Consequences of a Washington Domestic Violence Charge.

If you are accused of a Washington DV crime you are facing very serious and long-term consequences.

Consequences before you are even convicted can include:

• Immediate arrest and incarceration in jail when police respond to a domestic violence call. Washington DV laws require that the police make an arrest when responding to a DV call if there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed. This is true even if you have no criminal history, the accusations are just one person's word against yours, there are no injuries, or the accusations are relatively minor. RCW 10.99.030.

• The issuance of a no-contact order while the case is pending which can prevent you from residing at your home, contacting your children, or accessing your property, among other things. You will be given one opportunity for a visit home to collect some necessary items with a law enforcement escort. This no-contact order can, and generally will, be imposed EVEN IF the other person involved in the incident does not want it. RCW 10.99.040

• Prohibitions on possessing firearms or dangerous weapons as a condition of release from jail. This can be especially damaging if you work in a position that requires you to possess a firearm (i.e. the military, law enforcement, security work).

If you plead guilty to a Washington DV crime or are convicted after a trial you would face the following additional consequences:

• Jail time

• Fines and costs as authorized by law

• Probation

• Court ordered participation in a one year state approved Domestic Violence Batterer’s Treatment Program at your expense.

• Issuance of a no-contact order that can remain in effect during the entire time the court has jurisdiction (such as two years).  This can, and often will, be imposed even if the other party to the order does not want it. 

• Loss of your right to possess a firearm.  This loss is permanent unless you successfully petition to court to reinstate your rights.  This is true even if you are employed in a field that requires you to lawfully possess a weapon (i.e. the military, law enforcement, security work). RCW 9.41.040

• Limitations on your rights to residential custody and visitation with your children.  RCW 26.09.191 & RCW 26.10.160

• Serious immigration consequences if you are not a United States citizen.