WARNING: The first 24 hours after a DV arrest are critical. What you say β€” and don't say β€” can determine the outcome of your entire case.

Washington Criminal Defense

Facing a Criminal
Domestic Violence
Assault Allegation?

This page is for people facing a serious criminal domestic violence assault allegation, arrest, charge, or investigation β€” not a divorce, child-custody matter, or noncriminal marital dispute. Before you speak with police, get a criminal-defense perspective on the process ahead.

  • Former Deputy Prosecuting Attorney β€” knows how the state builds its case against you
  • Criminal defense for serious domestic violence assault allegations
  • Focused on felony, serious misdemeanor, and high-exposure criminal cases
  • For criminal matters β€” not divorce, family law, or custody disputes
  • Time-sensitive criminal cases need a prompt review
  • Serving Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, and San Juan Counties

Start with a private intake request. Please do not send confidential case details through this online form.

Request a Criminal Case Review

For criminal matters in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, or San Juan County. Answer the questions below so our team can understand the immediate situation before following up.

Criminal defense only: this form is for domestic violence assault allegations, criminal charges, and related criminal investigations. We do not handle divorce, custody, family law, protection orders, or noncriminal relationship disputes.

This is an initial intake request for criminal matters in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, or San Juan County. Required questions help our team determine whether the matter is a potential fit. For an urgent arrest, criminal court date, or deadline, call (360) 419-0809.

Or call us directly: (360) 419-0809

19+Years of Experience
Top 100National Trial Lawyers
FormerDeputy Prosecuting Attorney
100sCases Defended
SeriousCriminal Case Review
Same-DayResponse Available

What's Really at Stake

A Serious Criminal DV Assault Allegation
Can Change the Course of Your Life.

A serious criminal domestic violence allegation carries consequences that can follow you long after the criminal case ends. This page is focused on the exposure created by the criminal case itself.

Criminal Record

A serious criminal conviction can create a lasting record that affects background checks, employment opportunities, and future professional decisions.

Criminal Court Exposure

Serious allegations can bring substantial criminal-court exposure, including court appearances, restrictions, financial penalties, probation, and potential incarceration.

Professional Standing

People in regulated professions, government work, healthcare, education, security, and licensed trades can face additional professional consequences from a criminal conviction.

Your Gun Rights

Under federal law, a domestic violence conviction β€” even a misdemeanor β€” permanently strips your Second Amendment rights. You can never legally own or possess a firearm again.

Immigration Exposure

For noncitizens, a criminal conviction may create serious immigration consequences. A criminal-defense strategy should account for the full exposure of the case.

Reputation & Future Opportunities

Criminal allegations and public court records can affect your reputation, security clearances, housing applications, and future opportunities.

Facing a Serious Criminal Domestic Violence Assault Case?

This page is built for serious criminal domestic violence assault allegations, felony-level exposure, and time-sensitive criminal investigations or court dates. It is not a family-law, divorce, custody, or noncriminal dispute service.

Call About a Serious Criminal Case: (360) 419-0809

The Cost of Inaction

What Happens If You Don't Fight Back

Prosecutors in Washington State are aggressive with DV cases. They often proceed even when the alleged victim doesn't want to press charges. Without an experienced attorney, here's what you're facing.

01

Criminal Conviction

Even a misdemeanor DV conviction stays on your record permanently in Washington. There is no expungement for DV convictions under current state law.

02

Criminal Court Exposure

Serious criminal allegations can lead to extended court proceedings, sentencing exposure, probation conditions, and restrictions that affect everyday life.

03

Professional Consequences

Background checks and professional licensing reviews can create lasting career consequences after a criminal conviction.

04

Permanent Gun Ban

Under the federal Lautenberg Amendment, any DV conviction β€” misdemeanor or felony β€” results in a lifetime federal ban on firearm possession.

05

Immigration Exposure

For noncitizens, criminal convictions can lead to serious immigration consequences that require careful consideration alongside the defense strategy.

06

Fines & Probation

DV convictions carry mandatory fines, court costs, and probation requirements β€” including mandatory domestic violence treatment programs that can last 12-52 weeks.

How We Fight for You

Proven Defense Strategies That Get Results

Jason Powers spent years as a prosecutor building DV cases. He knows exactly where they are weak β€” and he uses that knowledge to defend you. Here are the strategies we use.

01

Challenging the Evidence

DV cases often rely on he-said/she-said testimony, photos taken hours after an incident, or 911 recordings made in the heat of the moment. We scrutinize every piece of evidence for inconsistencies, chain-of-custody issues, and constitutional violations.

02

Self-Defense & Defense of Others

Washington law recognizes the right to defend yourself. If you acted in self-defense or to protect someone else, that is a complete defense to the charges. We build the narrative that shows the full picture β€” not just the state's version.

03

False Allegations

Serious criminal allegations can require close review of the initial reports, prior statements, physical evidence, and inconsistencies in the state’s case. We investigate the complete record rather than accepting one narrative at face value.

04

Constitutional Violations

If police violated your Fourth or Fifth Amendment rights β€” illegal search, failure to read Miranda rights, coerced statements β€” we file motions to suppress that evidence. Evidence thrown out can collapse the prosecution's entire case.

