Federal Way Criminal Defense Lawyer
We are prepared to defend you against criminal charges in Federal Way or provide the legal guidance you need if you are approached by law enforcement or arrested but not yet charged with a crime. If you talk to the police at all without us present, you risk harming your future defense.
In light of this, tell law enforcement you want to invoke your right to an attorney, even if they have not read you your Miranda rights. You can call us for help with charges for DUIs, domestic violence, assault, drug crimes, and weapons offenses, explaining what the charges mean, how your family can set bail, and how we plan to handle your case.
For help with your case from the Law Offices of Smith & White’s criminal defense lawyers, call (253) 203-1645.
When Should I Get a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Federal Way?
You should have a lawyer present during any conversations with law enforcement in Federal Way.
If You Are Questioned
If you are questioned by police, even if it is not an official custodial interrogation where you are taken into custody and informed of your rights, you should have an attorney with you. The purpose of casual questions may be to get you to misspeak and say something incriminating, so do not take that risk.
If You Are Arrested
You should contact our lawyers immediately if you are arrested. Saying that you want an attorney should be the only thing you say to the police, as anything else might be twisted to use against you.
If Charges Are Filed
Arrests do not always lead to charges being filed, but if they do, defendants need attorneys to guide them. When charges are filed, the defendant is arraigned and must enter a plea. We will likely advise you to plead “not guilty” at your arraignment, even if we ultimately negotiate a plea agreement later.
FAQs About Criminal Defense Attorneys and Facing Criminal Charges in Federal Way
How Soon Should You Get a Defense Attorney After an Arrest?
Get a criminal defense attorney immediately after you are arrested in Federal Way. Do not answer any questions from law enforcement without our lawyers present.
What if You Talk to the Police without a Defense Attorney in Federal Way?
If you mistakenly speak to the police without our attorneys, please tell us. If police officers had you in a custodial interrogation and did not inform you of your Miranda rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney, anything you said might be inadmissible against you.
What Kinds of Charges Can a Defense Attorney Help Me With?
Our lawyers help defend against charges for the following offenses:
- Assault
- Domestic violence offenses
- DUI charges
- Drug crimes
- Federal offenses
- Weapons offenses
How Do You Determine the Right Defense to Criminal Charges?
We can determine the right defense to the charges by listening to everything you can tell us, investigating the alleged incident and potentially finding another viable suspect, assessing the prosecution’s case and its strength, and confirming any alibi you can provide.
Will Your Lawyer Negotiate a Plea Deal?
Your lawyer might negotiate a plea deal for the prosecution to reduce the charges filed against you in exchange for a guilty plea and a lesser prison sentence.
What if You Accept a Plea without Having Your Lawyer Review It?
Never accept a plea deal without having our lawyers review it. The prosecution cannot promise you a specific sentence. They can only file charges against you and recommend a sentence to the judge. If you plead guilty to your original charges without getting them reduced and also reducing the maximum possible sentence, you risk the maximum sentence for the original offense.
Can Your Lawyer Help Your Family Set Bail in Federal Way?
Once bail is set in your case, our lawyers can explain the bail posting process to your loved ones. You may only need to give a 10% cash deposit of the total bail amount to be released/
What Happens if You Violate Bail Terms During a Criminal Case?
Violating bail conditions can result in an immediate arrest and remand to jail for the remainder of your trial. To prevent this, our lawyers can carefully explain all the terms of your bail release.
What is the Maximum Penalty You Can Face Upon Conviction in Washington?
The maximum penalty for the worst offenses in Washington, Class A felonies, is life in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. The following are the maximum penalties for other offenses:
- Class B felony: up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000
- Class C felony: up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
- Gross misdemeanor: up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000
- Misdemeanor: up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000
Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Expunge Your Record?
Our lawyers may be able to expunge your criminal record if enough time has passed and the offense qualifies for expungement. When your record is expunged, no one can see a previous conviction.
How Long Will Your Criminal Case Take?
How long your case takes depends on whether we negotiate a plea, the pre-trial motions we file, whether or not the charges go to trial, and whether there is considerable evidence to get through.
What Should You Tell Your Criminal Defense Attorney in Federal Way?
You should tell your lawyer everything you can about the charges you are accused of. The more we know about where you were, your state of mind, and what the alleged victim did, the better we can identify the right defense.
Do You Need a Lawyer When Facing Criminal Charges?
If you do not have a lawyer when facing criminal charges in Federal Way, you risk accepting a bad plea deal, not building a strong enough defense to beat the charges, or accidentally incriminating yourself when talking to prosecutors and the police.
Call Us for Help with Your Defense in Federal Way
For help with your case from the Law Offices of Smith & White, call our criminal defense lawyers at (253) 203-1645.