What are the legal penalties for domestic abuse offenders?

In Washington, a person found guilty of domestic abuse can face a range of legal penalties, depending on the severity of the charge. The most serious forms of domestic abuse are classified as felonies and can include jail time and substantial fines. The most common form of domestic abuse, fourth-degree assault charges, can result in up to a year in jail and a maximum fine of $5,000. If the charge is increased to third-degree assault, the offender can face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. For second-degree assault, the maximum penalty is 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000. For more serious charges, such as malicious mischief and domestic violence, the penalties can increase dramatically. For malicious mischief, an offender can face up to a year in jail, as well as a fine of up to $5,000. Domestic violence charges can result in up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The penalty for the least serious form of domestic abuse, disorderly conduct, is usually a fine of up to $10,000. No matter the charge, domestic abuse offenders can also face community service, mandatory counseling, and loss of gun ownership rights. If a person is convicted of a second or more domestic abuse charge, the penalties may increase drastically.

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What are the legal penalties for domestic abuse offenders?

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