Domestic Violence

Spokane, Washington Domestic Violence Attorney

Charges of domestic violence can quickly create a number of legal difficulties that affect multiple areas of your life. If convicted on a charge of domestic violence, you may be denied visitation or custody of your children, encounter difficultly on job applications, or find yourself facing a restraining order. If a restraining order is approved by a judge, by federal law you cannot own a firearm. Additionally, you can be picked up at any time by law enforcement officers if your ex-spouse, girlfriend, boyfriend, or other person believes you have violated the restraining order. At the Law Offices of Gerald R. Smith, I counsel and represent clients charged with domestic violence. As a criminal defense lawyer, I understand how to position my client's case and explain to jurors important facts arresting police officers may not have been aware of or concerned about at the time.

I have the experience and investigative resources needed to defend people charged with domestic violence. To schedule a free, confidential consultation and learn how I can help you, contact domestic violence defense lawyer Gerald R. Smith today.

Domestic Violence - Telling Jurors the Whole Story

When loud, violent arguments between spouses, ex-spouses, or couples occur, it's not uncommon for a neighbor to call the police. Even if there is no evidence of an assault, the boyfriend, husband, or ex-husband is often arrested in order to remove him from the premises and diffuse the situation. If a physical confrontation occurred, the police rarely determine who started the fight, who acted in self-defense, or who threatened whom. Instead, they typically arrest the male involved and take him to jail.

As your attorney, I investigate the events that led up to your arrest. I interview eyewitnesses, subpoena emergency room medical records regarding alleged injuries, and carefully review police reports. In court, I interview police officers to determine if they actually understood the situation before they made an arrest, pointing out information and facts that contradict the allegations against my client. I make sure jurors get the whole story and not just the one-sided version offered by the alleged victim and the prosecution.

Plea Bargains - When Working with the Prosecution is Your Best Option

In cases where your guilt is not in question, it may be possible to reduce the charges or sentence against you. As your lawyer, I work with prosecutors in exploring alternatives to jail and a permanent criminal record. I explain extenuating circumstances that may account for your actions and ask the court to consider community service and counseling in lieu of a harsher sentence.

If you're facing charges on domestic violence, contact domestic violence attorney Gerald R. Smith today and schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.