The Women’s World Cup is – as they say – in the books. What a phenomenal victory and stellar performance by the US Women’s National Team. And with such accolades comes a platform for public awareness.
Hope Solo, the US goal keeper and current Seattle Reign player, is ensuring her voice is heard with regard to the impact of domestic violence allegations. She says that she is done playing the victim. As most of us all know by now Solo was the defendant in a domestic violence case in 2014, wherein the charges brought against her were ultimately dismissed after several contentious court battles with the prosecuting attorney.
Regardless of the dismissal, Solo claims she lost countless endorsements, and that her name and reputation were blemished; she is now compared to the likes of Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson. In short, she says that “from here on out, no matter what happens, I’ll forever be associated with domestic violence.”
And therein lies the significance of this short post; let Solo’s statement be a lesson to everyone: A simple allegation of domestic violence can forever blemish one’s persona. It can impact job opportunities and public perception; the impact goes beyond just family. It has the potential of creating a lifelong public stigma. Unfortunately, in our current political and legal climates, prosecutors error on the side of guilt, not innocence. A claim of domestic violence, no matter how seemingly trivial, will result in criminal charges being filed and court proceedings moving forward. One charged with domestic violence best be prepared.
If you or a loved has been arrested for a domestic violence related crime in Washington State immediately contact a Seattle criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and interests. The Seattle criminal defense attorneys that make up the criminal defense team of SQ Attorneys are highly qualified and reputable Seattle 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.