Domestic Violence victim’s rights have been slightly expanded in Washington State, as Governor Inslee signed into law a bill (SB 5612) that gives domestic violence victims, and/or their survivors, the right to make a statement during sentencing hearings. The new law goes into effect on June 9, 2022.
Previously the right to speak at sentencing was only guaranteed in cases involving Felonies, not Gross Misdemeanor or Misdemeanor related crimes. Now DV victim’s right to speak at sentencing applies to all cases, whether a Felony or not. If a victim is not comfortable speaking, she can designate a representative to speak on her behalf.
The new law comes on the heels of the passage of the Tiffany Hill Act, which allows domestic violence victims to have access to a perpetrator’s electronic monitoring tracking with real time notification technology of the person’s whereabouts; it allows for an additional layer of protection from a convicted abuser.
If you or a loved one is in a bind as a result of a criminal charge, domestic violence or otherwise, immediately contact a Seattle Criminal Attorney. A Criminal lawyer is not going to judge you, and understands that everyone makes mistakes. Hiring a Seattle Criminal Lawyer to help can – at a minimum – reduce penalties, and can help direct people on how to best deal with their criminal charge, and many times even get them dismissed. So it should go without saying that someone cited for a misdemeanor or felony should hire a qualified Seattle Criminal Lawyer as soon as possible. Criminal charges can cause havoc on a person’s personal and professional life. Anyone charged with a crime in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle Criminal Lawyer. SQ Attorneys, a team of seasoned criminal lawyers, is only a phone call away – (206) 441-0900.
