Affordable and Practical Legal Advice for Your Specific Situation It is hard to find a lawyer who is willing to handle full representation on a protection order case because these cases can be a tremendous amount of work in a very short time frame. Experienced lawyers like Jennifer Horwitz, bill hourly on these cases and […]
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Violation of Protection Orders: Legal Consequences in Washington
Last updated: Nov. 24, 2025 Violating an order of protection in Washington can lead to serious criminal penalties, including jail, fines, electronic monitoring, and a permanent criminal record. Even responding to a message from the protected person may result in charges. This guide explains the legal consequences, how the statute works, and what to expect […]
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Expert Witnesses You May See in a Domestic Violence Case
Expert witnesses are used in all types of civil and criminal cases. From psychologists to forensic experts, the courtroom can turn into a stage for professionals during a domestic violence case. Get acquainted with the potential expert witnesses you might encounter and the roles they play in shaping the case’s outcome in this introduction to […]
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Ask the Attorney: What if I Was Charged for Something That I Didn’t Realize Was Illegal?
Ignorance isn’t always bliss, especially with the law. The courts could hold you accountable for your actions regardless of your knowledge of the law. Find out what legal defenses are available if you’re charged with a crime you didn’t know was illegal and how to navigate such unexpected legal waters from an experienced Washington criminal […]
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Understanding Self-Defense Claims in Domestic Violence Cases
Some people take advantage of the domestic violence laws in Washington state to try to gain an unfair advantage in a divorce or paternity case. These people provoke their significant other, often with physical violence or threats of physical violence, and then call the police when the object of this strategy defends themselves. If you […]
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How Does the Prosecutor Decide to Drop Charges or Take a Case to Trial?
Prosecutors cannot possibly take every single case to trial. After a case gets assigned to a prosecutor, they have to decide whether to drop the charges, work out a deal with the defendant’s lawyer, or try the case. These decisions usually happen out of sight of the defendant, who might be left wondering about the […]
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How Washington State Defines the “Primary Aggressor”
Domestic violence cases are fraught for many reasons. In addition to the emotional implications for everyone involved, there are legal issues that can make such cases challenging for the accused, the alleged victim, and even police and prosecutors. One such aspect of domestic violence cases is identifying the “primary aggressor:” the person alleged to pose the […]
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Ask the Attorney: The person who pressed charges against me now wants to drop them. What happens next?
If you are facing criminal prosecution in Seattle, hearing that the person who pressed charges against you now wants to drop them may come as an immense relief. However, the decision to do so rests not with the alleged victim but with the attorneys prosecuting the case – though the accuser’s change of heart could […]
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Can Entrapment Be a Defense to Prostitution Charges in Washington?
Entrapment can be a valid defense to prostitution charges in Washington if law enforcement induced a person to commit a crime they were not otherwise inclined to commit. Under Washington law, simply providing an opportunity is not enough. The defense focuses on whether police induced the conduct through pressure, persuasion, or repeated attempts. What Is […]
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Should I Ever Give Police Consent to Search My Car, Home, or Person?
Interactions with the police can be high-stress situations. It is essential to know your legal rights and what Washington law requires. You should contact a Seattle criminal defense attorney at once if the police want to search you, your car, or your house. You should always be respectful and, for your own safety, try to […]
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