DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TREATMENT

Seattle's Domestic Violence Defense Team  

Deferred Sentencing Alternatives

Attorneys at Rhodes & Meryhew, LLP represent people in the Seattle area and throughout the State of Washington who have been charged with domestic violence-related crimes such as assault or malicious mischief.

If you have been arrested in connection with domestic violence — contact our lawyers for immediate assistance and strong legal representation.

Generally, the deferred sentencing diversion program is only available to first time offenders whose cases are less serious. You are eligible if this will be your first diversion program placement, and if do not have any previous convictions or felony charges pending against you. This can allow you to avoid conviction, and jail time, by entering into the one-year Deferred Sentencing Program.

Spousal Abuse and Family Abuse Help

The goals of domestic violence treatment are to end the cycle of violent and abusive behavior; to ensure public safety; and to promote personal accountability for one's own actions. How it works is that you, the defendant, enter a guilty plea to the primary charge and agree to complete a domestic violence treatment program and, if ordered by your domestic violence treatment provider, drug or alcohol treatment too.

In our experience, domestic violence treatment consistently makes a tremendous difference in the lives of participants and their families. State-certified programs are located in most communities and are not typically too burdensome to participate in and complete. For the first six months you attend on a weekly basis. For the next six months, attendance may continue on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly schedule. Evening and weekend options may also be available in your area.

During participation in the program, you are not allowed to have contact with the victim and cannot use or possess any firearms. If the program is completed successfully, the charges will be dismissed. If the requirements of the program are not met, you will be terminated from the program and sentenced on the charge to which a guilty plea was entered.