Why was I charged with Assault when I was the Victim?

Recent Results:

Rendering Criminal Assistance - Dismissed

Client's Second DUI - resolved as Negligent Driving

Theft - Dismissed

Felony Drug Possession - Resolved as misdemeanor, no jail, no treatment

Prostitution Charges - Dismissed

Failure to Comply with Police - Dismissed

First Degree Robbery - Resolved as Theft

Reckless Driving - No Conviction

Driving with Suspended Licence - No Conviction

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - Dismissed

Reckless Driving - No conviction

Frequently Asked Questions about Alleged Criminal Violations in Arlington, Edmonds, Everett, Lake Stevens, Lynnwood, Marysville, Monroe and the rest of Snohomish County, Washington

I didn’t start the fight, but I am charged with Assault in the Fourth Degree. What can I do?

First, do not talk about the fight with anyone but an attorney, even family members. Statements you make to others would likely be admissible in court should your case go to trial.

If you believe you were the victim, you may be able to assert self-defense at trial. For this to apply, you must have reasonably believed that you were about to be (or were being) assaulted, and used only the force reasonably necessary to defend yourself. One the defendant shows that self-defense possibly occurred, the burden is on the state to prove absence of self-defense beyond a reasonable doubt, which is often hard to do.

If you succeed on a self-defense instruction, you may also be able to recoup attorney fees from the State of Washington. Talk to an attorney experienced in these types of cases to learn more.

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Our Contacts:
Marysville Office: (360) 659-4950
Burlington Office: (360) 757-8470

This page is not intended to be, and does not, constitute legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney.

4025 80th Street NE, Suite B
Marysville, WA 98270

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The Ashbach Law Offices, LLC criminal defense practice focuses on DUI – Driving Under the Influence, Reckless Driving, Negligent Driving, Driving with a Suspended License, Hit and Run, Assault, Domestic Violence, Drug Possession (including marijuana),and Paraphernalia Possession, Malicious Mischief, Public Disturbances like Disorderly Conduct, Theft, No-Contact Orders, Harassment, Probation Violation Hearings, as well as speeding tickets.
We defend our clients in all of Snohomish County and Skagit County, as well as North King County. These counties include the following cities in Washington: Anacortes, Arlington, Brier, Burlington, Concrete, Darrington, Edmonds, Everett, Gold Bar, Granite Falls, Index, La Conner, Lake Stevens, Lynnwood, Marysville, Mill Creek, Monroe, Mount Vernon, Mukilteo, Sedro Woolley, Snohomish, Stanwood, Sultan, Woodway.
These cities include the following courts in Washington: Anacortes Municipal Court, Burlington Municipal Court, Cascade District Court, Edmonds Municipal Court, Everett District Court, Everett Municipal Court, Evergreen District Court, Lynnwood Municipal Court, Marysville Municipal Court, Mount Vernon Municipal Court, Sedro Woolley Municipal Court, Skagit County District Court, Skagit County Superior Court, Snohomish County District Court, Snohomish County Superior Court , South District Court.

We also now have an office located at 2520 Colby Ave, Suite 117, Everett, WA 98208.

“You have greatly benefited from Mr. Ashbach’s advocacy” – Local court judge

“Not guilty” – Local jury

“Good brief. We’ll dismiss your case.” – Local prosecutor

“Such a result would not have been possible without your attorney’s assistance.” - Local court judge

“Defense motion granted. Case dismissed” – Local court judge

“Your client was very fortunate to have such a dedicated and thorough attorney” – Local prosecutor

“For the record, excellent briefing and oral argument” – Local court judge

Free Consultation - (360) 659-4950