Domestic Violence Attorney Seattle
If you are ever accused of Domestic Violence in Seattle, you need more than just legal or medical help. You need someone to listen, and someone who knows how to help. You need an attorney who knows, understands and has worked with the Washington Domestic Violence Laws, and one who give you the consideration you need at this stressful time. The Law Office of Scott Engelhard has the experience, thoughtfulness and determination to give you the attention you need to get through this stressful time.
Seattle Domestic Violence Lawyer
I am a Seattle Domestic Violence Lawyer who has over 26 years of helping people involved in allegations of Domestic Abuse. You will work directly with me, and not have to explain your issue with others who may not have the ability to understand how it applies to the law. I will help you work through the difficult personal and legal issues involved in domestic violence cases.
Washington Domestic Violence Laws
Domestic Violence Charges are serious, and should not be taken lightly. In addition to criminal charges, allegations of Domestic Abuse usually include No Contact Orders or Protection Orders – which can have a huge impact on your life and the life of other family members and friends. I have years of experience helping people deal with no contact orders as well as criminal domestic violence cases, and avoid further problems sometimes caused by alleged violations of no contact orders.
Domestic Violence Statutes and Orders of Protection
Even though all 50 states have made Domestic Violence a crime, it does not necessarily mean all types of domestic violence are punishable as crimes. Usually a person who has committed domestic abuse will be charged with a crime under the state’s penal code, such as:
- Assault
- Battery
- Violating a Protective Order
- Property damage
- Vandalism
- Attempted murder or murder
- Rape or sexual assault
- Terroristic threats
- Stalking
- Kidnapping
- False imprisonment
- Trespass
If you believe you are accused of Domestic Abuse, please call The Law Office of Scott Engelhard today. I can help.
Domestic Violence Resource Links
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Emerge: Counseling and Education to Stop Domestic Violence
Family Violence Prevention Fund
National Crime Prevention Council
CDC: Division of Violence Prevention
Q & A With Scott Engelhard
Interviewer: What is Domestic Violence in Terms of Criminal Law?
Scott Engelhard: Domestic violence means any form of violence or threats of violence or harassment that is alleged to involve another family member. That can include telephone harassment, it can include allegations of criminal trespass, burglary assault. Other forms of domestic violence include alleged violations of no contact orders, anti-harassment orders, and other types of orders that might have been issued in family court.
Interviewer: Do I Need an Attorney for a Domestic Violence Case or Charge?
Scott Engelhard: Absolutely. These are very serious cases that are often charged as Felonies. Additionally, convictions can impact parenting rights, employment, professional licensing, immigration rights, as well as firearms rights and voting. As soon as you know that the police have been called or allegations of domestic violence have been made in family court, it’s critical to get a lawyer. The first statements that are made are the most important in your case. What’s said, what’s not said, who is interviewed, are all critical parts of the case as it begins. Also, early involvement of an attorney is extremely important to preserving evidence and possible testimony that is critical to the defense.
Interviewer: Why Choose Us?
Scott Engelhard: I have had over 30 years of experience handling domestic violence cases. I know how preserve my client’s rights, and how to get the best result possible in these cases. And I will always keep in mind all of the potential impact of these charges on the rest of my client’s life – whether it be helping my client keep their family together or avoiding the collateral consequences of criminal conviction. This begins by getting a full understanding of my client’s history, situation and perspective, gathering the facts and analyzing the law, and developing the best strategy to get the best possible result.
Interviewer: How do you make the Legal Process Easier on your Clients?
Scott Engelhard: First, I listen closely to my clients in domestic violence cases in order to fully understand their background and all of the circumstances related to their case. Second, I fully discuss with my clients all of the “collateral” consequences and considerations that are likely depending upon how we choose to handle the criminal case. And finally, because of my experience and determination, I get the best results possible for my clients.
Interviewer: What is the Legal Process Involved in Domestic Violence Case?
Scott Engelhard: The legal process actually begins as soon as there is an accusation of domestic violence. As soon as that happens, law enforcement will interview the participants and potential witnesses, and they will often make an arrest. Once an arrest is made and/or charges are filed, there is often a court hearing about conditions or release, including possible “no contact” orders being issued. Thus, as soon as an accusation of domestic violence is made, it is critical to get an experienced domestic violence lawyer to protect your rights, collect and preserve evidence, and develop a strategy to get the best results possible.
Interviewer: What Should I know about Restraining Orders?
Scott Engelhard: Restraining orders and “no contact” orders can have a huge impact, not only on the case, but also on my client’s life – including their work, their parenting and their other important relationships. It is critical to have an overall case strategy when considering the possibility of a restraining order. And, it is extremely important to carefully assess and possibly challenge the wording of a “no contact” order to preserve my client’s rights and also eliminate or minimize the negative consequences of these orders.
Interviewer: What do You Find most Rewarding in Dealing with Domestic Violence Cases?
Scott Engelhard: So often in domestic violence cases I’ve represented good, hard-working people who have found themselves in unusual and very difficult circumstances that make them look bad. My clients have needed a champion of their rights, and someone to tell their story. It has been very rewarding to use my skills and my determination to get the best results possible for my clients, and in the process helped them get through this very difficult time in their lives; so they can move forward with their lives.
