In Washington State, domestic violence related allegations are extremely pervasive. Outside of DUI charges, domestic violence related crimes are probably the most widely filed criminal charge in our Washington State district and municipal courts. Many alleged domestic violence situations result in not just one, but multiple charges being leveled against an accused.

It is extremely common for neighbors to call 911 when they hear loud, violent arguments between spouses, ex-spouses, couples, or partners. Even when there is no evidence of an assault, police often  (and under certain circumstances are required by law to)  arrest a spouse, ex-spouse or partner in order to diffuse a seemingly volatile situation. Police rarely, if ever, take the time to determine who started an argument, who acted in self-defense, or who threatened whom; typically law enforcement simply arrests the male who was involved and book him into jail. Similarly, the prosecuting attorney rarely declines to file criminal charges once an allegation has been made. This may be because it is too risky to do otherwise; if there is another altercation, or worse yet, there is serious harm caused to the alleged victim by the accused at a later date, the prosecutor may be held accountable for not taking action when he could have. Prosecutors don’t like to unnecessarily expose their “back-side”. Hence, they may choose to file a criminal complaint even when the allegations may appear silly, i.e. a single poke to the chest or the rising of a hand to strike another.

Because of the life altering impact of a domestic violence allegation, it is imperative that when a person is facing a single or even a multiple criminal charge(s) 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. A qualified Seattle domestic violence attorney will take the time to investigate the events that led up to a person’s arrest for domestic violence. He or she will interview eyewitnesses, subpoena emergency room medical records, and carefully review police reports. In court, the Seattle domestic violence lawyer will interview police officers to determine if they actually understood the situation before they made an arrest, pointing out information and facts that contradict the allegations against his/he client. The attorney will make absolutely sure that jurors get the whole story and not just the one-sided version offered by the alleged victim and the prosecuting attorney. It should go without saying that 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 and around 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, (206) 293-9590; (425) 998-8384 – it will be the best decision you make all day.