Two little letters can be put on you, and your life can change forever. D. V. Even saying the words domestic violence evokes an image of a man with his hand cocked back and a woman cowering in fear. These two letters can affect your future employment, your future housing, your right to remain in the country, your right to possess a firearm, and your right to be free. Every place of employment that you look for, every job that you apply for, every time your background is run – those two letters will come up.
The truth is, most domestic violence cases don’t involve physical confrontation between partners. Most of these cases stem from a simple misunderstanding, or from voices growing too loud. Many of these cases don’t involve partners at all; sometimes it’s a parent/child relationship, or even siblings. Some of these cases do involve partner violence. In Washington State, they are treated the exact same way. When police show up to your house on a domestic violence call – somebody is going to jail. They will determine who they believe the aggressor is, and you’re locked up. No bail. No nothing. You sit until you see a judge.
Once you do see that judge, you will realize that you are no longer allowed to speak to the “victim,” whether they want it or not. You are no longer allowed to go to their home, even if it’s the home that you pay for, or the one that you own. Without a strong advocate on your team, you start this process from deep in a hole, and many people can never dig their way out of it. Hiring an attorney who is adept at navigating all of these challenges is key. Bret Woody has extensive experience handling domestic violence cases, and he will work every angle to achieve the results you’re looking for. Don’t let an argument end in homelessness – Get Bret.
If you are facing a domestic violence charge in Pierce, Thurston, or other Western Washington counties, you need a strong, experienced criminal defense attorney by your side. At LOQ Law, we understand how serious these allegations are — and how deeply they can affect your freedom, your relationships, and your future. We provide aggressive defense while protecting your rights every step of the way.
Under Washington law (RCW 10.99), domestic violence can involve more than just physical abuse — it may also include threats, harassment, and property damage when committed against someone in a household or familial relationship. Potential victims or accusers may include:
Spouses or ex-spouses
Dating partners or ex-partners
Family members (by blood or marriage)
Roommates or those who share a domestic relationship
Domestic violence convictions in Washington carry significant criminal and collateral consequences:
Misdemeanor / Gross Misdemeanor charges can result in up to 364 days in jail and fines up to $5,000.
Felony domestic violence (e.g., repeated offenses, serious bodily harm, no-contact order violation) can lead to multi-year prison sentences, depending on the class of felony.
Courts often impose mandatory no-contact orders, which restrict all forms of communication with the accuser. A domestic violence conviction can also lead to loss of firearm rights, both under Washington law and federal statutes.
Additional long-term consequences may include probation, mandatory domestic violence or anger-management treatment, and impact on child custody or housing.
Under RCW 10.99.080, there is also a court-assessed penalty specifically for domestic violence convictions.
Local Experience — With offices in Tacoma (Pierce County) and Olympia (Thurston County), we know the local courts, judges, and prosecutors. We practice across Pierce, Thurston, King, Lewis, Mason, Grays Harbor, and Kitsap counties. Our deep familiarity with local courts, prosecutors, and legal systems gives us a strategic advantage.
Specialized Criminal Defense Focus — Domestic violence is just one of many serious charges we handle, giving us a deep bench of experience.
Compassion + Zeal — We understand the emotional and reputational weight of these cases. We provide caring support to clients, while also defending aggressively.
Transparent Communication — We keep you informed at every stage, explaining legal options, risks, and likely outcomes — so you can make empowered decisions.
