Assault & Domestic Violence

Of all criminal charges, an assault allegation poses the greatest risk to the defendant. These charges carry serious jail or prison sentences and long-term consequences. Additionally, at your arraignment, the judge is highly likely to impose the most restrictive conditions of release.

If you want a chance at fighting these restrictive conditions, you must have a private defense attorney at the arraignment. You will not be discussing the conditions with a public defender, as they are not appointed until the arraignment.

The Definition of Assault

The law in Washington has a comprehensive understanding of assault. According to the courts, an assault can take three forms: (1) an attempt to unlawfully inflict bodily harm on another person, (2) an unlawful touching with criminal intent, or (3) putting someone in fear of harm, whether or not the perpetrator actually intends or is able to carry it out.

While the specific term "assault" is not defined in the criminal code, the courts rely on a common law definition that covers a range of assaultive behaviors. The key elements needed to prove an assault charge are outlined in the Revised Code of Washington, Title 9A.36. It's important to note that more severe felony-level assaults (first, second, and third degree) come with additional qualifiers that increase the seriousness of the offense.

The Domestic Violence Allegation

The majority of assault cases we handle include the special allegation of domestic violence. The domestic violence "tag" carries extra punishments, including firearm forfeiture and no-contact orders. These charges can be devastating to families because the no-contact order remains in place for the duration of the case. This is the reason we move quickly on domestic violence cases. Any delay in resolving these cases can result in financially catastrophic consequences, as the accused is forced to pay for a separate residence during the case.

Why Choose Our Firm?

At Styles Law, we have a track record of success in defending clients against assault charges, both in trial and through negotiations. We take the time to thoroughly prepare our clients, ensuring they understand the facts of their case, the legal defenses available to them, and the potential outcomes.

Our team leaves no stone unturned, meticulously investigating every aspect of the case to identify any evidentiary or legal issues. We recognize that in many assault cases, the officers on the scene have already decided who the aggressor and the victim are. We work tirelessly to present the accurate side of the story and challenge the prosecution's case.

After all, every criminal charge has specific elements that the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. And when it comes to issues of intent, witness testimony can often be crucial in disproving the state's allegations.

If you've been charged with assault, we'e here to help. Self-defense is a valid defense in Washington, and if your actions were a reasonable response to a perceived physical threat, we'l fight to have your charges reduced or dismissed.

Let us review the details of your specific assault charge, whether it's Assault 1, 2, 3, or 4, Custodial Assault, or Assault of a Child. We'll provide the personalized attention you deserve and work tirelessly to protect your rights and your future.