What is the difference between Assault in the Fourth Degree – Domestic Violence (Assault 4-DV) and ordinary Assault in the Fourth Degree (Assault 4)?

The underlying elements of the crimes are the same, except that in a Domestic Violence case, the allegation is that the alleged victim was a “family or household member” as defined by Washington statute. Generally this means any close family member, former dating partner, or person with whom you have a child.  Upon sentencing, courts generally punish the DV charge more harshly, and oftentimes require domestic violence treatment, which is a year’s worth of classes. Additionally, a court often imposes a pre-trial no-contact order at arraignment, as well as a post-trial no-contact order upon conviction.

Conviction of a DV offense also requires the defendant to relinquish all firearms, and the defendant loses the ability to possess a firearm until the right is restored by a court. Additionally, DV conviction may be a bar to entry into Canada, and if you are a non-citizen, may result in deportation. Finally, some employers (such as Boeing in Everett), look very unfavorably upon those convicted of DV crimes, particularly if the defendant works in a high-security area.

If you have been charged with a domestic violence crime, or are the alleged victim of a domestic violence crime, call Ashbach Law Offices, LLC today for a free, no pressure consultation at (360) 659-4950.

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