University Place Criminal Defense Lawyer
You may need a criminal defense lawyer when facing any charges, no matter how insignificant they seem. Never underestimate the potential consequences you could suffer upon conviction, and have us get to the bottom of your situation right away.
Once you have our lawyers handle your case, tell us what we need to know. We will ask if you have an alibi, were coerced, lacked intent, or were simply defending yourself. We can work on your defense, stop you from accepting a bad plea, and prepare you for a trial. It may take months for your case to get to trial, making posting bail even more important. Once the trial begins, it may take days or weeks, with more complex cases sometimes taking months.
Call our criminal defense lawyers at (253) 203-1645 to discuss your case with the Law Offices of Smith & White.
When Do You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer in University Place?
If you are arrested in University Place, you should get an attorney immediately. You need an attorney if the prosecution files charges against you, so let us get started working on your case right away.
Contact us as soon as possible, and inform the officers that you invoke your right to an attorney immediately upon arrest. Continue invoking your right to remain silent, too. Do not submit to any police questioning without us present.
We can prepare you for what might come next, like an arraignment and bail hearing. At this hearing, you are formally charged, you enter your plea, and the judge determines the bail amount. During this hearing, we can advocate for fair bail based on the charges and ensure that you enter the correct plea.
You will need us throughout your case, too, and we can continue working on your defense and helping you overcome the charges.
Our criminal defense lawyers handle a wide range of cases, so please get in touch with us about your charges, whether or not they seem serious. We can provide an honest assessment of your situation, warn you of potential consequences, and offer the support and guidance you need.
What Should You Tell Your Criminal Defense Lawyer to Help Your Case?
Being candid with our criminal defense lawyers is one of the best things you can do when facing charges in University Place. Please inform our attorneys of everything we need to know about the case. Even if something seems irrelevant, it may matter, so answer all of our questions honestly.
If You Have an Alibi
Tell us if you have an alibi for the charges. Anyone who can testify that you were with them during the offense is a crucial witness, so please identify them to us.
While witnesses may place you elsewhere during an offense, so might surveillance footage, phone GPS data, and other evidence. So, tell us where you were, even if you do not have an alibi witness who can testify.
Providing an alibi can help those arrested for mistaken identity and may lead to the prosecution dropping the charges against them. Do not be embarrassed by who your alibi witness is, and disclose their identity to us right away.
If You Were Coerced
You should also tell us if you were coerced or forced to commit an offense under duress. Tell us if you or your family were physically threatened, and that is why you participated in drug crimes. Texts, social media messages, phone calls, and other evidence may prove this defense, so hand over any relevant correspondence.
If You Lacked Intent
For many criminal charges, the prosecution must prove intent to obtain a guilty verdict. This is true for some assault, theft, and drug charges in Washington, so our lawyers may use this to undermine the prosecution’s case.
If You Were Defending Yourself
Assault and domestic violence charges are some of the most common, and officers might arrest the wrong individual due to stereotypes or assumptions upon arrival at the scene. Tell us if you were defending yourself and the alleged victim was actually the offender.
Do not worry about protecting anyone else, and be honest about if you were defending yourself against an attack. Additionally, please disclose any injuries you sustained, and we can have you assessed for defensive wounds that may support our defense.
If You Spoke to Law Enforcement
While speaking to law enforcement alone is never a good idea, tell us if you did. Try to remember everything you said to the police, even if it seems insignificant. Do not leave anything out, as we may have to prepare for the prosecution to use it against you during the trial. The more details we know, the more we can help you, so leave nothing out.
How Long Will Your Criminal Trial Take in University Place?
The length of your criminal case depends on several factors. We will keep you updated on the progression of your case, all mandatory court appearances, and any plea deals that may be worth accepting.
Posting bail as soon as possible is crucial because criminal cases can take a considerable amount of time to reach trial, sometimes spanning months or even years. Once your bail is posted, follow any requirements the court sets, as violating them could result in your detention throughout the trial.
Trials may take days, weeks, or longer, depending on their complexity. The more witnesses and evidence involved, the longer the trial is likely to be. There is no set time limit on how long juries have to deliberate, and some reach decisions within hours.
Defendants who take plea deals plead guilty to certain charges in exchange for lesser consequences and avoiding trials. We can use plea deals strategically, though defendants should not automatically accept them.
Talk About Your Case Today with Our Defense Attorneys in University Place
Call the Law Offices of Smith & White’s criminal defense lawyers at (253) 203-1645 for help with your case.