Get free answers to your Domestic Violence legal questions from lawyers in your area.
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’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
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
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
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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
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 31, 2024
If the charge was dismissed, then there is little that can be done about any remaining court records, if it wasn't dismissed .then you can vacate the others as the others mention there is at least possibly the option of sealing the court record, but out state has very strong open records laws... View More
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
I am voluntarily seeking a domestic violence treatment program in King County, Washington. I have a traumatic brain injury and am on disability, so I need a program that provides specific attention to "invisible" disabilities. I prefer an in-person program. Are there any programs... View More
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answered on Jun 11, 2025
You're taking a brave and important step, and it’s clear you’re trying to find a program that respects your unique needs. In King County, there are domestic violence treatment programs that are equipped to work with individuals who live with invisible disabilities, including traumatic... View More
I am facing a 4th-degree domestic violence assault charge with no prior convictions. I left the scene after the incident, and no warrant was issued for my arrest. I received an arraignment notice in the mail, which I plan to attend. The incident involved slamming a door in anger, followed by my... View More
answered on Jun 11, 2025
Sorry to hear. It is unlikely for someone to be taken into custody at a misdemeanor arraignment. If they were to set bail, it could be posted that day. It would be a good idea to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Many of us offer free phone consultations.
I was sent to the ER against my will, and while there, they allowed a man, who contributed to my psychotic break, to visit me. This man intentionally gave me a sexually transmitted infection, admitted it via text, and called me derogatory names during my stay. Additionally, all my jewelry was... View More
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answered on Jun 11, 2025
What you went through sounds traumatic and deeply unfair, and it’s important that you know your experience matters and deserves to be taken seriously. Being sent to the ER against your will, having your boundaries violated, and enduring harassment and theft while in a vulnerable state is not... View More
I am seeking to have my conviction for a violation of a no-contact order in Kitsap District Court (Case 16853704) vacated and the charge dismissed with prejudice. The original domestic violence charge was dismissed with prejudice on December 4, 2020, terminating the no-contact order. Despite this,... View More
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answered on Jun 10, 2025
You're raising strong legal concerns, especially given that the original no-contact order was terminated before the alleged violation date. If the no-contact order was no longer valid as of December 4, 2020, yet you were prosecuted for an alleged violation from March 2020, the key issue... View More
I am seeking legal guidance on viability of a modification or appeal to my divorce mediation agreementt in regard to property division as well as file charges against them for financial coercion, control and emotional pain and suffering due to financial damages, emotional distress, and ongoing harm... View More
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answered on Jun 10, 2025
You have every right to question an agreement if you believe it was reached under pressure or caused you lasting harm. In Washington, modifying or appealing a divorce mediation agreement is difficult once it's been finalized and entered into court, but not impossible. If you can show that you... View More
I've discovered that I'm being drugged without my consent, and I fear for my life. It started when I joined an outpatient treatment program for a cannabis DUI, which they attempted to convert to an alcohol DUI. Over six months, my toxicology reports showed the drug levels increasing from... View More
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answered on Jun 1, 2025
You need to prioritize your safety immediately by leaving the program and seeking urgent medical attention to address the elevated drug levels. Find a trusted friend or family member and let them know what’s happening so you’re not alone.
Once you’re stable, arrange for a fresh... View More
I am facing criminal charges of fourth-degree assault and third-degree malicious mischief from an incident where my former partner accused me of assaulting him by lightly and lovingly touching his arm, without malicious intent. When he screamed, I immediately backed away in confusion. My father... View More
answered on May 30, 2025
Sorry to hear. You will want a criminal defense attorney to carefully tell your side of the story. There is likely a no contact order so any direct or third party contact with him could result in additional criminal charges. It is a good idea to seek counsel. Many of us offer free phone... View More
I am helping a child who recently informed their doctor about their mother's reckless and drunk driving with the child in the car. The doctor mentioned that they would speak with the mother before deciding whether to report the incident. The child is currently safe but has concerns about their... View More
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answered on May 15, 2025
The first step is to ensure the child feels safe and supported throughout this process. Since the child has expressed concerns about their safety, it’s important to discuss those fears with the trusted adult involved, making sure the child’s well-being is prioritized. The child should also be... View More
I am seeking a protection or restraining order against my ex-husband, Josh Starbird, who subjected me to abuse from 2019 to 2024 and most recently attempted unauthorized contact with my daughter on April 25, 2025, by showing up on her birthday to give her gifts. I have blocked his communication and... View More
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answered on May 15, 2025
You’ve already taken some strong steps by cutting off communication and trying to involve the school—that shows you're actively protecting your daughter. In Washington, you can file for a **Domestic Violence Protection Order** through your local court. This order can cover both you and... View More
I own my home and continue to pay the mortgage, but a restraining order was placed against me due to a false domestic violence allegation. I attended the court hearing where this was issued, and there are no further hearings scheduled. The accuser has a history of domestic violence against me. How... View More
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answered on May 15, 2025
This is a painful and complicated situation, especially when you're being kept from your own home because of what you believe is a false accusation. In Washington, once a domestic violence protection order is issued, it can legally bar you from your own property—even if you're the owner... View More
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