05

Negotiating Reduced Charges

Not every case goes to trial. Sometimes the best outcome is negotiating a DV charge down to a lesser offense β€” like disorderly conduct β€” that does not carry the same lifetime consequences. We know when to fight and when to negotiate.

06

Deferred Prosecution

Washington's deferred prosecution program allows qualified first-time offenders to avoid a conviction entirely by completing a treatment program. We evaluate your eligibility and guide you through the process if it's the right fit.

Your Defense Team

Meet the Attorneys Fighting for You

Two experienced criminal defense attorneys. One shared mission: protect your freedom, your family, and your future.

Jessica Gill-Sekhon β€” Criminal Defense Attorney
Whatcom County
Jessica Gill-Sekhon
Criminal Defense Attorney

Jessica is Powers Law Group's Whatcom County powerhouse. Known for her relentless preparation and courtroom tenacity, she has built a reputation as one of the region's most effective criminal defense attorneys β€” fighting fiercely for clients facing domestic violence charges.

  • ✓Proven track record of results in Whatcom County courts
  • ✓Member, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • ✓Washington State Bar Association
  • ✓Aggressive, compassionate representation for DV clients
Jason Powers β€” Criminal Defense Attorney
Washington Criminal Defense
Jason Powers
Criminal Defense Attorney • Former Prosecutor

Here is something most defense attorneys can't say: Jason Powers used to be on the other side of the courtroom. As a former Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, he built DV cases against defendants. Now he uses that insider knowledge to tear those cases apart and fight for people like you.

  • ✓Former Deputy Prosecuting Attorney β€” knows how DV cases are built
  • ✓Top 100 Trial Lawyer, National Trial Lawyers (invitation-only)
  • ✓Member, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • ✓19+ years of criminal defense experience in Washington State
WACDL NACDL Top 100 Trial Lawyers WSBA

What Happens Next

Your Path Forward Starts With One Call

1

Serious Criminal Case Review

Start with the intake only if you are facing a serious criminal domestic violence assault allegation, charge, or investigation in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, or San Juan County. We assess whether the matter is a potential fit.

2

We Review Your Case

Jason personally reviews the charges, the evidence, and the circumstances. We identify the strongest defense strategy and explain your options clearly β€” no legal jargon.

3

We Take Action Immediately

Serious criminal cases move fast. Once retained, the team begins addressing the criminal allegations, evidence, and upcoming court process from day one.

4

We Fight for the Best Outcome

Whether that means charges dismissed, reduced to a lesser offense, or a full acquittal at trial β€” we fight for the outcome that protects your freedom, your family, and your future.

Client Results

Real People. Real Outcomes.

These are real clients who trusted Jason Powers at one of the most difficult moments of their lives.

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"Jason Powers and his team provide compassionate, expert, and extremely effective legal services. I'm thankful I retained Mr. Powers at one of the lowest points in my life. I'll always be thankful for his representation and the attention of his staff. They're the best!"

M.M.

Criminal Defense Client

β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

"Jason Powers and his team are some of the BEST one can ask for. Powers Law Group will fight for you β€” him and his team are highly respectful and professional. I felt like I actually had someone in my corner who knew what they were doing."

T.T.

Criminal Defense Client

β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

"My experience with Powers Law Group was really good. I was pretty stressed out about my case and after meeting with Jason the first time I felt very confident in his abilities. He assured me everything would be fine β€” and he was right."

D.H.

Criminal Defense Client

Common Questions

Answers to What You're Wondering Right Now

No. Powers Law Group is a criminal defense firm. This page is for serious criminal domestic violence assault allegations, criminal charges, and related criminal investigations in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, or San Juan County. It is not for divorce, custody, family-law, or other noncriminal matters.
This is one of the most common misconceptions. In Washington State, the prosecutor β€” not the alleged victim β€” decides whether to pursue charges. Even if your partner recants or refuses to cooperate, the state can and often does proceed with the case using other evidence (911 recordings, photos, officer testimony). This is exactly why you need an experienced attorney β€” not just your partner's cooperation.
This intake is for serious criminal domestic violence assault allegations, felony or high-exposure charges, and related criminal investigations. The form is intentionally not designed for divorce, custody, or noncriminal relationship disputes.
Under current Washington State law, domestic violence convictions cannot be vacated (expunged). This makes it critically important to fight the charges aggressively from the start β€” because a conviction is permanent. This is not a situation where you can "deal with it later."
Self-defense is a complete defense to assault charges in Washington State. If you were defending yourself or someone else from imminent harm, we build that case with physical evidence, witness statements, and medical records. The key is acting quickly before evidence disappears and memories fade.
Serious criminal defense requires a financial commitment. After the team determines that a serious criminal matter may be a fit, the firm can discuss its retainer and fee requirements. This page is not intended for free legal advice or lower-value noncriminal concerns.
Three things: (1) Do not make statements to police without an attorney present. (2) Follow all court and law-enforcement instructions you have received. (3) If you are facing a serious criminal domestic violence assault allegation in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, or San Juan County, call (360) 419-0809 promptly.

A Serious Criminal Allegation
Needs a Serious Legal Response.

For serious criminal domestic violence assault allegations, charges, or investigations in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, or San Juan County, request a case review. This is not a divorce, custody, family-law, or noncriminal dispute service.

Call About a Serious Criminal Case Request a Criminal Case Review
Serious Criminal DV Case? Call (360) 419-0809