The Different Types Of Domestic Violence And Their Definitions

Washington state law has several different types of crimes that fall under the umbrella of domestic violence. Domestic violence can be committed by one family member against another or by an intimate partner. Here are those charges and their definitions. To understand if domestic violence charges can be dropped, it is best to discuss your unique situation with a qualified domestic violence defense lawyer.

Assault: Ultimately, assault is defined as an intent to inflict substantial bodily harm onto another person. Examples include physical harm, sexual harm, or toxic poisoning. 

Assaults can be defined in the first, second, third and fourth degree. In addition, assault convictions can range from a gross misdemeanor to a class A felony. Assault is a very serious and punishable offense and is an example of domestic violence.

Burglary: can be categorized in the first and second degree with different consequences. 

Burglary in the first degree, which results in a class A felony, is when someone unlawfully enters a building with intent to harm a person and is either armed with a deadly weapon or assaults a person. Burglary in the second degree, which results in a class B felony, is when someone enters a building that is not a person’s home with an intent to commit a crime against the property or a person in the property. 

Similar to a second degree burglary but much more serious, residential burglary can occur when a person unlawfully enters and stays in a person’s home with the intent to commit a crime. This can result in a class B felony.   Burglary is a very serious and punishable example of domestic violence.

Coercion: when a person threatens another to engage or not to engage in a situation in which one is legally able to participate in. Coercion can lead to a gross misdemeanor and is a serious example of domestic violence.

Criminal trespass: a person unlawfully enters and stays in a building. In the first degree, this can result as a gross misdemeanor; in the second degree, this can result in a misdemeanor. Criminal trespass is a serious example of domestic violence.

Drive-by shooting: when a person discharges a firearm while in a vehicle which results in a serious bodily injury. Drive-by shootings are classified as a class B felony. Drive-by-shooting is a very serious example of domestic violence and is a punishable offense.

Interference with the reporting of domestic violence: when someone commits a domestic violence crime and prevents a witness from calling emergency services or reporting the incident to law enforcement officials. This can result in a gross misdemeanor.  Interfering with the reporting of domestic violence crime is a very serious and punishable offense.

Kidnapping: a person intentionally abducts another person. This can be to hold a hostage for ransom or to inflict mental or physical harm among other reasons. 

Kidnapping can be defined in the first or second degree. All first degree kidnappings can result in a class A felony. All second degree kidnappings, with a few exceptions, result in a class B felony. Those few exceptions of a second degree kidnapping result in a class A felony.  Kidnapping is a very serious example of domestic violence and is a punishable offense.

Malicious mischief: a person knowingly causes property damage, damages an emergency or a public transportation vehicle, or impairs the safety of aircrafts. Malicious mischiefs also involve damaging or even removing ballot boxes. Malicious mischief is a very serious example of domestic violence and is a punishable offense. Malicious mischiefs can be categorized in the first, second and third degree. All first degree convictions result in a class B felony; in the second degree, a class C felony; and, in the third degree, a gross misdemeanor. 

Rape: when a person engages in sexual intercourse with another person. In the first degree, the person may do so with forcible compulsion along with a deadly weapon, through kidnapping, inflicting harm where the victim is unconscious or enters a building unlawfully. This can result in a class A felony. 

Rape in the second degree can be through forcible compulsion, the victim is unable to give consent, or if the person was a patient to a healthcare provider and was engaged in it through a consultation, interview, or examination. This is also a class felony. Rape is a very serious example of domestic violence and is a punishable offense.

Reckless endangerment: a person creates a situation that can result in a serious bodily injury, but is not considered a drive-by shooting. Reckless endangerment can result in a gross misdemeanor. Reckless endangerment is a very serious example of domestic violence and is a punishable offense.

Stalking: when a person intentionally and repeatedly harasses another person. The person being harassed can be fearful of the fact that the stalker can intend to harm them. Stalking can result in a gross misdemeanor. However, under certain circumstances, stalking can result in a class B felony. Stalking is a very serious example of domestic violence and is a punishable offense.

Unlawful imprisonment: when someone restrains another person. This can result in a class C felony. Unlawful imprisonment is a very serious example of domestic violence and is a punishable offense.

Violating a no-contact order or restraining order: if a person knowingly or unknowingly breaks a no-contact or restraining order. Depending on the circumstances, consequences can range from a gross misdemeanor to a felony and time in prison. Violating a no-contact order or restraining order is a very serious example of domestic violence and is a punishable offense.

Looking For Help? Get The Representation You Deserve. 

The attorneys at Verity Criminal Defense are here to help you. We specialize in a variety of criminal matters, including domestic violence, in order to get the support your case deserves.