Getting Your Side of the Story Heard
Domestic Violence Lawyer in Wenatchee
A domestic violence charge can change your life immediately, before you have been convicted of anything.
Free, confidential consultation
What Happens With a Domestic Violence Charge
By the time most people contact me for a domestic violence charge, a lot has already happened. They usually have already been arrested, seen a judge, and a no-contact order has usually been put in place. All based on a police report. None of it based on your side of what happened.
Your Life Gets Turned Upside Down Immediately
A protection order will likely go into effect before you've had a chance to tell your story. You may lose your gun rights and be forced to surrender any firearms you own. If a protection order is issued, you can't go home if you share a home with the accuser. You can't contact them. You can't even answer the phone if they call you, or you risk violating the order. Depending on the circumstances, you may be blocked from seeing your own children.
The system moves fast and cuts deep. You're caught in the middle.
The catch is that you probably shouldn't say anything to law enforcement or the court until you've hired a lawyer. Everything is being recorded. Every attempt to defend yourself can be twisted and used against you later.
The situation may have been a misunderstanding. It may have been self-defense. It may have been completely fabricated. But none of that matters to the system moving forward without you, and your side of the story stays buried while the consequences keep piling up.
That's where I come in.
Put Out the Immediate Fires
When I take on a domestic violence case, my first priority is dealing with the protection order. In many cases, I've successfully amended protection orders to allow more flexibility, especially when children are involved. In some situations, I've gotten them dropped entirely.
Build a Defense Strategy
Once the immediate crisis is handled, we build a defense strategy based on what actually happened, not what's in the police report. That means challenging weak evidence, identifying holes in the prosecution's case, and fighting for an outcome that protects your future.
What Happens When I Take A Case
Working With a Domestic Violence Attorney
Here’s what to expect when we work together.
1. Address the Protection Order
We start by addressing the protection order and any immediate restrictions affecting your life.
I review police reports, court filings, and available evidence to understand how the case is being framed.
2. Review the Evidence
3. Develop a Defense Strategy
We identify your goals and build a defense plan based on the facts.
4. Work Toward the Best Outcome
As the case moves forward, I advocate for outcomes that limit long-term consequences.
Domestic Violence Defense FAQs
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No. In Washington State, only the prosecutor can dismiss a domestic violence case.
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In some cases, yes. Any changes must be approved by the court.
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Not necessarily. If the protected party lives with the children and you are barred from the home, you are often effectively prevented from seeing or communicating with them.
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Firearm rights are restricted immediately. Whether those restrictions can be modified depends on the type of order and the facts of the case.
Your Side of the Story Matters. Let’s Talk.
If you’re facing criminal charges or unsure what to do next, reach out today for a free consultation with a local Wenatchee criminal defense attorney.
The sooner we talk, the more options you may have.
1 South Chelan Ave. Wenatchee, WA 98801