Domestic Violence

Courts in Washington State take a particularly strong stance against crimes that are classified as “Domestic Violence.” Punishment is often more severe, including longer sentences, required lengthy treatment, imposition of no-contact (protection), loss of firearm rights, difficulty (or inability) in traveling abroad, as well as significant employment ramifications. Many crimes can carry the domestic violence label, but most frequently are assault, harassment, and malicious mischief. "Domestic violence" means:

• a) Physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury or assault, between family or household members;
• b) sexual assault of one family or household member by another; or
• c) stalking as defined in RCW 9A.46.110 of one family or household member by another family or household member.

The definition of "family or household members" is quite expansive. It includes:

• a) spouses,
• b) domestic partners,
• c) former spouses,
• d) former domestic partners,
• e) persons who have a child in common regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time,
• f) adult persons related by blood or marriage,
• g) adult persons who are presently residing together or who have resided together in the past,
• h)  persons sixteen years of age or older who are presently residing together or who have resided together in the past and who have or have had a dating relationship,
• i) persons sixteen years of age or older with whom a person sixteen years of age or older has or has had a dating relationship,
• j) and persons who have a biological or legal parent-child relationship, including stepparents and stepchildren and grandparents and grandchildren

"Dating relationship" means a social relationship of a romantic nature. Factors that the court may consider in making this determination include: (a) The length of time the relationship has existed; (b) the nature of the relationship; and (c) the frequency of interaction between the parties. Ashbach Law Offices, LLC has extensive history representing clients charged with a vast array of domestic violence crimes, including assault, harassment and malicious mischief. Such great results include dismissals of charges, reduction to non-Domestic Violence charges, and acquittals (“not guilty” verdicts) at trial. Such great results have saved marriages, relationships, jobs and the ability to remain in the United States. If you, or someone you care about, has been charged (or may be) with a Domestic Violence crime in King County, Skagit County, Snohomish County, or Whatcom County, call Ashbach Law Offices, LLC today at (360) 659-4950 for a free, no-pressure case evaluation. With a reputation in the legal community as aggressive, effective and successful criminal defense attorneys, we are here to help you through your difficult times.