Domestic Violence

Charges that include Assault, No Contact Orders and Malicious Mischief

If you have been arrested or charged with a crime of Domestic Violence in Pierce or King County the consequences can be very serious. You are probably already aware that when the police respond to a DV 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 DV laws and once the process has begun, the complaining witness no longer has the right to “drop the charges.”

Whether your case is a misdemeanor or felony, if you are convicted of a crime involving Domestic Violence in Tacoma, your conviction could result in jail or prison time, substantial fines, court ordered anger management or domestic violence classes, protective orders, ineligibility to possess a firearm and other court-ordered consequences. If you are facing Tacoma, Puyallup, Kent, or Lakewood Domestic Violence charges, Horwath Law can help.

What is Domestic Violence?

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 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. An experienced Tacoma DV lawyer can make all of the difference. Angela Horwath routinely obtains dismissals on domestic violence charges.