Senator Dale Brandland




Address:
203 Newhouse Building
P.O. Box 40442
Olympia WA 98504-0442

Phone: (360) 786-7682
Toll-Free: (800) 562-6000
Fax: (360) 786-7524
Senator Dale Brandland News & Views        (Printer Friendly)

Brandland sponsors Attorney General legislation to protect families from repeat domestic violence offenders

January 20, 2009

OLYMPIA…Sen. Dale Brandland, R-Whatcom County, has joined with Attorney General Rob McKenna in proposing a new law aimed at reducing serial domestic violence abuse. 

Senate Bill 5208 ramps up the consequences for repeat domestic violence offenders by requiring judges to factor in certain prior non-felony domestic violence convictions. The legislation would also require certain prior felony domestic violence convictions to be counted more heavily when sentencing an offender for committing a new felony domestic violence offense. 

If passed, the new law would count more heavily certain domestic violence crimes including:

  • Felony Violation No Contact/Protection Order;

  • Felony Stalking Domestic Violence; and

  • Kidnapping 1 and 2 Domestic Violence.

State law permits increased sentencing consideration for serial drug offenders, car thieves and other chronic criminals but not for domestic abusers. 

There are too many examples of lives lost to repeat domestic violence offenders who should have already been in jail,” said Brandland. “This legislation will treat domestic violence with the seriousness it demands so we can put dangerous criminals behind bars and protect citizens before they become victims.”  

Brandland is sponsoring the bill at the request of Attorney General McKenna. Brandland has a law enforcement background, having served as Whatcom County Sheriff before becoming senator for the 42nd District. 

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For more information contact Ashley Forsyth
(360) 786-7037