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Family Law

The Job of a Domestic Violence Attorney

Domestic Violence as a topic is very broad and covers a wide spectrum of issues. Typically, domestic violence is defined as any situation involving an abusive relationship, where one person attempts to control or manipulate another person for personal gain. The term “domestic” also encompasses situations in which the relationships have no recognizable connection to a specific household or community but involves someone living in or controlling a residence or other individual. The abuses may include physical, verbal, psychological, and sexual abuse. This criminal violation can involve a range of different scenarios from simple verbal abuse to extreme physical violence.

Domestic Violence Attorney

 

Many victims feel uncomfortable coming forward and seeking help, even when they are in the midst of domestic violence cases. Many victims feel unsafe contacting the police because they may be threatened or fear retaliation. When victims do seek help from Seattle domestic violence attorneys, they often fear further retaliation or possible jail time.

 

Victims need to contact a Washington domestic violence attorney as soon as possible if they suspect their partner or spouse is involved in abusive activities. Contacting an attorney sooner rather than later can be crucial. The sooner the victim contacts an attorney, the better chances there are of obtaining appropriate legal assistance. In some cases the attorney can advise the victim to keep quiet, avoid saying anything, or make suggestive statements that might sway the jury or judge toward accepting a guilty resolution. In other cases, the attorney may advise the victim to cooperate with law enforcement officials and provide them with details about the abuse.

 

Once a law enforcement official has made contact with the victim, it is important for the client to accurately describe the events of the alleged incident. False information or embellishment may cause the criminal charge to be dismissed. If the alleged victim is a co-defendant, it is important for them to provide detailed information about the events leading up to the incident. Information provided by the co-defendant can have an impact on the criminal case. The Seattle domestic violence attorney will work with the prosecuting attorney to determine the best course of action for his client.

 

Other issues facing the victim and his Seattle DV lawyer include pursuing an investigation of the charges brought against the defendant, the potential punishment for their crime, and seeking other avenues for resolving the dispute between the couple. Many times these cases end with a plea bargain. The terms of the plea bargain and the nature of the charges are negotiated before a grand jury is empaneled to begin deliberations.

 

Negotiations between the prosecutor and the defense lawyers often turn out to be successful. A number of factors, such as mitigating circumstances, affect the outcome of these negotiations. Vandalism, abuse or neglect, drunkenness, job loss, and financial hardship may all be considered by the grand jury that indicts a suspect. There are a number of domestic violence attorneys in the Seattle area who specialize in these types of cases. If you or a loved one has been accused of domestic violence in Seattle, contact an experienced attorney right away.