Washington State Criminal Defense Lawyers
Nobody is above the law, and anyone may be criminally charged. As such, finding the right criminal defense attorney is something everyone needs, and you should hire an attorney as soon as possible. Criminal cases can be complicated, and proceeding unrepresented is unwise.
You might face a whole host of charges, including infractions, misdemeanors, and serious felonies. Penalties vary based on the alleged offense and sentencing guidelines available to the judge in your case. Remember, you have a right to defend yourself, and your attorney is a key part of your defense strategy. Your lawyer can help you fight the charges, undermine the evidence, and hopefully clear your name.
Get help from our criminal defense lawyers by calling the Law Offices of Smith & White at (253) 203-1645 and asking for a confidential initial case evaluation.
What Kind of Criminal Charges Are Possible in Washington State?
Various charges are possibly in Washington State, and your lawyer can help you determine what kind of penalties you might face.
Infractions
Infractions in Washington State are relatively minor offenses that rarely lead to serious penalties like jail time. Instead, these offenses more often result in citations, and offenders typically pay a fine. Many people face infractions at some point.
While infractions are minor, they must not be ignored. Ignoring a citation will undoubtedly only make the potential penalties worse.
Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors are more serious criminal charges, but they are not the most severe. Many misdemeanor offenses involve nonviolent crimes, such as low-level drug offenses. Misdemeanors related to violent offenses tend to involve less injurious incidents, like minor cases of assault. Even so, misdemeanors may carry several years of jail time, and you must speak to a lawyer.
Felonies
Felonies are perhaps the most serious criminal charges in the state. They are often charged for serious, violent offenses. As such, defendants charged with felonies may face decades or even life behind bars. If you or someone you know is charged with a felony, contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately.
How Can I Defend Myself Against Criminal Charges?
You have a right to defend yourself against any criminal charges, but the right defense will be unique to your situation.
Sufficiency of the Evidence
One defense method is to challenge the sufficiency of the prosecutor’s evidence. Prosecutors must prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction. This is a very high burden of proof, and if our criminal defense lawyers can raise any reasonable doubt in the minds of jurors, we may be able to defeat the charges.
Missing Criminal Elements
Prosecutors might be able to prove some criminal elements of your charges but not others. Remember, even if prosecutors can prove certain points of their case, they cannot secure a conviction if they cannot prove all the necessary criminal elements of your charges. If we identify even one element missing, we should focus our defense strategy on it.
Legal Violations
If the authorities somehow violate your rights during the judicial process, we can raise these issues to protect you. For example, if the police seize evidence illegally, we can work to exclude that evidence and prevent it from being used against you.
FAQs About Criminal Cases and Charges in Washington State
What Happens After I am Criminally Charged in Washington State?
After you are criminally charged, you may be brought before a judge for an arraignment where you are formally informed of the charges against you. You may also be given the opportunity to enter a plea. Shortly after, bail may be determined, and pretrial hearings may be scheduled.
Do I Need a Lawyer if I am Charged with a Crime?
Yes. While the law permits defendants to represent themselves if they wish, doing so is inadvisable. Your case may be more complex than you realize, and having an experienced attorney on your side will help you.
When Should I Call a Lawyer for Help with Criminal Charges?
Call an attorney as soon as possible. For many, this means calling their attorney from jail shortly after the police arrest them. However, you may call an attorney before you are arrested if you believe that the police are investigating you and an arrest is on the horizon.
What Are Possible Criminal Charges in Washington State?
Possible charges generally fall into one of three categories: infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. Infractions are usually minor offenses that more often result in a citation than an arrest. Misdemeanors are more serious, and jail time becomes a real possibility. Felonies are the most severe charges and often result in many years, if not decades, in prison.
What Should I Do if I am Arrested for a Crime in Washington State?
If you are arrested in Washington State, do your best to remain calm and avoid resisting the police when they take you into custody. Try to avoid answering any questions about the alleged offense. If the police try to question you, invoke your right to remain silent and demand to have a lawyer present.
How Can I Fight Criminal Charges?
How you fight your charges depends on the nature of the charges and evidence against you. For example, if the police seized evidence in violation of your rights, our strategy may focus on eliminating the illegal evidence, thereby weakening the case against you. Alternatively, we might negotiate a plea deal with prosecutors so that you can plead guilty to reduced charges.
What Happens if Police Seize Evidence from My Home Illegally?
If the police seize evidence from your home illegally, it may be considered tainted, as it was obtained in violation of your rights. Such evidence may be excluded from the case, the prosecutor may not bring it up at trial, and juries may not consider it. The more evidence that can be excluded, the better.
What is a Plea Bargain in a Criminal Case?
A plea bargain involves criminal defendants pleading guilty in exchange for prosecutors reducing the charges. This way, prosecutors may reduce their caseloads, and defendants who are likely to lose at trial may forgo trial and accept more lenient penalties on lesser charges. Plea bargains are subject to negotiations and are not required.
Should I Accept a Plea Bargain for Criminal Charges?
You do not have to accept a plea bargain if one is offered. You should discuss the offer with your attorney and determine if you can negotiate for a better one. Alternatively, you may reject the offer in favor of a trial if you believe you can successfully fight the charges.
How Long Do Criminal Trials Normally Last?
The trial itself may take only a few days to a few weeks to complete. However, the trial usually does not happen for several months after charges are initially filed. There are many pretrial hearings and proceedings to get through first, and your case may be at the mercy of the court’s schedule.
Contact Our Washington State Criminal Defense Lawyers
Get help from our criminal defense lawyers by calling the Law Offices of Smith & White at (253) 203-1645 and asking for a private initial case evaluation.