INTERFERING WITH REPORTING OF A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENSE

If a person attempts to prevent the victim of or a witness to that domestic violence crime from calling a 911 emergency communication system, obtaining medical assistance, or making a report to any law enforcement official, that person can be charged with the crime of Interfering with Reporting of Domestic Violence. This crime is a gross misdemeanor that can carry penalties of up to 364 days in jail and a fine of $5,000, along with probationary conditions and a no-contact order with the alleged victim. 

Since it is an element of this offense that a prior crime of domestic violence has been committed this particular domestic violence offense is rarely charged by itself. An prime example of this type of charge is as follows: A husband frantically pulls the phone out of his wife's hands as she tries to call 911 after having been pushed or slapped by her husband immediately prior.

ELEMENTS OF YOUR CHARGES

As defined in RCW 9A.36.150, interference with the reporting of domestic violence is classified by the following set of circumstances:

1. The person committed a crime of domestic violence, as defined by RCW 10.99.020; AND
2. The person prevented or attempted to prevent the victim or witness of the crime from dialing 911, or obtaining medical assistance, or making an official report to a law enforcement officer.

Interference of reporting a crime of domestic violence can only be claimed if it can be proven that an actual instance of domestic violence took place. Only if it can be proven that the commission of a crime of domestic violence – as defined in subsection 1 of the law – has been commissioned can interference charges be made.

WORK WITH A SEATTLE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ATTORNEY

At Lewis & Laws, PLLC we are committed to helping wrongfully accused individuals escape the criminal charges that have been made against them. If you've been accused of interfering with the reporting of domestic violence, or any other type of domestic violence act for that matter, then do not hesitate to contact a Seattle criminal defense lawyer at our office. We are here to help you at this difficult time.