Domestic Violence Attorney in Seattle

Defending Against Domestic Violence Charges in King County

At Guadagno Law, PLLC, I have assisted countless individuals over the last 17 years who have been accused of domestic violence — oftentimes by a vengeful spouse or partner. If you were recently arrested or accused of domestic violence, you need to speak with me, a Seattle domestic violence attorney, as soon as possible. A domestic violence conviction can put you behind bars. Thus, you must take immediate steps to secure my qualified legal representation.

As my client, you can be sure that your case will not be handed off to a junior associate or paralegal. Instead, you can work directly with me, the same Seattle domestic violence lawyer you meet during your free initial consultation. This allows me to fully comprehend all details of your case, as well as your needs. When it comes to defending the rights of my clients, I believe in providing nothing short of high-quality legal services.

What is Domestic Violence?

The state of Washington classifies domestic violence as a criminal act committed by one family member or household member against another, such as assault. A person arrested for domestic violence could face the following consequences:

• Misdemeanor or felony conviction
• Probation supervision
• Counseling
• No-contact order

Have you been accused of domestic violence in Washington State? Our Seattle domestic violence lawyer is ready to represent you. Call Guadagno Law, PLLC today at (206) 895-6800 or contact us online to start your defense!

What is Considered Domestic Violence?

According to Washington state law, an act of domestic violence against an intimate partner, family member or household resident can include:

• Physical harm
• Bodily injury
• Assault
• Cause fear of physical harm, bodily injury or assault
• Sexual assault
• Stalking

What Is a No Contact Order?

When a "no contact order" is issued, the defendant is ordered to not have any contact, whether in person, text, email or, third-party contact, including surveillance or contact through social media accounts. A no-contact order (NCO) differs from a Civil Order of Protection, which is granted by a civil action, in that it is the result of a criminal charge of assault. It is only one of the imposed “conditions of release.”

A person alleged to have assaulted someone MUST appear before a judge or magistrate to be granted conditions of release. This is why bail is rarely granted until the court addresses the alleged defendant. This is particularly onerous if one is arrested on or over the weekend because the incarcerated individual must stay in custody, in most jurisdictions, until seen by a judge.

These conditions are often standard but can include bail, a GPS monitoring device, or a combination of all of those conditions, depending on what the court determines regarding a defendant. The judge will evaluate whether the defendant is a “danger to the victim or community," a "flight risk," or "at risk of failing to appear in court for any future court date."

If a no-contact order is issued against you during the development of your case, it can result in a loss of time spent with your loved ones, including your children. Don't let the actions of a bitter spouse or family member prevent you from spending time with your family.

What are the Penalties for Domestic Violence in Washington?

If you are convicted of domestic violence crime in Washington, you must pay a $100 fine. If you violate a protective order, it can be considered a gross misdemeanor.

First-time domestic violence charges in Washington State include:

• $5,000 fine
• 364 days in jail

You may also face a class C felony for violating a protective order under the following circumstances:

• If you’ve had two or more prior convictions for violating a protective order
• If you’ve committed a third or fourth-degree assault
• If, by your actions, you’ve created serious physical injury or substantial risk of death

For a class C misdemeanor, you could face the following penalties:

• $10,000 fine
• 5 years in prison

Defense Strategies From a Former Prosecutor

Depending on the unique circumstances of your case, I can utilize personalized defense strategies that can increase your likelihood of getting a “not guilty” verdict. As a former prosecutor, I understand how the other side of the court operates, allowing me to devise proactive defense strategies in anticipation of the prosecution’s attacks. Thus, you can feel confident because I am prepared and think on my feet at all times.

I can employ the following defense strategies on your behalf:

• Self-defense or defense of others
• Demonstrate that the allegations are not credible or lack of a factual basis
• Present to the prosecuting authority evidence of mutual combat during negotiations
• Poor evidence or lack of evidence
• Witnesses are not credible
• Underlying issues unrelated to abusive or combative behavior to gain a favorable resolution

These are only a few strategies I may employ in the management of your case.

Contact An Experienced Domestic Violence Lawyer Today

With thousands of domestic violence cases handled and extensive experience both inside and outside of court, I am well-equipped to handle your case, no matter how complex. I am fully aware that sometimes my clients require emergency legal counsel, which is why I proudly grant my clients 24-hour access to communicate with me should a legal crisis arise.

Contact Guadagno Law, PLLC, today to schedule a FREE consultation with a skilled domestic violence attorney in Seattle! Multiple languages offered.