Our Washington State government considers domestic violence (“DV”) to be a big problem in our state. Washington law requires that in DV related cases a police officer responding to an incident of domestic violence make an arrest if the officer has probable cause to believe that a domestic violence assault or other serious domestic violence offense was committed within the previous four hours.
If the officer determines that “family or household members” (as defined by statute) have assaulted each other, the officer will arrest only the person he or she believes to be the primary aggressor. State law also requires mandatory arrest for violations of No Contact Orders and Civil Protection Orders.
A person arrested for a domestic violence offense will usually be held in jail until he/she appears before a judge – often, and usually, the following day. The Court may require a defendant charged with domestic violence to sign a No Contact Order as a condition of release from jail, and may also require that the person post bail to get out of jail pending the outcome of his DV case.
Prior to arraigning domestic violence defendants, Court probation counselors often attempt to contact alleged victims to determine whether they wish a No Contact Order to be issued between them and the defendant.
DV allegations are extremely serious in Washington State. 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 qualified 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. 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.