Have You Been Arrested for Domestic Violence in Seattle?

For many people accused of domestic violence offenses in Washington, serving time in prison is a big concern. Many domestic violence offenses are charged as gross misdemeanors or felonies that often result in a sentence of incarceration for up to several years. While no one wants to be convicted of a criminal charge, serving time in jail or prison will lead to inability to work, earn an income and see their family on a regular basis. If you have been arrested for domestic violence and are concerned about serving time in prison, it is vital that you contact a defense attorney right away. An experienced domestic violence lawyer can help you avoid or minimize the amount of imprisonment that you must serve. Call The Law Offices of Steve Karimi today to find out more.

Avoiding Jail Time in a Washington Domestic Violence Sentence

When facing any type of criminal charge, it is important to have a knowledgeable attorney on your side for many reasons. A lawyer, such as attorney Steve Karimi, will listen to your concerns and help you build a strategy to get the results that you want in your case. In order prevent a jail sentence, there are many options that you and your attorney can work toward. For more information on what a Seattle domestic violence defense attorney can do for you, contact our offices today for a free consultation.

Getting A Not Guilty Verdict: The best way to avoid a prison sentence as well as all other negative penalties of a criminal charge is to get your charges dropped or receive a not guilty verdict in court. Of course, this is easier said than done. Only with a skilled legal team can you hope to build a defense that will establish reasonable doubt with the jury. Attorney Steve Karimi is a former prosecutor with years of courtroom experience. He knows the best ways to present information and establish doubt of your guilt.

Plea Agreement: A plea agreement is a special bargain that only your attorney can work out for you. A plea agreement occurs when the prosecutor of your case and your defense lawyer work together to come up with terms that both sides are happy with in order to avoid court proceedings. Plea agreements often involve you agreeing to plead guilty or no contest to your charges or to lesser charges in exchange for receiving some type of, usually preferential, sentencing. Under Washington law RCW 9.94A.421, the prosecutor can agree to any of the following:

(1) Move for dismissal of other charges or counts;

(2) Recommend a particular sentence within the sentence range applicable to the offense or offenses to which the offender pled guilty;

(3) Recommend a particular sentence outside of the sentence range;

(4) Agree to file a particular charge or count;

(5) Agree not to file other charges or counts; or

(6) Make any other promise to the defendant, except that in no instance may the prosecutor agree not to allege prior convictions.

Plea agreements are beneficial because you can avoid the uncertainty of a trial and know what your sentence will be prior to agreeing to anything. Often, the sentencing is lighter than you could expect a judge to grant if you are found guilty in court.

Suspended Sentencing: Even if you were convicted of a crime and sentenced to prison or jail time, all hope is not lost. In some cases you may be able to receive what is known as a suspended sentence. When a sentence is suspended it allows the offender to serve their jail time as probation instead. It requires the offender to behave themselves and abide by certain conditions. Washington law RCW 9.95.210 states:

“[T]he superior court may suspend the imposition or the execution of the sentence and may direct that the suspension may continue upon such conditions and for such time as it shall designate.”

The period of probation will last as long as the incarceration sentence or for 2 years, depending on which is longer. The conditions of probation may require you to check in or pay restitutions but it will allow for you to otherwise maintain your lifestyle prior to your arrest. A violation of probation, however, will result in arrest and you may be forced to serve your original sentence in addition to penalties associated with the violation. For more information of suspended sentencing, call a Seattle domestic violence attorney today.

Call a Seattle Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

An arrest for domestic violence does not mean the end of the world. With the aid of an experienced defense team, you can fight your charges and avoid significant jail time. Attorney Steve Karimi is a former prosecutor who knows the consequences of a domestic violence conviction. He has a long record of helping his clients successfully fight their charges or receive suspended sentence. For more information on what attorney Karimi can do for you, contact The Law Offices of Steve Karimi and set up a free consultation.