Domestic Assault Allegations • Protection Orders/Restraining Orders
Police, prosecutors and judges take domestic violence seriously. In addition to criminal charges, domestic violence accusations can lead to restraining orders and play a significant role in divorce and custody proceedings. Judges sometimes inappropriately give the benefit of doubt to the accuser in order to prevent additional violence. In other cases, judges sometimes inappropriately believe the lies of the abuser.
At Clement Law Center, we take domestic violence seriously as well. We have built our reputation on representing both those who file and those who defend against claims of domestic violence. Our goal is to do our best to make sure that the Court considers the best evidence and makes an informed and just decision in every case.
- We assist victims of abuse in obtaining temporary orders for protection and follow up when restraining orders need to be continued for the safety of the victim and children.
- We represent those accused of domestic assault, making sure that protection orders are not overly restrictive and are not granted for fake or exaggerated claims of violence.
Our lawyers have represented men and women on both sides of domestic violence cases, in the context of family court and in civil court proceedings. We practice in King and Pierce counties in Washington State. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Seattle Domestic Abuse Attorney
Domestic violence is broadly defined. It obviously includes all forms of physical abuse, including punching, kicking or slapping, as well as pushing, grabbing, pulling hair or throwing an object, whether or not there is any lasting physical harm. It can also extend to acts, gestures or statements that cause fear of bodily harm, such as punching the wall in anger or saying "Watch your back if you file for divorce."
Domestic violence accusations often result from an argument that got out of hand or was fueled by alcohol. Once the police are summoned, many possible events can be set in motion: an arrest, a kick-out order or cooling-off period, a temporary restraining order, a DV conviction for assault, and/or a permanent restraining order or civil protection order.
If the allegations stick, the family courts take domestic violence into consideration:
- A parent with a pattern of violence may have his or her visitation limited.
- The parent may be barred from seeing his or her kids or allowed only supervised visitation.
- Violating a restraining order results in additional criminal charges and additional trouble in divorce or custody proceedings.
Federal Way Domestic Violence Attorney
Bruce Clement has more than 30 years of experience in family law, including many domestic violence cases. He understands what is at stake whether you are the victim of domestic violence or are accused of domestic abuse, whether the incident was real or trumped up. If you are the victim of domestic violence, he will aggressively fight to have the court enter a strong protection order. If you have been falsely accused, he will push to terminate or ease restraining orders when appropriate, and will fight false DV allegations. When the situation calls for it, he will negotiate for anger management, treatment for DV offenders, or counseling instead of severe sanctions and loss of visitation rights.
Contact Clement Law Center to arrange a free, initial consultation at our offices in Federal Way, Seattle or Kirkland. Call us at 253-336-3607 or 888-351-6779, or e-mail us.
