The ‘Bad Apple’ Affect

SQ Attorneys

SQ Attorneys

When talking with potential domestic violence defendants, they and their families often wonder why the government is so unreasonable to deal with during negotiations. Often the alleged victim is not ‘on board’ with the prosecution and just wants the prosecution to ‘drop the case’. They cannot understand why the prosecutor continues to vigorously pursue the prosecution of their loved one even when they have made it clear they don’t want the case to proceed. They are shocked to find that even when they say they don’t want a no contact order in place the prosecution recommends the court impose one, effectively separating the family for long, anxiety filled, periods of time.

Well one only need to look at what happened in Seward Park this past Saturday to find their answer. According to news reports, this past weekend a man apparently shot a woman believed to be his estranged wife before turning the gun on himself and pulling the trigger. The shooting was reported just after 8 p.m. in the 5100 block of South Frontenac Street. The man shot the woman in the leg before killing himself. The woman survived but was taken to Harborview Medical Center for treatment, and the Police Department’s domestic-violence unit is now handling the investigation.

These are the very types of cases that create hyper vigilance by the prosecution. As they say … it is the ‘one bad apple’ that does everyone in, and has created a system where there is intense government oversight when a DV 911 call is made. The purpose is not to – per se – punish the family, but effectively that is exactly what has happened in the prosecution’s effort to stomp out domestic violence in Washington State; the government has chosen to error on the side of caution when it comes to domestic violence, and in turn – like it or not – many families are beholden to the government’s heavy handed oversight and mandates.

If you (or a loved one) find yourself facing a DV related criminal charge, it is infinitely important to immediately contact and hire a Seattle domestic violence attorney. The Seattle domestic violence attorneys that make up the criminal defense team of SQ Attorneys are highly qualified and reputable Seattle domestic violence lawyers that are dedicated to providing top notch, aggressive representation for those arrested for crime all across Western Washington and the Greater Puget Sound region. The team creates success by working with law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney’s office to ensure that all facts and circumstances related to the criminal allegations are considered in creating the fairest, most equitable and just resolution possible in light of all the surrounding circumstances of the given case. So, whether cited for domestic violence related assault, malicious mischief, property destruction or some other crime, protect yourself … call SQ Attorneys immediately at 206.441.0900.

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