One Accusation Can Change Everything

In Washington, a domestic violence allegation goes beyond being a legal issue. It’s a personal, professional, and reputational crisis that begins the moment someone dials 911. Once that call is made, police must respond. In almost every case, someone is arrested on the spot, even before a full investigation. In a domestic violence call, the police will always err on the side of caution.

Assault Charges in Washington: How Prosecutors Build Their Case

From that point on, the system kicks into gear. Charges may be filed. A no-contact order is likely. Access to your home, your children, your firearms, even your job may change instantly. If you're not a U.S. citizen, you may face immigration consequences.

Whether the accusation is exaggerated, retaliatory, or simply misunderstood, the burden shifts to you to protect your rights. Because the state is already moving forward.

What You’re Really Facing

Domestic violence charges are not always about physical injury. In Washington, DV can be tied to:

  • Physical violence
  • Threats
  • Intimidation
  • Destruction of property
  • Harassment
  • Emotional control or coercion

And the alleged victim doesn’t have to be a spouse or partner. DV charges can apply to:

  • Roommates
  • Former partners
  • Siblings or parents
  • Anyone you’ve lived with or had a close relationship with

You can be charged with domestic violence even if the person doesn’t want to press charges. The prosecutor makes that decision, and they rarely back down once the file is open.

This is what makes these cases so frustrating. The state doesn't care how complicated the relationship is. It doesn't care how emotionally charged the moment may have been, or whether the other person wants to take it back. If you're the one arrested, you're already in the system—and that system is not built to benefit you.

What Happens Next

  • You may be arrested on the spot
  • A no-contact order is issued at arraignment (often without input from the other person)
  • You may be banned from your home or kids
  • Your firearms rights are suspended
  • You’re now facing a criminal record that could impact your job, housing, or immigration status

In some cases, even when the person who made the allegation asks the court to lift the order or drop the charges, the court refuses. Prosecutors assume people recant under pressure. The assumption—fair or not—is that victims can't always be trusted to protect themselves.

DV cases move fast, and the first few days matter. Saying the wrong thing – to anyone, violating a no-contact order (even by accident), or assuming the charge will be dropped are all mistakes that can make things worse.

Trying to explain ‘your side’ to the police court, sharing your story on social media, or any one of a dozen other things will – WILL – make things incrementally worse.

What We Do

At Knauss Law, we defend people accused of domestic violence in cities and counties across Western Washington. We focus on:

  • Telling your side of the story
  • Challenging vague or uncorroborated claims
  • Fighting to lift or modify protection orders
  • Working alongside family law attorneys when needed
  • Pushing for dismissal or reduction wherever possible

We don’t treat any two domestic violence case alike. We treat each of them like the high-stakes, emotionally loaded, fact-sensitive matters they are. Our attorneys know how to position your case – from the start - so you have leverage later. If law enforcement or the prosecution has jumped to conclusions, we will slow the process down and demand facts, not assumptions.

What You Need to Do Now

  • Say nothing to police without your attorney present
  • Don’t violate the no-contact order, even if the other person reaches out to you
  • Preserve evidence (texts, voicemails, photos)
  • Call us - we understand the system and how prosecutors build these cases

The court won’t take the time to figure it out for you. You need someone to step in immediately, take control, and start shifting the momentum. This is not a system that automatically rights itself.

Call Knauss Law today. Domestic violence charges move quickly. Your defense should too.