A: Domestic violence is the use of physical, sexual, economic, emotional and/or psychological abuse by an intimate partner or family member to control the actions of another. In most states, domestic violence crimes include behaviors that constitute assault, battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment and other criminal offenses that result in physical injury or death.

A: Yes. Minor physical injuries, and even the threat of violence, may result in an arrest in a domestic violence case. However, the severity of the injury may influence the specific charge brought.

Domestic violence charges can have a serious impact on the rest of your life. If you have questions about domestic violence issues, call Newton & Hall, Attorneys at Law, PLLC today at (253) 867-2675 to schedule a consultation with an experienced criminal attorney today.

In the State of Washington, allegations of domestic violence are taken very seriously. What may have started out as a moment of confusion and anger made lead to felony or misdemeanor criminal charges - charges that can adversely affect your life. As soon as you find out that a complaint has been filed or a no-contact order issued, you should speak with one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys at Newton & Hall, Attorneys at Law, PLLC. When faced with serious allegations that could affect your freedom and reputation, invest in the services of an accomplished criminal law firm. To learn how to protect yourself against the seriousness of a domestic violence allegation

Domestic violence used to be viewed as a private matter between two individuals, usually a husband and wife. Given the prevalence of domestic violence and the effect it has on the lives of everyone involved, it is no longer seen as a private matter. All 50 states and the federal government have passed laws criminalizing domestic violence and offering civil relief to the victims. If you have questions about domestic violence, contact an experienced attorneys Newton & Hall for more information. Domestic violence charges are serious and should not be taken lightly.

Most domestic violence charges can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. A defendant charged with a felony can serve significant time in prison, whereas a defendant charged with a misdemeanor may serve only a short jail term or be required to pay a fine, attend counseling or be put on probation.

Protective orders are used to prevent contact between victims and alleged domestic violence abusers. These orders can have a serious impact on the freedoms and abilities of those who are subject to them and can affect divorce and child custody proceedings.

Under state law, domestic violence charges should be considered by the court before making any decisions regarding child custody. Thus, those who have been charged with domestic violence may be denied custody rights altogether or granted limited, supervised visitation with their children.

Under federal law, a protective order issued in one state must be enforced wherever a violation occurs - even if it is not in the same state where the order was issued. Known as full faith and credit, this federal law seeks to protect victims of domestic violence from abusers crossing state lines to violate the terms of protection orders.