Although there is a big difference between how much evidence is necessary to file criminal charges and how much evidence is needed to prove a person guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, the government often errors on the side of filing criminal charges and worrying about what proof problems they may have after the fact. In a recent situation, however, the government made the right decision and did not file charges against a person who was involved in a potentially volatile public situation.
The King County prosecutor’s office chose to not file charges against the mayor of Granite Falls, Wash., Haroon Saleem, who was arrested at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport during a very public argument with relatives. A spokesman for the King County Prosecutor’s Office, Dan Donohoe, noted that the evidence was simply not sufficient to charge Saleem with a crime notwithstanding the fact he was arrested by law enforcement.
Salem was arrested after port police responded to a dispute they say involved shouting and threats. The Everett Daily Herald says Saleem was arrested for investigation of domestic violence harassment. Saleem was alleged to have been at the airport to pick up his 13-year-old daughter, who was flying back from California with other relatives. Court papers say the relatives apparently had quarreled during the vacation and the argument continued at the airport. Saleem claimed that he was only protecting his daughter.
Because of the sheer magnitude of domestic violence in Washington State it is imperative that when a person is facing single or even multiple criminal charges arising out of an argument that got out of hand, a person cannot simply entrust his life, his future, his reputation or even his profession to an inexperienced and untested Washington State lawyer. He must seek – he must demand – only the very best criminal defense representation available. Anyone charged with domestic violence in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle domestic violence defense lawyer.
The Seattle criminal attorneys that make up the criminal defense team of SQ Attorneys are highly seasoned and reputable Seattle domestic violence defense lawyers that are dedicated to providing top notch, aggressive representation for those arrested for domestic violence in Western Washington and the greater Puget Sound region. The team is designed to create success by working with law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney’s office so as to ensure that all facts and circumstances related to the criminal allegations brought against the accused are considered in creating the fairest, most equitable and just resolution possible in light of all the surrounding circumstances. If accused of a crime protect your rights – contact SQ Attorneys.
