Domestic violence isn’t one specific charge in Washington, but rather specific criminal conduct against an intimate partner or family or household member, according to RCW 10.99.020(4). Sometimes, these offenses are misdemeanors or gross misdemeanors, while other times, domestic violence offenses are charged as felonies. One of the most common domestic violence offenses in Washington is […]

If you are charged with assault against an intimate partner or household or family member, that is a domestic violence offense. Domestic violence is taken very seriously in Washington, and judges may issue no-contact orders before a defendant has even been convicted of a crime. A no-contact order may be issued and in effect while […]

Once you have been arrested on allegations of domestic violence, your life has already been upended from the normal.  If you make bail and can go free while you await trial, you may still face restrictions on what you can do and where you can go, which includes restrictions against talking to the alleged victim. […]

Finding out that you have an outstanding warrant can be scary.  Your first reaction might be to ignore it and hope you don’t get arrested, but that can lead to additional hassle, encounters with the police, and the need to pay bail.  A lawyer may be able to handle the situation for you. Lawyers can […]

Refusing Field Sobriety Tests in a Tacoma DUI Case: What Courts Can and Cannot Use Against You When you’re facing a DUI charge, the consequences extend beyond the courtroom. Your rights, your record, and your future are on the line. In some cases, what you choose not to do—such as refusing a field sobriety test—can […]

Felons need Real IDs as much as anyone else if they plan to fly anywhere in the United States. But will their criminal record stop them from obtaining this documentation? Or are they just as eligible for a Real ID as anyone else? Felons who are Washington residents and can produce the required documents can […]

Criminal charges are not just for adults. Many young people face charges, but their cases must go through the juvenile justice system, which treats them far differently from adult offenders. If your child is charged, you should hire an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible. Do not allow one mistake to ruin your child’s […]

We may defend each assault case differently. Charges, facts, and circumstances vary, making self-defense viable in some cases and lack of intent viable in others. Let us start working on your defense immediately so we have ample time to prepare before trial. We may use text messages, witness statements, video footage, and other evidence in […]

Criminal convictions might continue to haunt you long after your release from prison. If a mistake far in the past has affected your gun ownership rights for too long, is there anything you can do to restore them in Washington? There are specific criteria you must meet, and some felony convictions make you lose your […]

Domestic violence crimes are often taken very seriously.  Intimate partner violence is often recurring and is something the legislature has sought to stop.  Because of this, the penalties for domestic violence crimes may be increased. Fines of $100-115 are usually added to domestic violence offenses to fund prevention and victim advocacy programs.  On top of […]