or another person from immediate physical harm, we can demonstrate that your actions were justified and necessary.
- Lack of Intent: If the alleged incident was accidental rather than deliberate, we can show that you had no intention to cause harm or commit a crime.
- False Allegations: We investigate the accuser’s motivations and expose inconsistencies in their story, especially in cases involving divorce, custody disputes, or relationship conflicts.
- Insufficient Evidence: We challenge the prosecution’s case when they cannot prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, exposing gaps in evidence or witness testimony.
- Constitutional Violations: When police violated your rights during the investigation or arrest, we can seek to have evidence excluded from your case.
- Mistaken Identity: In situations where you were incorrectly identified as the perpetrator, we work to establish your innocence through witness testimony and other pieces of evidence.
Don’t Face These Charges Alone – Contact The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz Today
Facing domestic violence charges can feel like your entire world is crumbling, with your freedom, reputation, and relationships all hanging in the balance. Trust The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz to fight for your side of the story. Contact us at (253) 272-8666 to schedule your confidential consultation with our Lakewood domestic violence defense attorney.