Charges of domestic violence can have a far-reaching impact. A Seattle police officer was charged with domestic violence assault in June following an incident at his home. Recently, he was charged with violating a no-contact order after he was allegedly spotted driving with his wife. The officer's wife has since claimed she was not in his car at the time.

The officer allegedly hit his wife and pushed her against a wall during an argument in the initial incident. When police responded to the call, witnesses at the scene refused to give statements and his wife refused medical treatment, saying she did not want him to go to jail. The officer was nevertheless arrested and stripped of his gun and badge, and a no-contact order was filed.

Violation of the no-contact order is an additional misdemeanor charge for the officer, who has pleaded not guilty to the domestic violence assault charge and is currently awaiting trial. He has been removed from a special assignment with the Seattle Police Department's 20/20 reform plan, and once his trial concludes, his case will be investigated by the Office of Professional Accountability to determine his professional future.

Criminal charges can have personal and professional consequences even if the charges are not upheld at trial. Those charged with crimes such as domestic violence are entitled to adequate legal representation for their cases. Legal counsel can assist in building a strong defense and ensuring the rights of the accused are protected.

Source: seattlepi.com, "SPD lieutenant charged with crime," Casey McNerthney, Sept. 13, 2012