Get free answers to your Domestic Violence legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I received inappropriate text messages with sexual content from my stepfather via a messenger app. This happened nearly two years ago, and he has also sexually assaulted me. Although I have limited communication with him, I am afraid to block him. I am seeking legal advice on whether the law can... View More
I have a tenant who has been living in my home for four months without a written lease agreement. The arrangement was verbal, including a 30-day notice from either party to end occupancy. He has been refusing to pay rent and has been verbally abusive on multiple occasions. I have documented all... View More
I’ve been contracted through an agency to work at a hospital care program since 2008. On January 23, 2025, I reported a physical therapist making inappropriate comments to two senior patients. Following my report, hospital management placed me under investigation and suspended my contract work... View More

answered on Feb 23, 2025
Assuming you did not complain to the government, Washington's Healthcare Whistleblower Retaliation protections do not apply to you.
Nevertheless, depending on the nature of the inappropriate comments, you may still have a claim for wrongful termination in violation of public policy, if... View More
I am a 16-year-old minor living in Washington with a family friend for about six months after being removed from my mother's household due to domestic violence concerns. There were no legal or custody agreements made regarding my current living situation. I want to move to a different state to... View More

answered on Feb 26, 2025
As a minor whose mother has legal rights over you, you are not free to live wherever you choose. Understanding you have been living with a friend for six-months, either your mother agrees or is not objecting to your living situation. It is possible that, if you were to move to live with your father... View More
I have been married for 10 years and currently live with my husband. We have a 7-year-old daughter together. My husband is unwilling to sign the I-751 petition, and our relationship has not been ideal, with his desire to maintain control. There have been two police calls against him in the past,... View More

answered on Feb 19, 2025
You can file an I-751 waiver without your husband's signature if you can demonstrate that your marriage was entered into in good faith but has become problematic. The documented police calls and the controlling behavior you've described could support your case, though gathering additional... View More
I need to file h4 extension in October. My case is under review by the prosecutor. What documents should be submitted along with my h4 extension if no charges are filed by the prosecutor and the case is still under review.

answered on Jan 21, 2025
A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. This is not my area of practice, but at this point, you could reach out to elder law attorneys to discuss. Your matter appears too complex for quick instruction on a public forum. I'm sorry this happened to... View More
The original attorney of the opposing party died. The opposing party told the court that they could not get the original records with her death and her office having shuttered. Access to these records are critical. What are my options?

answered on Sep 13, 2024
It could depend on tech-savvy the office was and what arrangements the attorney may have made for back-up records. If the records only existed in original paper form, and they're gone, it could be difficult. When you say "original" attorney, does that suggest a succeeding attorney?... View More
I have filed the complaint with the judge
I am Pro Se
and there is AI inteference with my computers online connection
My president is Joe Biden and Trumps running for re-election?
What do I do?

answered on Aug 31, 2024
It sounds like you are dealing with a complex and overwhelming situation. If your rights have been violated over such a long period and you've already filed a complaint with the judge, the next step is to ensure that your case is being properly addressed by the court. It's important to... View More
I am seeking guidance on the possibility of requesting an administrative review of my cases in Thurston County. This involves a DV and Dissolution thesis, and it is in the Family and Juvenile Court section of the Superior Court. Could you please advise if this option is available to me and, if so,... View More

answered on Jul 27, 2024
To request an administrative review of your cases in the Superior Court, Family and Juvenile Court section in Thurston County, you need to follow a specific process. First, check if your cases qualify for administrative review by consulting the local court rules or speaking with the court clerk.... View More
My mother is saying that the police told her to hit me as hard as she can over me running away as a minor. I wasn’t able to tell the police the part where she was beating me but because I was afraid of going into foster care and she said they told her I was being abusive and she had to beg them... View More

answered on Jun 10, 2024
I'm really sorry to hear about your situation. In Washington State, police officers do not have the authority to tell parents to hit their children. Physical punishment, especially if it results in injury, can be considered child abuse, and law enforcement officers are trained to protect... View More
I lived with my boyfriend, my dad and sister. Sister has drug/alcohol abuse problems. She came home one night and attacked each of us. After some time trying to diffuse the violence, I called 911 since sister and potentially father were injured. Police showed up and questioned all of us, resulting... View More

answered on Apr 15, 2024
Sorry to hear. Do not sign anything without the guidance of an attorney representing you.
My fiancé was charged with a DV 4th degree years ago because of an argument and we are wondering if we can get this expunged from his record.

