Domestic Violence Attorney in Washington, D.C.
Challenge Your Domestic Violence Charges with Our Criminal Defense Team

If you have been accused of domestic violence, make sure that you consult
with a criminal defense attorney immediately to assess your options and
what you should do moving forward. Our Washington, D.C. domestic violence
lawyers at
Hunter & Johnson, PLLC understand that there is often more to the story than what the police
see. The complainant usually tells their side of the story, and then you
end up getting arrested without telling yours. We've seen it time
and again before, and we're ready to help make sure that your voice
is heard. Tell us the details of your case and we will work hard to defend
your charges.
Acts that can be charged under domestic violence include:
To better understand domestic violence charges, it is necessary to take
a closer look at the forms of abuse the DOJ considers capable of causing
domestic violence.
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Physical: Using physical force to cause physical harm, but also forcing a partner
to consume alcohol or use drugs. Denying them medical coverage can also
be considered physical abuse.
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Sexual: Contact or behavior that is sexual in nature and uninvited by the alleged
victim. Treating someone in a demeaning manner may constitute sexual domestic violence.
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Emotional: Intentionally lowering someone’s self-esteem or perceived self-worth
through harsh criticism and insults, as well as detracting from their
relationship with their own children.
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Economic: Preventing someone from accessing their own finances, effectively taking
control of their money and resources. May be done by stopping them from
going to work.
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Psychological: Using threats and intimidation to cause someone to feel mental harm. This
area is somewhat vague and may be applied to most domestic violence cases.
Facing charges for domestic violence? Don't wait to call us for a
phone evaluation.
Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction in Washington, D.C.
There is a lot at stake in domestic violence cases. You could be facing
criminal penalties, a tarnished reputation, and may have to live life
with a criminal record.
The possible penalties of a domestic violence conviction include:
- Imprisonment
- Fines
- Loss of parental rights
- Loss of right to own firearm
- Protective orders preventing you from contacting the complainant
- Anger management programs
- Criminal record
Whether your family violence case was a result of a misunderstanding or
ulterior motives stemming from a divorce or custody dispute, don't
face your charges without an experienced Washington D.C. domestic violence
lawyer there to help you navigate the criminal justice system.
What If the Complainant Wants to Drop Domestic Violence Charges?
It is up to the prosecutor whether or not he or she wants to drop the charges,
not the complainant. In Washington, D.C., prosecutors are very strict
about their no-drop policy when it comes to domestic violence. This is
because law enforcement officials are trying to deter domestic violence
by aggressively prosecuting the offenders. Talk to an experienced Washington,
D.C. domestic violence lawyer at our firm to learn more about how you
should approach your case.
Is Domestic Violence a Felony in Washington, D.C.?
Whether or not your domestic violence case is charged as a
felony depends on the circumstances. Most domestic violence cases are usually
considered misdemeanors, which means the most a defendant can face is
up to a year in jail and a fine.
You could be facing a felony charge if your domestic violence case involves
more serious situations such as:
- Assault
- Protection order violation
- Harassment
- Excessive property damage
- Or if you have a prior history of domestic violence
It is important that you seek help from an aggressive domestic violence
attorney in Washington, D.C. who can help you mitigate your accusations
and push for a favorable outcome.
Violated a Protection Order?
Even though you may feel the protective order was unfair or based on false
accusations, it is critical that you continue to abide by the terms, otherwise
you may face criminal penalties. Offenders found to be in violation of
a current protection order can be held in contempt of the court and subject
to fines and serve time in jail. If you have been accused of violating
a protective order that has been issued against you, we can help. Talk
to our Washington, D.C. domestic violence attorneys about how you can
mitigate the situation and defend your rights.
How Do You Beat a Domestic Violence Charge?
There are many different defenses that your Washington D.C. domestic violence
attorney can use to defend you against a domestic violence accusation,
depending on the circumstances. Some common defenses include:
- Self defense
- You were falsely accused
- You did not cause the injuries
- The action was an accident
If you have been accused of domestic violence, a skilled lawyer can help
to craft the right defense for your case. Don’t hesitate to get
the defense you need today.
Call (202) 759-7929 to Reach a Washington, D.C. Domestic Violence Attorney
Domestic violence cases can be complex because you are not only dealing
with the criminal charges, but you may face additional stresses if you
are struggling to maintain custody and visitation of your children. We
know how stressful the situation is for you, and we want to put our experience
and skills to work for you. From interviewing witnesses to undermining
the credibility of the complainant, our team can diligently investigate
and prepare a strong case on your behalf.
If you are facing domestic violence charges, see what we can do to help.
Call our office
at (202) 759-7929 to begin.