Interfering with the Reporting of Domestic Violence in Washington

A person allegedly commits the crime of Interfering with the Reporting of Domestic Violence when he or she allegedly commits a crime of Domestic Violence, AND prevents or attempts to prevent the alleged victim from calling 911, obtaining medical assistance, or making a report to any law enforcement official.

It is a necessary element of the crime of Interfering with the Reporting of Domestic Violence that a crime of domestic violence was committed. So, if the prosecutor cannot prove that an assault occurred, or that it was domestic violence, then the prosecutor cannot prove this crime. Also, the prosecutor must be able to show that the alleged perpetrator knew the alleged victim was calling to report the violence.

Interfering with the Reporting of Domestic Violence is a gross misdemeanor, so it is typically filed in a Court of Limited Jurisdiction (such as a district or municipal court), although if the underlying assault was a felony, the Inteference crime would be prosecuted in Superior Court along with the felony.

As a domestic violence charge, conviction carries (aside from a max of 365 days in jail and a $5000 fine) penalties including loss of firearm rights, probation, a no-contact order, and likely expensive domestic violence treatment, in addition to social stigma.

This crime typically results from the following scenario: an assault allegedly occurs, and the victim grabs a phone or cell phone and tries to call the police or medical assistance.

If you have been, or someone you know about has, been charged (or is likely to be) with Interfering with the Reporting of Domestic Violence, call Ashbach Law Offices, LLC at (360) 659-4950 today for a free consultation. We have successful experience in these charges, and fight for you and your interests.