Karimi Law / Assault
RCW 9A.36 · Assault Defense
It started as one moment — and now it's an assault charge.
In Washington, "assault" covers a wide range — from a fourth-degree misdemeanor to a serious felony — and the degree turns on injury, any weapon, and the circumstances. A charge is an accusation, not a conviction. What happens in the first days helps shape how the case is read.
Former King County prosecutorMisdemeanor to felony5 languages · free consultation
What the case may turn on
- The charge
The degree is most of the case
What separates a misdemeanor from a felony is injury, any weapon, and the circumstances. The degree on the charging document shapes everything that follows.
- No-contact order
A no-contact order may already exist
When the allegation involves a family or household member, an assault charge can carry a domestic-violence designation and a no-contact order — sometimes before you have said a word.
- The allegation
What is actually alleged
The report, the witnesses, the photographs — and any question of self-defense — examined the way a former prosecutor examines a file: for what holds, and what doesn't.
- First appearance
The arraignment
The first court date comes quickly. Walking in prepared — with the report already read — changes how it goes.
Nothing here is a deadline meant to frighten you. They are simply the things a prepared defense is already watching.
What you're facing
A charge measured by degree.
Assault in Washington runs from fourth-degree — a gross misdemeanor — up to first-degree, a serious felony. Injury, any weapon, intent, and who was involved all move the charge. Understanding what is actually alleged is the first step toward answering it.
How a charge is measured
- First degreea serious felony
- Injury, any weapon, intent, and who was involved all move the charge.
- Fourth degreea gross misdemeanor
Former prosecutor
How a former prosecutor reads an assault case
He has weighed these charges from the other side.
Common questions
Plain answers.
What does the degree of an assault charge depend on?
In Washington, "assault" covers a wide range — from a fourth-degree misdemeanor to a serious felony — and the degree turns on injury, any weapon, and the circumstances.
Is a charge the same as a conviction?
A charge is an accusation, not a conviction.
Can an assault charge carry a no-contact order?
When the allegation involves a family or household member, an assault charge can carry a domestic-violence designation and a no-contact order — sometimes before you have said a word.
Where you can be and who you can contact — sometimes from the first appearance. Knowing the exact terms is the first protection against an accidental second charge.
What is examined in an assault case?
The report, the witnesses, the photographs — and any question of self-defense — examined the way a former prosecutor examines a file: for what holds, and what doesn't.
Is the first consultation free and confidential?
A free, confidential consultation. No obligation. What you share stays between us.
Contacting this office does not create an attorney‑client relationship.
Where to begin
Tell it once, to someone prepared.
A free, confidential consultation. No obligation. What you share stays between us.