Seattle Domestic Violence Suspect Arrested Sometimes threats of domestic violence are not taken seriously, and as a result, innocent people lose their lives. Fortunately, Seattle police officers were able to intervene during a domestic dispute and arrest a man who had threatened to blow up his neighborhood. Around 9 p.m. on December 31, police officers responded to a call about… Read More
Defending Yourself Against Charges of Domestic Violence Charges of domestic violence often arise during divorce, child custody, and other types of family court proceedings. Those accused can face serious criminal penalties, including fines and jail time, in addition to being denied rights to their home or property and facing restrictions in terms of being able to see their children. Domestic Violence Charges… Read More
I Defended Myself From A Mugging; Now I Am Charged With A Crime In each of the 50 states, legal provisions are in place to allow citizens to defend themselves from unlawful attack by another. Self-defense is a legal right derived from the body of natural law upon which constitutional rights are based, but it comes with strict caveats. This subject area is endless with possibilities, nuances, and… Read More
Good Samaritan Laws The Constitution of the United States separates our country from many other nations on earth because it guarantees several types of freedom. Citizens are generally free to act at their own discretion, so long as they do not violate the rights of others. Citizens are also generally free not to act if they so choose,… Read More
Associative Criminal Liability in Washington The term, “guilt by association” is a colloquial expression generalizing the notion that if a person associates with criminals, then that person, himself, is criminally culpable. Although this is not a legal principle, it is roughly akin to legal doctrines upon which criminal statutes are based in each of the 50 states. To bring criminal… Read More
Can Emotional Abuse be Considered Domestic Violence? Domestic violence is defined in part by RCW 26.50.20 as “Physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury or assault, between family or household members.” Also included in qualifying behaviors are sexual assault and stalking. A necessary element is the domestic relationship between victim and offender which… Read More
Mandatory Arrest Laws Domestic violence continues to be an issue many people face on a daily basis. Domestic violence doesn’t discriminate age, race, religion, same sex or opposite sex relationships, female or even male. Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, regardless of their professional or financial status, from the richest to the poorest. There are laws… Read More
Do threats without physical assault qualify as domestic violence? Domestic Violence is defined as intentional intimidation, physical assault or battery, or abusive behavior that happens within a home for the purpose of power or control over another. This can include physical, emotional, psychological, or sexual abuse. Domestic Violence unfortunately has no limitations on who it can affect: male, female, old, young, rich, or poor.… Read More
Domestic Violence: Emergency Protection Orders and Restraining Orders Domestic violence tends to be the majority of reasons that emergency protection orders and restraining orders are requested. If a relationship has gotten to the point of needing continual intervention, it is imperative to use the tools at your disposal to assure your continued safety. Restraining Order Definition and Use A restraining order is given… Read More
Top Signs of Domestic Violence Domestic abuse is a very real problem in our society. There are some obvious physical signs of domestic violence, but there are often more underlying signs of domestic violence or the potential for violence. Many times these symptoms are overlooked, excused, or denied. HelpGuide.org says that domestic abuse, also known as spousal abuse, “occurs when… Read More