Bend Domestic Violence Attorney

Experienced Legal Defense Against Domestic Violence Charges in Deschutes and Crook County

If you face charges of domestic violence, you need an aggressive and experienced criminal defense attorney. The stakes are high, and you could encounter severe legal penalties. Without a skilled domestic violence attorney in Bend, you risk conviction and the burden of a criminal record, which can harm your reputation, job opportunities, and future.

At Ward, Grover & Thomas, our domestic violence attorneys in Bend protect your rights at every step. We use our knowledge and resources to defend you against these accusations. Our team works to build a strong defense and helps you navigate the legal process, aiming to avoid the serious consequences of a conviction. 

We recognize the stress and confusion of facing criminal charges and stand by you while we address your case quickly and thoroughly.

Charged with domestic violence? Call Ward Grover & Thomas today at (541) 312-5150 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our domestic violence lawyer in Bend!

What Is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence includes using or attempting physical force or threatening the use of a deadly weapon. It can also involve threatening physical force or the threatened use of a weapon.

Domestic violence covers many offenses, including:

• Assault: Attempting to harm another person. This offense may be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances.
• Unlawful use of force: Using force without causing injury. Prosecutors usually charge this type of case as a misdemeanor.
• Criminal trespass: Entering another person's property without permission.
• Reckless endangering: Putting someone in danger through reckless actions.
• Criminal mischief: Damaging another person's property.
• Harassment: Repeated, unwanted actions that disrupt someone else.
• Stalking: Repeatedly following, threatening, or harassing a person, sometimes by showing up where you are not welcome.

What are the Penalties for Domestic Violence in Oregon?

Domestic violence can lead to substantial legal penalties. The severity of these penalties depends on the offense. Courts may charge a first offense as a misdemeanor and a repeat offense as a felony. Convictions for either remain on your permanent criminal record and carry court-ordered consequences like mandatory counseling, fines, and community service.

If convicted, Oregon sentencing guidelines apply. Common penalties include:

• Jail/Prison Time: Misdemeanor convictions can result in up to a year in jail and thousands in fines. Felony convictions (Assault IV with priors or Strangulation) can result in up to five years in prison (Class C Felony).
• Mandatory Programs: All convictions require mandatory completion of a court-approved Batterer Intervention Program (BIP), which can take months to over a year and be extremely costly.
• Restitution: You will be ordered to pay all costs incurred by the alleged victim, including medical bills, counseling costs, and lost wages.
• Probation: Lengthy periods of supervised probation will include strict conditions such as no-contact orders and prohibitions on alcohol consumption.

A conviction for domestic violence may impact multiple areas of your life. Even if the court drops the charge or you avoid jail time, an arrest can still appear in background checks for jobs, rental housing, licenses, or volunteer roles. Felony and misdemeanor convictions add more challenges, such as restricting voting rights, access to firearms, and eligibility for certain careers. 

If you face domestic violence charges, our dedicated attorneys will work with you to fight the charges and pursue the best possible outcome for your case. We use our skills and knowledge to help you build a strong defense and advocate for your interests.

What is the Oregon Defense Process and Restraining Order Fight?

The first 72 hours after an arrest are the most crucial. Our immediate intervention as a Bend domestic violence lawyer focuses on two parallel tracks:

1. The Criminal Defense Track

• Challenging Bail and Conditional Release: We fight immediately to minimize bail and challenge the court-imposed No-Contact Order to allow for permissible contact (e.g., child exchange through a third party) if it is safe and appropriate.
• Independent Investigation: We do not rely on police reports. We interview defense witnesses, investigate the scene, and challenge any overzealous police conduct related to the mandatory arrest rule.
• Self-Defense/Defense of Others: A cornerstone of many successful defenses. We argue that the client’s actions were necessary and proportional responses to an imminent threat, often relying on witness accounts or evidence of mutual combat.
• Plea Mitigation: Where the evidence is strong, we work to negotiate for a reduction of the charge (e.g., down from Assault to Harassment) or pursue a Diversion/Deferred Sentencing agreement that, upon successful completion of counseling and probation, can result in the entire charge being dismissed from the record.

2. The FAPA Restraining Order Track

The civil FAPA order is separate but highly damaging. When the alleged victim files a FAPA order, the accused has only 30 days to request a hearing to challenge it. Missing this deadline makes the order final for two years.

We aggressively represent you in this separate civil hearing, arguing that:

• No abuse occurred.
• The definition of "family or household member" is not met.
• The allegations are based on false claims driven by child custody or divorce motivations.

We are committed to defeating the FAPA order, as it is often the immediate cause of losing access to your home and children.

What are Potential Defense Options for Domestic Violence Charges in Oregon?

Facing domestic violence charges in Oregon is a serious matter, but an experienced attorney can use several defense options to challenge the allegations. The best approach depends on the facts of your case. 

Common strategies include:

• Self-Defense: When acting to protect yourself from harm, you may claim self-defense if you believed you faced imminent danger and responded with appropriate force.
• False Allegations: Sometimes accusations of domestic violence are exaggerated or fabricated. These often relate to personal disputes such as child custody. Defense attorneys look for evidence to expose inconsistent or unreliable statements.
• Lack of Evidence: Prosecutors must prove cases beyond a reasonable doubt. If physical injuries are absent or witnesses are unreliable, defense counsel may move to dismiss the charges.
• Mutual Combat: Sometimes, both parties participated in the conflict. Defense attorneys may use this argument if evidence supports shared involvement.

Defending these charges requires reviewing police reports, witness statements, and any available video evidence. In Deschutes County, the district attorney often charges domestic violence offenses under a mandatory arrest policy. We examine whether law enforcement respected your constitutional rights and kept all relevant evidence intact.

Hiring our experienced Bend domestic violence attorney ensures you have a strong defense to protect your rights.

We are Certified Criminal Law Specialists. For the aggressive, specialized defense required in these high-stakes cases, contact a domestic violence attorney in Bend at (541) 312-5150 or reach out online now—Free consultation.