Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

I was charged with DV 4. My step daughter (21 yrs old) who does not live with us, but is staying in our home got irate over a request I made. I asked her to calm down, she took a swing at me and landed a glancing blow on my left cheek that did not leave a mark. In an attempt to defend myself I grabbed her wrists. She lost her balance, I lost my balance and we both went to the ground. I called the police to have them help remove her from the home. They showed up, saw a bruise on her wrist and arrested me for DV4. I'm 68 years old with no hint of a record but feel that I'm being singled out because the law state someone must be arrested in a DV complaint in WA. That was what the arresting officer said to me on the way to jail. How do I defend myself against this? The law seems to be a bit lopsided because the bruise appeared on the person I was defending myself against. My step daughter did not file a complaint when the police came.


Asked on 12/03/09, 12:47 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Paul Ferris Law Office of Paul T. Ferris

You may receive responses on this website; however, you should refrain from posting again or posting details or statements online. Hire a lawyer to assist you with your defense. If you cannot afford an attorney, apply for a court appointed lawyer.

Assault DV offenses have far reaching consequences with respect to employment, volunteer opportunities, right to possess firearms. Above all, of course, is that you should not suffer any consequences for an act of self defense. There is a statute that allows a defendant who successfully raises self defense (in trial only) to recover the costs of defending himself or herself.

Get a lawyer and make no further statements to anyone with consulting your attorney.

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Answered on 12/08/09, 11:00 am


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