October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Washington Attorney General, who is a supporter of ending the problem of domestic violence, will be joining others in a statewide display of purple lights in honor of victims and their families that have been affected by domestic violence.
Unfortunately, this issue of domestic violence is a persistent one, and appears to be on the rise across the U.S. Countrywide, there were 17,000 reports of domestic violence last year. This problem is widespread in Washington State as well. The Seattle Post Intelligencer cited that 7 out of 10 of the homicides that have taken place within Seattle city limits have been related to domestic violence.
Domestic violence is when a “family or household member” commits a criminal act against another “family or household member.” A “family or household member” includes married couples who were, or are currently living together, couples in a dating relationship, or parents that have a child between them. Grandparents, step-parents, and step-children also come under this definition. Common domestic violence offenses can include assault, battery, harassment, reckless endangerment, stalking, violation of protection orders, and even homicide.
A charge of domestic violence can be considered either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances. A misdemeanor domestic violence offense is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000. fine, and a gross misdemeanor is punishable by up to 365 days in jail and a $5,000. fine. A felony domestic violence charge is punishable by over one year in prison.
A few moments of confusion in the midst of argument, and before you know it the police are called. A domestic violence conviction is a serious matter, as it can substantially impact your life for years to come. It can limit the time you are able spend with your children; it can create difficulties in finding housing and work in the future. If you have been charged with a domestic violence offense, it is important to speak with a criminal defense lawyer who can help you sort out the facts and mount a strong defense.