Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer in Bellevue

Domestic violence is one of the most serious criminal charges to face in the public’s eye, and the legal process for protecting your rights is just as complex. If police are questioning you or arresting you due to allegations like these, hiring a domestic violence defense lawyer in Bellevue becomes a critical move.

At Puget Law Group, our Bellevue criminal defense lawyer becomes your advocate. Set up a consultation to discuss your case with our team. We have over 150 years of combined experience.

Potential Domestic Violence Consequences

Domestic violence ranges in terms of severity, and as such, the type of potential consequences you face will also vary. However, if arrested and convicted, you could face outcomes that involve:

• Jail time
• No contact orders, even if you have children
• Loss of gun rights
• Court-ordered counseling

You also need to know that, under Washington’s domestic violence laws, law enforcement can immediately arrest and incarcerate you in these cases, as this falls under an area of mandatory arrest. Police must act if they believe there is probable cause of a crime occurring, even if you do not have any previous criminal record. Talk to our Bellevue domestic violence attorney today.

Limitations on Returning Home

If an arrest occurs, the court can issue a no-contact order, which means you cannot return to your home or have any contact with the people listed on the order. That will remain in place until your first court appearance and can continue after that, depending on the details of the case.

This is a critical component because it could mean you are suddenly unable to meet with your family or live in your home. Talk to Puget Law Group today.

Understanding Domestic Violence Charges in Bellevue

Domestic violence is a broad term that applies to a variety of claims. This includes any type of physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or inflicting fear of such actions on another person. It occurs when such threats happen between members who live in the same home, whether they are family or not. You may face these charges if you violate Washington laws (Chapter 10.99 RCW) related to this area. Examples include:

• Assault
• Coercion
• Kidnapping
• Property damage
• Violation of protective orders
• Burglary
• Rape
• False imprisonment

In these situations, we strongly encourage you to protect your right to silence and to seek out the guidance of a criminal defense attorney. No matter if law enforcement seems to be on your side or not, they will prosecute you to the fullest extent under the law. Let our legal team protect you from unwarranted actions. Be sure to review our FAQs to learn more.

What Happens If Charged with Domestic Violence

When an arrest occurs, we encourage you not to make a statement or answer questions. Request that you receive access to your attorney and wait for us to be present to protect you. You can expect the following process in most cases of domestic violence:

• First court appearance: This typically happens within 24 to 48 hours of being booked into jail. The judge will determine if probable cause exists and then if bail is necessary or allowable. The court clarifies any conditions of release at this time and issues any applicable no-contact orders.
• Arraignment: During this formal hearing, you will receive a formal outline of what charges you are facing. You will have the ability to enter a plea if you decide to do so. We encourage you to enter a plea of not guilty in all cases unless our legal team advises you otherwise. At this point, it is not likely that you should plead anything but not guilty.
• Pre-trial hearings: In the next steps, a pre-trial hearing occurs in which the court will monitor the progress of the case and may determine if you remain in compliance with any conditions of release. This typically occurs two weeks or up to 30 days after the arraignment. Make sure you attend this court-ordered appointment. Not doing so can impact your case and outcome.
• Motion hearings will take place in the days to come: Your attorney or the prosecutor may bring a legal motion to the judge to decide on various factors of the case, including dismissal of charges, failure to preserve evidence, or the right to a speedy trial. Our legal team will work with you in this situation.
• Plea agreement: In some situations, we can encourage the prosecutor to drop charges, plead out to a lesser offense, or take other steps to minimize going to trial. Let our attorneys discuss these needs with you thoroughly.
• Trial: If your case goes to trial, you can expect our attorneys to prepare you for the entire experience. You will have insights into what you should and should not say and how to act. Our goal may be to avoid going to trial through a plea agreement, if applicable in your case.
• Sentencing: If you move forward with sentencing after a conviction, expect our legal team to pursue fair treatment to the fullest extent allowed by law. We will work to minimize the long-term impact on your life and help you to seek the best possible outcome.

Not all cases of domestic violence lead to a trial, and many times these charges change, or the prosecutor drops them if they have sufficient evidence to make that decision prior to a court date.

With the help of our experienced Bellevue domestic violence defense attorney, we will work to minimize the risk of a conviction by presenting a defense strategy applicable to your situation. Expect us to investigate and build your case to the fullest extent possible, and our case results tell that story.

Set Up a Consultation Now with a Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in Bellevue

Our attorneys at Puget Law Group have a long, proven history of providing individuals with effective defense strategies that get results. Every case is vastly different, and we put the same hard work and investigation into each one to ensure your rights remain protected.

If you are facing these charges, set up a consultation with our Bellevue domestic violence defense lawyer immediately for guidance. Let us offer transparent, honest insight into what you are facing.