Spokane prosecutors are suddenly declining to charge more felony domestic violence cases, citing staffing issues

As Washington reduces public defender caseloads, prosecutors say that's forced difficult charging decisions

By: Kelsey Turner

Outlets: InvestigateWest

Published: June 18, 2026

Words: 2,980

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 2 days ago

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In April, Spokane police arrested a man for grabbing a woman by the neck and pushing her to the ground. A neighbor had called 911 worried that the yelling next door was a domestic violence situation, and the woman told an officer through tears that she was sick of her boyfriend putting his hands on her, according to the police report.

The next day, Spokane County prosecutors sent an email to police. There was probable …

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