Charges Against Seattle Man Shines Spotlight On Domestic Violence Enhancements

This week we covered a Seattle Post-Intelligencer news story regarding a relationship between a man and his former middle school teacher in the Seattle Public School System. The 22-year-old man made threats against his ex-lover and teacher after their relationship ended, and attempted to extort money from her after saying he would tell Seattle Public Schools that she molested him as a student. He has been charged with second-degree extortion with a domestic violence enhancement.

What is a domestic violence enhancement or a family violence enhancement? Many states, including Washington, have domestic violence enhancements in order to make punishments tougher for those who have broken laws during acts of domestic violence or family violence. Domestic violence enhancements ensure that those convicted of crimes involving family abuse receive stricter sentences than others. For example, a man accused of assault against a stranger in a parking lot would not be sentenced as harshly as someone who assaulted his wife or girlfriend.

A number of criminal charges can come with a domestic violence enhancement or family violence enhancement, including:

• Extortion with a domestic violence enhancement.
• Sexual assault with a domestic violence enhancement.
• Aggravated assault with a domestic violence enhancement.
• Stalking with a domestic violence enhancement.
• Disorderly conduct with a domestic violence enhancement.
• Attempted murder with a domestic violence enhancement.
• Murder with a domestic violence enhancement.
• Harassment with a domestic violence enhancement.
• Unlawful imprisonment with a domestic violence enhancement.

If you live in Washington and have been the victim of domestic violence, stop the cycle of abuse by talking with a domestic violence lawyer. We can help you get the legal care, medical resources, and psychological support that you need.