Tacoma Domestic Violence Lawyer

The State of Washington has very strict domestic violence laws. If convicted of a domestic violence charge in the Tacoma, Puyallup, Federal Way, or Auburn area, even a gross misdemeanor, there are several severe consequences. There is usually a one year mandatory batterers treatment requirement for a domestic violence conviction. A conviction for domestic violence also makes you ineligible to posses a firearm. If you are a military professional or law enforcement officer convicted of a domestic violence crime, this conviction will result in the termination of your employment. There are several other professions that will terminate your employment upon notice of a domestic violence conviction.

Most domestic violence charges in the Tacoma area are gross misdemeanors that are punishable by up to one year in jail and a five thousand dollar fine. In Pierce County, bail is often set while the case is pending, even for a first time offender. Jail is also commonly imposed for a first time domestic violence offense. This is why you need an experienced domestic violence defense attorney to protect your rights and to get the best result for your domestic violence case in the Greater Tacoma and South Sound areas of Federal Way, Auburn, Lakewood, Burien, Puyallup, and Des Moines.

Domestic violence cases include assault, but also include nonviolent offenses. These other offenses include the destruction of property or malicious mischief, violation of a protection or no contact order, stalking, and harassment. If you have been arrested or charged with nonviolent domestic violence in Tacoma or a surrounding area, please contact Cristine Beckwith to discuss your domestic violence charges.

By Washington State law, domestic violence is determined by the relationship between the person charged and the complaining witness. The domestic violence relationship determination includes incidences with any family member (by blood or by marriage), current or past romantic relationships, child in common, and even current roommates.

People accused of domestic violence are often wrongfully accused of the crime. There is usually very little, if any physical evidence of the domestic violence charge. Often times, it comes down to the statement of the complaining witness in the domestic violence case. Unfortunately, many complaining witnesses make false statements to law enforcement for various reasons. These false accusations result in domestic violence charges that could be devastating to the life of the accused.

When selecting a domestic violence defense lawyer, it is important that you choose an attorney who has domestic violence experience and has current knowledge on all of the consequences of the criminal charge. Cristine Beckwith has represented hundreds of people accused of domestic violence in the Greater Tacoma area and she is determined to get the best result in your criminal case.