Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

Re: polygraph/assault 4

Assault 4 is a gross misdemeanor. It has a MAXIMUM penalty of one year in jail and/or a $5000 fine. In this case, it appears as though it qualifies as an act of domestic violence as well (which doesn't NECESSARILY mean much, but it can).

Domestic violence, in Washington, is generally defined as an act of violence (Assault 4 qualifies as this) against a household or former household member or a blood relation. In my experience, it is common to have minimal to no jail time for

Assault 4 (although I have also seen at least one person get the full year, but that case was unusual, in part because of the number of times he had been convicted of Domestic Violence Assualt 4). Generally, the fines in the Assault 4 cases that I have

seen range from about $350 to about $750. The defendant is also usually put on probation for 2 years, and depending on the county that will be supervised or unsupervised. Many counties also require the defendant to obtain a Batterer's (Domestic Violence)

assessment/evaluation and to follow all recommended treatment (usually 1-2 years of counseling). People charged with Domestic Violence Assualt 4 can also qualify for the 10.05 program, which is a deferred prosecution program. It entails getting a Batterer's

evaluation, admitting you have a problem, the counselor agreeing you have a problem and that you are amenable to treatment and that treatment has a reasonable likelihood of success, then the Judge must also make those same determinations. IF all that happens,

then prosecution is deferred and if the person completes the treatment satisfactorilly AND stays out of trouble, as well as other requirements, then after a period of 5 years, the charges are dismissed.

As for your step-daughter, she can file with the State Victims fund for payment of her doctor bills and losses. She COULD sue her mother, but that is another discussion.

If I can be of additional assistance, let me know.

Good luck!