Domestic Violence. Champions Of Your Defense.
When private matters become legal matters, it’s imperative that you’re represented by a firm that can protect your rights while protecting your reputation. Pacific Point Defense specializes in Domestic Violence cases and knows how to find the facts needed to win. We listen to our clients and prepare defense strategies that are built for their success. If you’ve been charged with a Domestic Violence crime, contact us today and let’s work together to clear your name and win your case.
Recent Victories
Domestic Violence
If your case involves a relative, the legal process can become emotional and overwhelming. That’s why our first action is always to listen and hear your account of the story. Armed with your truth, we discover the information needed to help secure the outcome you’re seeking. We’ve managed a range of Domestic Violence charges and have the experience and talent to defend your rights and keep you out of jail.
What is Domestic Violence in Tacoma, Olympia and Seattle?
A crime is labeled domestic violence (DV) if the complaining witness is related to the person accused. The relationship can be based on a current or past romantic relationship, a common child or residence, or any blood or marriage familial tie. The most common domestic violence Tacoma charges include assault, malicious mischief or destruction of property, interfering with a 911 call, violation of a domestic violence protection order or no contact order, harassment and reckless endangerment.
Because these allegations are usually based on one persons account of an incident there is often very little physical evidence to support the charge. The charges often arise from a heated moment and can be exaggerated or even fabricated. Calling into question the accuracy of the “victim’s” statement is one of primary ways to combat charges of domestic violence. An experienced Thurston County Domestic Violence lawyer can make all of the difference. The Attorney’s at Pacific Point Defense Law routinely obtains dismissals on domestic violence charges.
Charges that include Assault, No Contact Orders and Malicious Mischief
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime of Domestic Violence in Thurston County or King County the consequences can be very serious. Even, misdemeanor DV charges can result in jail of up to 364 days and fines of up to $5000.
What’s more is that whether your case is a misdemeanor or felony, if you are convicted of a crime involving Domestic Violence in Tacoma, Federal Way, or Puyallup, the court often times orders anger management or domestic violence classes, protective orders, and probation. The loss of firearm rights is also a direct consequence of a DV conviction (which can be particularly impaction if you are a military member). If you are facing Olympia, Yelm, Lacey, or Thurston County Domestic Violence charges it is imperative that you bring on a team of competent criminal defense attorneys.
You are probably already aware that when the police respond to a domestic violence 911 call, an arrest of one of the parties present is extremely likely. Often you or your loved one will be forced out of the home while the case is pending. Washington has some of the harshest domestic violence laws and once the process has begun, the complaining witness no longer has the right to drop the charges.
People are often shocked that a felony level Thurston County domestic violence assault (2nd Degree Assault) can arise without any actual physical marks on an alleged victim. Assault in the second degree, which is a very serious strike offense, can arise from an allegation of choking or strangulation without injuries. Judges in Pierce, King and Thurston County have no problem setting bail upwards of $50,000 at the first appearance even when the defendant has no criminal history.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ATTORNEY OLYMPIA
Witness (or victim) testimony is the other main difference in domestic violence cases. A witness changing his/her story in another criminal case will seriously affect the outcome of that case. However, with domestic violence crimes in Olympia, it is extremely common for the alleged victim, who is usually the only witness to the crime, to change his/her story once their emotions subside and reason comes back into play. However, due to the possible long-term relationship between the two parties, the prosecutor finds it irrelevant that the alleged victim later changes his/her initial statement that was made to the police.
Unlike other violent crimes, the criminal court system is extremely tough on domestic violence crimes and treats them all the same, often prosecuting the defendant to the maximum extent of the law. Pacific Point Defense Law criminal defense lawyers are fully aware of the court’s approach and we fight aggressively to protect your rights, your future, and your freedom. There are often emotions and history between between the two parties so it is crucial that the court is made aware of all the specifics in order to reach a fair decision. Our Olympia domestic violence lawyers will do everything possible to defend you in these tough cases.
Your entire life could change due to a domestic violence charge. Employers, members of the community, potential places you may want to live and anyone else who looks into your background will have no idea that you may have been innocent, or you may have just been defending yourself. All they will know is that you have a domestic violence conviction and stereotype you as a spouse beater. That is why the expert criminal defense attorneys at Pacific Point Defense Law will fully dedicate themselves to your case in order to minimize the damage and do everything possible to avoid a domestic violence conviction.
Types of Domestic Violence Charges that we handle:
- Assault (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Degree)
- Violation of a Protection Order
- Violation of a No Contact Order
- Malicious Mischief/Destruction of Property
- Harassment
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LAWYER OLYMPIA, LACEY, YELM
It is crucial to hire a domestic violence attorney immediately in the event of an arrest. Domestic violence is an emotional event, and testimonies may change quickly as emotions give way to reason. These changes could reduce or eliminate jail time for the defendant.
There are two major differences between domestic violence crimes and other kinds of crimes such as DUI, property crimes, drug possession, or even juvenile crimes.
The first difference is the lack of discretion by police officers and prosecutors in domestic violence cases. With most crimes, the police will arrive at the crime scene, conduct an investigation, and determine whether or not the events that took place warrant an arrest and prosecution.
However, as soon as the authorities get involved in a case that domestic violence may possibly have occurred, an arrest will usually take place. The only important item to the police is to figure out who committed the first alleged violent act. It does not matter that the alleged victim desperately wishes that the other party is set free without any punishment or the alleged victim changes his/her story and admits that nothing really happened.
If you are charged with domestic violence Olympia, call our criminal law firm immediately so that we may give you a free consultation and guide you in the right direction and help you avoid a tragic outcome in your case in Olympia, Lacey, Yelm, and all Thurston County, WA.
Success Story
“From the moment that I spoke with Angela Horwath over the phone, she was confident and assuring. From day one, Angela was prepared to stand in my corner and take my case to trial. When we went before the judge, she was prepared and ready to rebut anything that was not correct – her hard work and tenacity resulted in my case being dismissed and closed. They made this process effortless for me, while saving my blemish free criminal record. I would suggest Pacific Point Defense. They are professional, experienced, and accurate in all aspects of law. ”