Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

assault on minor children?

my daughter 13 and her friend 13 were talking to the neighbor lady and she pulled my daughters shorts down to see her swimming suit and also grabbed her friends butt cheek and made comments about firm butt? There were no adults present as the girls were walking past her house and she happened to be outside. When the friends mom came to my house the daughter told her and she went next door and talked to the neighbor who went crazy on her screaming at her with alot of 4 letter words. The mom came back to my house and called the police. They talked to the girls and went back and forth between the neighbor and the girls. This is an insane situation but the police are pressing 2 charges for assault on the girls. The neighbor was totally wrong in this situation. What happens now? The police officer said one of my options were to get a restraining order but there is only 10 feet between the homes?? Any advice or suggestions would be very helpful and appreciated.


Asked on 7/04/08, 8:44 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
James J. White, attorney Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC

Re: assault on minor children?

If the prosecutor brings charges against the neighbor for assaulting the girls than a condition of her release from jail will be having no contact with the girls. You just need to press to get the case charged/filed so that conditions of release can be set. This will save you the time and money of going to court for a protection order on your own. Contact the prosecutor's office that is handling the matter and inquire as to the status of the case. Let them know you want a no contact order.

If for some reason the case is delayed than you can pursue a protection order yourself in either district or superior court. Contact the State court nearest you for information on how to do that. If you would like an attorney's assistance with getting the protection order contact me directly. The fact that she lives 10 feet away in no way prohibits you from getting a protection order.

If you have money for a lawyer and really wish to drive the point home, you can also sue the neighbor in civil court.

At your service,

Read more
Answered on 7/06/08, 3:28 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Washington