Being accused of domestic violence changes your life in the blink of an eye. Even before a conviction, a person can face arrest, restraining orders, and restrictions that affect their family, work, and home.
Washington law takes these cases seriously, and prosecutors often move forward even if the alleged victim does not want to press charges. Understanding how these cases work can help you protect your rights from the start.
How Washington Defines Domestic Violence
Domestic violence covers much more than physical harm.
It can include:
- Threats
- Harassment
- Intimidation
- Property damage
- Unwanted contact
The key factor is the relationship between the people involved. Usually, that’s spouses, partners, family members, or anyone sharing a household.
Because the definition is broad, a simple argument or misunderstanding can lead to an arrest. Washington follows a “mandatory arrest” policy, meaning if officers believe an act of domestic violence occurred, they must make an arrest.
Once that happens, a no-contact order is usually issued. These orders prevent the accused from returning home or communicating with the other party.
What to Expect After an Arrest
After an arrest, the accused will appear before a judge, usually within one business day. The judge decides whether to continue the no-contact order and may set bail conditions. Even if the alleged victim wants to drop the case, prosecutors can still pursue it on the state’s behalf.
During this time, the accused may be barred from contacting family members, retrieving personal items, or possessing firearms. Violating a no-contact order, even unintentionally, can lead to additional charges.
4 Common Defenses in Domestic Violence Cases
Domestic violence cases are highly fact-specific. Several legal defenses can apply depending on the situation:
- Self-defense: A person has the right to protect themselves or others from harm. If you acted out of fear for your safety, your attorney can use evidence like witness statements or injuries to support that claim.
- Lack of intent: Sometimes, the alleged harm was accidental. Showing that there was no intent to cause fear or injury can weaken the prosecution’s case.
- False or exaggerated accusations: Disputes during separations or custody battles can lead to false reports. Reviewing text messages, emails, and phone records often reveals inconsistencies.
- Insufficient evidence: Police must have probable cause to make an arrest, but that does not always mean the evidence is strong enough for conviction. Your lawyer can challenge whether the available proof meets the legal standard.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Domestic violence charges carry long-term consequences. Convictions can result in jail time, fines, counseling requirements, and permanent loss of firearm rights. Even without a conviction, the accusation can damage your reputation, employment, and relationships.
A Snohomish County attorney can examine how police handled the case, question whether proper procedures were followed, and negotiate for reduced penalties or dismissal when appropriate. Early legal help is critical because prosecutors act quickly once charges are filed.
Getting the Strong Defense You Deserve
Facing a domestic violence charge can feel like your entire life has been turned upside down. The process is intimidating, and it’s easy to feel like no one is listening to your side of the story.
But the truth is, a solid defense can make a real difference in how your case unfolds.
Every detail matters — what was said during the argument, how the police documented the scene, and how the evidence was handled afterward. When those details are examined carefully, the full story often looks very different from what was first reported.
If you’re facing domestic violence charges in Snohomish County, call Snohomish Law Group at 425-517-3847 to speak with Scott Lawrence today.
