Free Consultation (425) 533-2156

Blog

City of Bellevue, WA Hires New Full-Time Domestic Violence Prosecutor

Posted by John Tymczyszyn | Jun 14, 2015 | 0 Comments

It has recently been released that the city of Bellevue has changed it's strategy in the prosecution of domestic violence. Previously, Bellevue has prosecuted domestic violence like all other crimes. An assortment of various prosecutors take turns prosecuting the cases and rotate in the prosecution of such crimes as Domestic-Violence Assault in the fourth degree (DV Assault 4) and Violation of Domestic Violence Protection Orders

But Bellevue's lead prosecutor, Susan Irwin, has recently changed this strategy. Bellevue has hired a specialist in this field, full-time domestic-violence prosecutor B.A. Hopkins. Ms. Hopkins comes from the city of Everett's prosecutor's office and has extensive experience in domestic violence cases. She has earned a reputation as a no-nonsense prosecutor and a tireless advocate for victims of domestic violence.  This new strategy reflects Bellevue's increasing concern with domestic violence and assault.

Unfortunately, many times people find themselves charged with domestic violence assault with little or no proof.  Calling 911 first does not make someone a victim!  If the "victim" changes his/her mind and no longer wants to pursue prosecution, the prosecutor may still pursue charges. Having a charge of domestic violence is serious, but is not a conviction.

A conviction of DV-Assault can be devastating and sentencing can include sanctions such as:

1. Jail time;

2. Supervised probation;

3. Twelve (12) months domestic violence treatment. Up to 1 class per week;

4. Alcohol evaluation and treatment follow-up as recommended by a treatment. counselor;

5. Mental health evaluation and treatment as recommended;

6. Parenting classes;

7. Payment of probation fees;

8. Prohibitions against the consumption of alcohol;

9. Prohibitions against firearm ownership and losing 2nd amendment rights;

10. Community service/non-profit work;

11. No contact order with the alleged victim;

12. Paying monetary restitution to the alleged victim.

Needless to say, the imposition of these penalties impact your freedom, your finances and your employment for years to come. If you believe that you have been wrongly accused of violating a domestic violence protection order or committing a domestic violence assault, then contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney is the next step.

Please call (425) 830-7520 for a free case evaluation or visit our Domestic Violence webpage for more information.  

About the Author

John Tymczyszyn

Attorney John T. is a third generation Washingtonian, Navy Veteran and criminal defense attorney.

Comments

There are no comments for this post. Be the first and Add your Comment below.

Leave a Comment

KING & SNOHOMISH COUNTY

King County: Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Issaquah, Sammamish, Bothell, Duvall, Woodinville, Mercer Island, Newcastle, Kent, Renton, Federal Way, Auburn, SeaTac, Kenmore, Tukwila, and more.
Snohomish County: Everett, Lynnwood, Bothell, Edmonds, Snohomish, Monroe

John T Law
(425) 650-9888 (fax)
Mon: 09:00am - 09:00pm
Tue: 09:00am - 09:00pm
Wed: 09:00am - 09:00pm
Thu: 09:00am - 09:00pm
Fri: 09:00am - 09:00pm
Sat: 09:00am - 09:00pm
Sun: 09:00am - 09:00pm

Menu