Criminal cases in Washington State are serious matters that can impact both a person’s personal as well as their professional life; people face the prospect of jail, fines and conditioned probation. In particular, a domestic violence related criminal case can be particularly impactful on a person’s life, and the stigma alone can be somewhat overwhelming. That said, a person charged with a domestic violence related case should refrain from feeling outright despair. This is so because a skilled and aggressive Seattle domestic violence attorney can, and will, help his client in obtaining the most favorable sentencing option if a conviction should occur; and in some instances with the help of a Seattle domestic violence attorney, a criminal charge might not even turn into a criminal conviction.
For now though, let’s focus on sentencing after a DV conviction. There are several different factors which influence how a judge might sentence an individual on a domestic violence charge in Washington. A judge in a domestic violence case is likely to consider the offender’s historical behavior towards the victim. If the judge finds an ongoing pattern of abuse, coercion, control, physical or sexual abuse, that past history is likely to influence sentencing. Another factor the judge will probably review is whether or not the incident(s) took place in front of (or involved) any minor children. The judiciary may also consider what proactive steps (attend counseling, DVBT and/or a DV victim panel, to name a few) the offender took while the case was pending in the criminal justice system.
Typically, in a domestic violence case, when a conviction is obtained by the government, the prosecutor must provide certain things for the court to review for sentencing. These include, but may not be limited to, the facts of the case, the victim’s desires, the offender’s demeanor, and the offender’s history, if any. All these things may impact a judge’s decision on punishment. In consideration of the foregoing, it is abundantly important to prepare for sentencing like any other part of a person’s case. In fact, some would say an attorney should be most prepared for the sentencing stage of a criminal case.
It should go without saying, but if you or a loved has been arrested for a domestic violence related crime in Washington State immediately contact a Seattle domestic violence criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and interests. The Seattle domestic violence criminal defense attorneys that make up the criminal defense team of SQ Attorneys are highly qualified and reputable Seattle domestic violence criminal defense 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 malicious mischief, assault, property destruction or some other crime, protect yourself … call SQ Attorneys immediately.
