Domestic Violence Arrest in Washington: What to Expect in the Days, Weeks, and Months Ahead

A domestic violence (DV) arrest is life changing. Whether it’s based on a misunderstanding, false accusation, or a heated argument gone wrong, the consequences are immediate and severe. You may be facing jail time, a no-contact order, loss of firearm rights, and permanent damage to your record.

Domestic Violence Arrest in Washington

Most people have two immediate questions after a DV arrest:

  • What happens next?
  • How do I fight these charges?

This guide breaks down the timeline after a domestic violence arrest and what steps you need to take to protect your freedom, your reputation, and your future.

The First 24 Hours After a Domestic Violence Arrest

Mandatory Arrest & Booking

Washington law requires mandatory arrest if police have probable cause to believe domestic violence has occurred within the last four hours. This means:

  • The alleged victim does not need to press charges—the state usually proceeds regardless of their wishes.
  • You will likely be taken to jail overnight, even if you didn’t start the altercation.
  • You may not be released until you appear before a judge.

After booking, you will be:

  • Photographed and fingerprinted
  • Given an initial bail amount
  • Possibly held without bail until your first court appearance

Tip: What you say during booking can and will be used against you. Do not discuss the case with police or anyone else—contact an experienced defense attorney immediately.

The First Two Weeks: Court Hearings & No-Contact Orders

Arraignment – Your First Court Appearance

Your arraignment is your first court hearing, typically held within 24-48 hours after your arrest.

At this hearing:

  • You will be formally charged with a DV offense (such as assault, harassment, or malicious mischief).
  • You will enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).
  • The judge will decide on bail and release conditions (this may include house arrest, electronic monitoring, or alcohol restrictions).

Important: Always plead NOT GUILTY at your arraignment, even if you believe the case is minor. Pleading guilty too early can eliminate your chances for dismissal or reduction of charges.

No-Contact Orders: What You Need to Know

One of the biggest challenges after a DV arrest is the automatic no-contact order (NCO) issued by the court.

This means you CAN NOT:

  • Go home (if you live with the alleged victim).
  • Call, text, or email the alleged victim—even if they want to reconcile.
  • Have third parties send messages for you.

Please understand: Violating a No-Contact Order is a separate criminal offense, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and additional charges.

Tip: If you need to retrieve belongings from your home, your attorney can request a civil standby where an officer supervises your return.

The First Month: Gathering Evidence & Fighting the Charges

Protecting Your Side of the Story

Many DV cases rely on he-said, she-said evidence. Prosecutors tend to err on the side of caution, meaning they may proceed even with weak or conflicting statements.

What You Can Do to Help Your Case:

  • Document everything: Write down what happened, including details leading up to the arrest. At the top of the document, write "For My Attorney Only" to protect it from the government.
  • Preserve evidence: Keep text messages, voicemails, or social media interactions that may support your defense.
  • Identify witnesses: If anyone saw or heard the altercation, your lawyer may want to interview them.

Pretrial Hearings & Plea Negotiations

Most DV cases don’t go to trial—they are resolved through:

  • Case Dismissal – If there’s weak evidence, inconsistencies, or the alleged victim refuses to cooperate.
  • Charge Reduction – Many DV charges can be reduced to non-DV offenses, avoiding mandatory penalties.
  • Deferred Prosecution or Diversion – In some cases, completing a treatment program can lead to dismissal.

Your attorney will work to challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and push for dismissal or reduced charges whenever possible.

Months After Arrest: Trial or Resolution

What If My Case Goes to Trial?

If no plea deal is reached, your case may go to trial.

  • The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime.
  • Your attorney can cross-examine witnesses, challenge police conduct, and present counterevidence.
  • If convicted, the judge will impose sentencing, which may include jail, probation, and domestic violence treatment programs.

Many DV cases never reach trial because a strong defense forces the prosecution to drop or reduce charges.

Long-Term Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction

If convicted of a domestic violence offense in Washington, you may face:

  • Jail time – Up to 364 days (for misdemeanors) or years in prison (for felonies).
  • Loss of Firearm Rights – A lifetime ban on owning or possessing firearms.
  • Employment & Licensing Issues – Many professions require background checks that may disqualify you from jobs.
  • Permanent Criminal Record – Domestic violence convictions cannot be vacated or expunged in Washington.

What You Should Do Now

Immediate Steps to Protect Your Future

  • Do NOT contact the alleged victim, even if they reach out to you.
  • Follow the no-contact order strictly—violations lead to more charges.
  • Gather evidence and write down your account of events.
  • Consult a domestic violence attorney immediately as soon as possible.

Facing DV Charges? Get Legal Help Now

A domestic violence charge does not automatically mean a conviction. At Knauss Law, we fight aggressively to:

  • Challenge the evidence
  • Expose inconsistencies in witness statements
  • Negotiate for dismissal or reduced charges
  • Minimize penalties and protect your rights

Don’t wait—contact us today for a consultation and take control of your defense.