As recently evidenced, those who enforce our laws sometimes may find themselves on the other side of the bench. Earlier this month a Seattle police officer plead not guilty to a charge of fourth-degree assault in Everett Municipal Court. The allegation stems from an arrest in what the Seattle Police Department described as an off-duty domestic-violence incident. The officer was booked into the Snohomish County Jail. He was released from jail after appearing at his initial court proceeding. A trial date was set for June 25, 2012.
The officer has been with the Seattle Police Department since 1997 and is listed on department records as a SWAT team member. Seattle police said the officer has been reassigned to his home while the investigation continues. An internal-investigation complaint has been filed with the Seattle police Office of Professional Accountability, but the inquiry won't proceed until the criminal case is completed, according to a news release.
In another domestic-violence case from last year, a Seattle detective was arrested in Leavenworth by Chelan County sheriff's deputies who saw him dragging his girlfriend by her hair and coat across a gravel parking lot near an Oktoberfest venue. He was charged with fourth-degree assault but entered into a deferred-prosecution agreement with prosecutors.
A domestic violence assault charge is a gross misdemeanor in Washington State. It is punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. Because of the sheer magnitude of domestic violence related allegation, it is imperative that when a person is facing single or even multiple criminal charges arising out of an argument that got out of hand, a person cannot simply entrust his life, his future, his reputation or even his profession to an inexperienced and untested Seattle domestic violence lawyer. He must seek - he must demand - only the very best criminal defense representation available. Anyone charged with domestic violence in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle domestic violence defense lawyer.
The Seattle criminal attorneys that make up the criminal defense team of SQ Attorneys are highly seasoned and reputable Seattle domestic violence defense lawyers that are dedicated to providing top notch, aggressive representation for those arrested for domestic violence in Western Washington and the greater Puget Sound region. The team is designed to create success by working with law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney’s office so as to ensure that all facts and circumstances related to the criminal allegations brought against the accused are considered in creating the fairest, most equitable and just resolution possible in light of all the surrounding circumstances. If accused of a crime protect your rights - contact SQ Attorneys at (206) 441-0900.