Interfering with the Reporting of Domestic Violence in Washington requires an underlying offence of “Domestic Violence” to have been committed. Ashbach Law Offices, LLC has successfully handled many of these cases, including by dismissal of charges, reduction of charges, or “not guilty” verdict at trial.
The lawyers at Ashbach Law Offices, LLC provide aggressive, strong defense for those charged with Interfering with Domestic Violence offenses throughout Skagit, Snohomish, King and Whatcom Counties. Our goal is to aggressively protect you, your family and your interests from the prosecution, saving jail time, licenses, occupations and reputations. With offices in Marysville and Mill Creek, Washington, we are available to meet you discuss your case. We help good people in bad situations. Let us help you.
In General
Interfering with the Reporting of Domestic Violence requires an underlying Domestic Violence offense to be proven. Often, a Domestic Violence offense, such as assault, is charged along with the Interfering with Reporting allegation. If no underlying Domestic Violence can be proven, then the Interfering charge must also fail.
Elements of an Interfering with the Reporting of Domestic Violence Allegations
The offense requires allegations of:
a) the commission of a Domestic Violence offense, and
b) the prevention, or attempted prevention, of the victim, or witness to the crime, from calling 911, obtaining medical assistance, or making a report to any law enforcement official.
Potential Punishment
Interfering with the Reporting of Domestic Violence is a Gross Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and/or a $5000 fine. Additional consequences, also addressed in the Domestic Violence section of this website, include:
1) loss of firearm rights until restored by a court of record, if even possible
2) inability to obtain security clearances
3) possible inadmissibility to Canada
4) deportation or denial of citizenship
5) inability to obtain certain jobs
6) treatment classes, often a year in length
7) No Contact Orders, often 2 to 5 years in length, until dropped
8) difficulty securing rental housing
Ashbach Law Offices, LLC, aggressively represents clients charged with Interfering with Reporting of Domestic Violence offenses throughout the Washington I-5 corridor, covering Skagit, Snohomish, King and Whatcom Counties. Regular courts of practice include, but are not limited to, Anacortes, Arlington, Bellevue, Bellingham, Blaine, Burlington, Edmonds, Everett, Issaquah, Lynnwood, Marysville, Monroe, Mount Vernon, Mountlake Terrance, Redmond, Seattle, Sedro Woolley and Shoreline.