Lakewood Criminal Defense Lawyer
You may need a criminal defense lawyer much sooner than you thought. While the police might claim they are questioning you informally, they could be investigating you and hoping you will misspeak. We can answer police questions for you before and after an arrest.
If you are charged and the case goes to trial, we will move into jury selection unless you want a bench trial. Trials include opening statements, cases, and closing statements from both sides. When presenting our case, we will have witnesses testify and show other evidence to the jury, like photos or videos. The jury then deliberates and reaches a verdict, which we can appeal if it is unfavorable.
Call the Law Offices of Smith & White’s criminal defense lawyers at (253) 525-8036 to get started on your case today.
When Do I Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lakewood?
It helps to have an attorney anytime the police question you, let alone if you are charged with a crime. We make sure defendants are up to speed on their charges and start preparing defenses immediately.
If Police Question You
Having an attorney present is important, even if the police ask you to come in for informal questioning. Do not assume the police are not investigating you and your potential involvement in a crime. With our skilled lawyers present during police questioning, we can ensure you do not misspeak. We can also keep the police from holding you if they do not have evidence for an arrest.
If You Are Arrested
You should call us immediately after an arrest. Police officers might serve a warrant at your workplace or home to embarrass you, so staying calm is important. Do not tell the police anything other than that you want to talk to your attorney.
After you are taken into custody, we can ensure you do not say anything potentially incriminating when police question you. We can also make sure police officers do not violate your rights or coerce an illegal confession.
If You Are Charged
Having experienced counsel is crucial if you are charged with a crime. You are formally charged at your arraignment hearing, which is also when you enter your plea. After a defendant pleads “not guilty,” the judge sets bail. Prosecutors may argue for egregiously high bail, and our lawyers can prevent that. While the seriousness of the alleged offense influences bail, so do other factors, like the defendant’s criminal record and ties to the community.
How Do Criminal Trials Work in Lakewood?
In Washington, you have the right to a jury trial, which many defendants opt for. Defendants can also waive their right to a jury trial and opt for a bench trial. In a bench trial, the judge decides guilt, not the jury. Other than that, both bench trials and jury trials follow a similar format.
Jury Selection
Before a jury trial begins, the jury must be selected. This is an involved process during which we can ask the judge to excuse potential jurors for bias. We also have several “peremptory challenges” during jury selection, which let us object to potential jurors without cause.
Opening Statements
Once the jury is set or the defendant waives their right to a jury trial, opening statements can happen. Both sides get to make opening statements. This is our first chance to speak to the jurors directly about your case, who you are, and why you are not guilty, so we will spend time crafting a compelling opening statement.
The Prosecution’s Case
Next, the prosecution presents their case. We will have the opportunity to cross-examine any witnesses who testify for the prosecution. We can also object to lines of questioning that might unfairly influence the jury.
The Defense’s Case
Once the prosecution rests, we present our case. We can have our own relevant expert witnesses or eyewitnesses testify and poke holes in the prosecution’s case. Then, we rest our case, and both sides get to make closing statements.
Jury Deliberations
Then, the jury gets “sequestered.” Jurors go to a room to discuss the facts of the case only with one another. Some juries take days to reach a verdict, others only hours. All jurors must agree, or the judge may have to declare a mistrial. If that happens, the prosecution can decide whether or not to retry the case.
Verdict
When the jury reaches a verdict, it informs the bailiff, who notifies the judge. You will go before the court, and the verdict will be read. If the verdict is not guilty, you will be released immediately. If you are found guilty on some or all charges, we can start working on an appeal immediately.
How Can I Prepare for a Criminal Trial in Lakewood?
With the possibility of prison time, fines, and other serious consequences on the line, facing criminal charges is intimidating. Let our lawyers prepare you for a criminal trial in Lakewood, and contact us about your case right away.
Tell us anything that can help your defense, such as if you have an alibi or were acting in self-defense or defense of others. Tell us witnesses we can contact who may testify and help your case. Tell us anything you said to the police before we arrived as well.
Criminal trials can happen fast, and you need to understand the charges against you. In addition to working on your defense, we can explain the crimes you are charged with, the potential consequences you might face, and what you can expect from a trial.
Prosecutors may approach defendants after arrests with bad plea deals, and desperate individuals might agree to them. We can stop you from accepting a bad plea and prepare a strong defense that clears your name.
Call Our Lakewood Attorneys About Your Criminal Case Today
Call our criminal defense lawyers at (253) 525-8036 for help with your case from the Law Offices of Smith & White.