Lawyers In Your Corner During Domestic Violence Allegations
Last updated on May 14, 2025
A criminal charge for a serious domestic violence offense or domestic abuse offense often translates to the loss of rights that many of us take for granted.
When a person is accused of a domestic violence offense, courts almost always enter no-contact orders. This usually means that the person charged loses access to his or her home. Persons convicted of domestic assault, harassment or a protection order violation can lose the right to own a firearm, child visitation privileges after a divorce and immigration status, increasing the risk of deportation.
The attorneys at Muth Atwood, PLLC, bring a wealth of experience to highly sensitive domestic violence cases. Our team has defended numerous clients against a wide range of domestic violence charges, from misdemeanors to felonies. We understand the complex family dynamics and potential consequences these cases involve, and we have developed customized strategies to effectively manage these situations.
If you are facing such charges, don’t wait to get experienced legal help. Contact us at 866-235-0030 for a confidential consultation.
Understanding The Charges And Consequences Of Domestic Disputes
Our firm’s practice includes a strong defense against charges such as:
- Domestic assault: Domestic abuse or assault charges can result in serious consequences. Our attorneys will protect your rights and develop a strong defense.
- Protection order violations: Lack of compliance with a protection order can carry criminal consequences. We will provide experienced counsel on how to resolve the situation.
Domestic violence charges in Washington can lead to either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the severity of the incident. Misdemeanors typically include:
- Domestic violence assault in the fourth degree
- Violation of a no-contact order
- Malicious mischief in the third degree
These charges are punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. On the other hand, some domestic violence charges are considered felonies. These may include:
- Domestic violence assault in the first, second or third degree
- Malicious mischief in the first or second degree
- Felony harassment
- Violation of a no-contact order with prior convictions
Like other crimes, felony domestic violence carries higher punishments such as imprisonment from five years to life in prison and a $10,000 to $50,000 fine.
Note that even if the offense typically falls in the misdemeanor category, it can become a felony if certain aggravating factors are present. These might include:
- Presence of children during the incident
- Use of firearms
- Date rape or acquaintance rape
- Other forms of sexual assault
Your criminal defense attorney will walk you through the legal process and help prepare you for whatever charges may come.
Domestic Violence Charges Can Put Your Parental Rights At Risk
Domestic violence incidents, even those seemingly unrelated to your children, can have severe impacts on your family life. What many don’t realize is that these situations often trigger involvement from Child Protective Services (CPS). This means a charge can potentially jeopardize access to your children.
An accusation of domestic violence can prompt CPS to investigate your home environment and the well-being of any children present. CPS may implement safety plans that restrict access to children, even if they were not present during the incident.
Moreover, family courts usually consider domestic violence when making custody decisions, potentially limiting visitation rights or requiring supervised visits.
Any Domestic Violence Accusation May Result In Arrest
Have you been accused of stalking or striking a family member, abusing a former spouse or your child, intimidating someone in your home, or issuing threats of harm that led to a domestic violence complaint?
Because of mandatory arrest laws, if the police have probable cause that someone committed a domestic violence offense, the police must arrest the primary aggressor. Even if a conviction does not happen, the arrest may appear on your record.
If you have been arrested, our attorneys have the dedication, experience and track record to help you defend against these serious charges.
Answering Common Questions About Domestic Violence Charges
Facing any kind of criminal charge will certainly bring about many questions about your situation. Here are several queries that our team frequently encounters:
How long does a domestic violence offense stay on your record in Washington?
In our state, domestic violence offenses typically remain on a person’s record indefinitely unless they successfully expunge or vacate the offenses. For misdemeanors, you may be able to vacate them after three years from the completion of your sentence. For felonies, the waiting period is five to ten years, depending on the felony class.
For more information about vacating a conviction, don’t hesitate to reach out to our attorneys.
Are the police more likely to arrest me for abuse if I’m a man?
Statistically, men are more likely to be arrested in active domestic violence situations and criminal investigations. However, this does not necessarily reflect the actual rates of abuse. It also does not mean that men cannot be victims of abuse themselves.
If you are concerned about potential bias in a domestic abuse situation, remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement, and seek legal counsel immediately.
Does the domestic violence law in Seattle only apply to family members?
No. Domestic violence cases can also involve dating partners, persons who have a child in common, adults related by blood or marriage, housemates and more. The key factor is the nature of the current or past relationship between the parties involved, be it a romantic, familial or household member relationship.
These answers may provide a bit of clarity to your current situation. For more direct answers, you can reach out to our office and speak to an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
Reach Out Today For Immediate Legal Support
To discuss your issues in detail and in confidence during an initial consultation, contact Muth Atwood, PLLC, in Seattle. Call 866-235-0030 or reach us by email.