The Surprising Definition of Relationships in Washington’s Domestic Violence Laws

What Counts as a Domestic Relationship in Washington State?

When most people hear the term "domestic violence," they think of married couples, romantic partners, or roommates. But in Washington State, the legal definition of a relationship for domestic violence purposes casts a much wider net than you might expect. This can lead to unexpected and life-altering consequences for individuals who may not even realize their connection to someone qualifies under the law.

What Qualifies as a “Domestic” Relationship?

Under Washington law, domestic violence isn’t limited to spouses or romantic partners. The definition includes:

• Former Spouses: Even if the relationship ended years ago.
• People in Dating Relationships: Whether it lasted for years or just a few weeks.
• Household Members: Current or past roommates fall under this category, even if the living situation was temporary.
• Relatives: This includes siblings, parents, cousins, and even in-laws.

Essentially, if you’ve had any significant personal connection with someone—whether by family, cohabitation, or dating history—you might find yourself on the wrong side of a domestic violence accusation if a conflict arises.

The Consequences of Broad Definitions

This expansive definition of “domestic” in domestic violence cases can lead to arrests in situations that don’t seem to fit the traditional idea of abuse. For example:

• Roommate Disputes: An intense argument between two roommates could result in one being charged with domestic violence.
• Ex-Dating Partners: An accusation from someone you dated years ago might still qualify under the law.
• Family Conflicts: Arguments that escalate between family members, such as a disagreement over money or property, can lead to criminal charges.

Why This Matters

Domestic violence charges carry specific consequences that go beyond standard criminal charges. These may include:

• No-Contact Orders: The accused could be barred from returning to their home or seeing their children.
• Enhanced Penalties: Domestic violence charges often come with harsher penalties than comparable non-DV charges.
• Firearm Restrictions: A DV conviction could mean losing the right to own or possess firearms, even if the charge was relatively minor.

Moreover, prosecutors are almost always aggressive in pursuing DV charges, and even if the alleged victim wants to drop the case, the decision to move forward lies with the state, not the individual.

How Knauss Law Can Help

If you’ve been accused of domestic violence in Washington, you need an experienced attorney who understands how these laws work—and how to fight them. At Knauss Law, we know that these cases are often built on incomplete evidence, miscommunications, or even false accusations.

We will:

• Investigate the circumstances of your arrest.
• Challenge weak or inconsistent evidence.
• Advocate for lifting or modifying no-contact orders.
• Work to negotiate reduced charges or have them dismissed altogether.

Contact Knauss Law Today

Don’t let a misunderstanding or a too broad legal definition of “relationship” define your future. If you’ve been charged with domestic violence, contact Knauss Law for a consultation. Together, we’ll work to protect your rights and your freedom.