answered on Mar 29, 2024
It's possible. There isn't enough information here to give much advice, other than to call a criminal defense attorney to see if he is eligible. Some of us offer a free phone consultation to determine eligibility.
My husband and I where in a strictly verbal altercation when the police where called and they arrested him for an assault in the 4th degree with dv enhancement when I answer no to every question I was asked by law enforcement and there was a no contact order put into effect. However he has NEVER... View More

answered on Mar 19, 2024
In instances involving domestic disputes, law enforcement may have policies or legal obligations to act cautiously, which can include issuing a no-contact order (NCO), even if no physical harm occurred. This is often a precautionary measure intended to ensure safety and prevent any potential harm... View More
I was forced to plead guilty for assault dv 4 degree .my abuser has been arrested twice since after mine .my lawyers when I had one cuz I went without lawyer for long while due process violations founded but ignored n charged told me they couldn't do anything about it didn't believe me... View More

answered on Mar 16, 2024
I understand how difficult and overwhelming your situation must be. It's important to remember that you are not alone and there are resources available to help support victims and survivors of trafficking. It may be beneficial to reach out to local support groups, advocacy organizations, or... View More
Assault 4-dv the sheriff's that arrested me false a fide a statement from the alleged victim used a statement from my son who was in his room with a closed door I was in my room with a closed door he saw literally absolutely nothing he told me he told 911 I think my mom and her boyfriend are... View More

answered on Mar 10, 2024
It sounds like you are dealing with a complex legal situation involving both a domestic violence charge (Assault 4-DV) and a potential civil case related to actions taken by law enforcement during your arrest. Here are some steps you can consider:
1. Communicate with your public defender:... View More
I live in Washington state and have a current DVPO against my ex. The only contact allowed is third party for child visitation or email about visitation and time. He is constantly posting about me on Facebook referring to me as “my son’s mom” “my kids mom” calling me a terrible parent and... View More

answered on Feb 5, 2024
It will depend on the wording of the Order. Unless it prohibits public comment, it likely is not a violation. if it can be construed as an attempt to make contact with the protected person, it may be. The excessive email sounds like an issue. You ought to seek a modification of the order moving... View More
Since leaving my county of residence over a month ago and traveling several hundreds of miles for a family emergency to a county in a different state the local LEA has filed charges with the court of limited jurisdiction alleging I violated animal control statutes and committed acts of harassment... View More

answered on Feb 3, 2024
The prosecutor can file charges without notice to the accused person and then you have to participate in all aspects of the court process (namely, hearings). Even when someone is arrested and let go or they go to jail for a night and no charges are filed, they might be unpleasantly surprised down... View More
My son and I were involved in an incident that involved vehicular assault to our bodies (not in another motor vehicle “ and the person fled the scene and is uninsured with a suspended license. I went to the hospital for the injuries I sustained and I’m in severe pain.

answered on Nov 8, 2023
Yes you can.
You might have uninsured motorist coverage. Also, you can sue the at-fault driver.
Is this a good resolution and do I still need to hire an attorney if I want to accept this offer?
First time offense
DV 4th degree

answered on Sep 7, 2023
In some situations this is a good resolution. In other cases it may not be. It depends on factors such as the evidence, seriousness of charge(s), and criminal history.
A criminal defense attorney should be advising you. Best of luck.
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.