Frequently Asked Questions about Alleged Criminal Violations in Arlington, Edmonds, Everett, Lake Stevens, Lynnwood, Marysville, Monroe and the rest of Snohomish County, Washington

What is the difference between Assault in the Fourth Degree – Domestic Violence (Assault 4-DV) and ordinary Assault in the Fourth Degree (Assault 4)?

The underlying elements of the crimes are the same, except that in a Domestic Violence case, the allegation is that the alleged victim was a “family or household member” as defined by Washington statute. Generally this means any close family member, former dating partner, or person with whom you have a child. Upon sentencing, courts generally punish the DV charge more harshly, and oftentimes require domestic violence treatment, which is a year’s worth of classes. Additionally, a court often imposes a pre-trial no-contact order at arraignment, as well as a post-trial no-contact order upon conviction.

Conviction of a DV offense also requires the defendant to relinquish all firearms, and the defendant loses the ability to possess a firearm until the right is restored by a court. Additionally, DV conviction may be a bar to entry into Canada, and if you are a non-citizen, may result in deportation. Finally, some employers (such as Boeing in Everett), look very unfavorably upon those convicted of DV crimes, particularly if the defendant works in a high-security area.

If you have been charged with a domestic violence crime, or are the alleged victim of a domestic violence crime, call Ashbach Law Offices, LLC today for a free, no pressure consultation at (360) 659-4950.

Back to Frequently Asked Questions