Mount Vernon Criminal Defense Attorneys: Proven Legal Representation for Your Defense
You probably never thought you’d be in this position. After all, no one plans on being arrested and needing an attorney. Being charged with a criminal offense in Mount Vernon is a serious ordeal with major implications for your future. It can leave you feeling confused, scared, and even powerless as you face a prosecutor and judge in the courtroom.
The legal system is complex and nuanced, making it difficult to know what to do or how to proceed without the expert guidance of a proven Mount Vernon criminal defense attorney.
Whether you committed the crime or not, you have rights that cannot be infringed upon. For example, you should have been read your Miranda rights at the time of arrest. If you’re unaware of your legal rights, how can you protect them?
The answer is simple: You hire the best Mount Vernon criminal defense attorneys you can find to guide you through the legal process. At Washington Criminal Attorneys, PLLC, we stand between you and the uncertainties of a criminal trial, ensuring your rights are protected. Our decades of legal experience will be your shield during your criminal trial, and we’ll fight tooth and nail to minimize the effects the charges have on your life.
Depending on whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony, your case will be heard by different courts. Mount Vernon Municipal Court oversees local misdemeanor cases, while Skagit County Superior Court addresses felonies.
We’ve spent countless hours in Mount Vernon and Skagit County courtrooms, earning the respect of judges and prosecutors alike. Our extensive knowledge of criminal law, including areas like assault, DUI, reckless driving, and domestic violence, means that you’ll have the expertise of our team behind you every step of the way, from arraignment to the verdict and beyond.
Practice Areas Our Mount Vernon Criminal Defense Attorneys Provide
If you’ve been charged with a crime, you have the right to an attorney. Our Mount Vernon criminal defense attorneys provide representation to fight a number of criminal accusations.
DUI
Did you know that just one or two drinks can be enough to land you in legal hot water if you’re pulled over? In Washington, it’s unlawful to drive intoxicated. RCW 46.61.502 describes this as having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher or a THC concentration of 5.0 or higher.
While many people abide by the one-drink-per-hour rule, not even this is foolproof. The law doesn’t care if you don’t feel drunk if your BAC is above the legal limit. You can also be charged with a DUI if you are suspected to be under the influence of other drugs like marijuana.
We understand how sensitive these cases can be. You might have had a drink with dinner and thought you were fine, only to wind up slapped with a DUI charge that carries heavy consequences. Or, you might have driven recklessly or failed a sobriety test and found yourself accused of a DUI based on a police officer’s judgment.
Our team knows the intricacies of these cases, and we fight aggressively to avoid a conviction and shed light on what really happened. Our Mount Vernon drunk driving attorneys have fought tirelessly for hundreds of cases across the state, and we’re ready to help you, too.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving can include several accusations that ultimately boil down to intentionally driving a vehicle in a way that disregards the safety of other people or property. It could include anything from passing a stopped school bus to engaging in road rage or excessively speeding (typically exceeding the speed limit by at least 15 miles per hour).
As a gross misdemeanor, reckless driving in Mount Vernon can carry penalties of up to 364 days in jail and fines of up to $5,000. Beyond that, a conviction results in a 30-day driver’s license suspension and leaves you with no choice but to carry costly, high-risk (SR-22) auto insurance for three years.
If you’re accused of reckless driving, our Mount Vernon criminal defense attorneys can guide you through the legal process. Our team can evaluate your case, create a defense strategy, and negotiate with the prosecutor on your behalf to try to reduce the charges or get them dropped.
Theft
A theft or shoplifting conviction can lead to serious consequences that follow you, making job hunting exponentially harder. RCW defines theft in 9A.56.020 as “To wrongfully obtain or exert unauthorized control over the property or services of another or the value thereof, with intent to deprive him or her of such property or services; or by color or aid of deception to obtain control over the property or services of another or the value thereof, with intent to deprive him or her of such property or services; or to appropriate lost or misdelivered property or services of another, or the value thereof, with intent to deprive him or her of such property or services.”
In other words, if you intentionally take property that doesn’t belong to you or don’t pay for a service received, you could be hit with a theft charge. The severity of the crime depends on the valuation of the property or services, as well as what was stolen.
Generally, theft of goods or services under $750 is considered theft in the third degree (RCW 9A.56.050), a misdemeanor, with anything over that being considered a felony (theft in the first degree or theft in the second degree). However, theft of a vehicle (RCW 9A.56.065) or a firearm (RCW 9A.56.300) is automatically considered a felony, regardless of their worth.
Don’t try to handle a theft charge alone. The laws and defenses surrounding these charges can be difficult to navigate. The support of a Mount Vernon criminal defense attorney is invaluable and can be the difference between a conviction following you around and the charges being dismissed.
Assault
Assault is a serious charge that can have far-reaching effects on your life. If convicted, you might struggle to find employment or housing every time the charge comes up on your background check. You might even be barred from volunteering at your child’s school.
There are four degrees of assault, each varying in severity of physical harm and penalty:
- Assault 4 (RCW 9A.36.041): This gross misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. It’s typically defined as physical contact meant to harm or offend an individual. It could range from throwing something at someone to slapping them or causing non-serious injuries.
- Assault 3 (RCW 9A.36.031): This class C felony carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Assault 3 is the designation given if an individual assaults a working public official, such as transit operators, firefighters, nurses, or law enforcement officers.
- Assault 2 (RCW 9A.36.021): This class B felony carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. Someone may be charged with assault 2 if they intentionally assault another to inflict substantial bodily harm, harm an unborn child by intentionally harming the mother, or assault someone by strangulation or suffocation, among others.
- Assault 1 (RCW 9A.36.011): This class A felony carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $50,000 fine. It requires an individual to assault another with the intent to inflict severe injuries or death or to assault another with a deadly weapon.
Our expert Mount Vernon criminal defense attorneys fight tirelessly against assault charges in Mount Vernon Municipal Court and Skagit County Superior Court on a daily basis.
Drug Crimes
Most of the time, drug possession charges are based on Violations of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act (VUCSA). Just carrying a small amount of controlled substances unlawfully is enough to trigger these charges if you’re caught. Although marijuana is decriminalized in Washington, large quantities over one ounce, or any quantity for individuals under the age of 21, are considered illegal.
Facing a VUCSA charge can result in you facing prison time, fines, probation, or being court-ordered into treatment. Penalties can increase significantly if they aren’t just for possession but also for delivery, intent to deliver, or manufacturing controlled substances.
Once you’re accused of a drug crime, act quickly to get ahead of your court case and start building up a solid legal defense.
Domestic Violence
People aren’t specifically charged with domestic violence (DV). Rather, it’s a designation added to another criminal charge that RCW uses to indicate that the alleged victim is a family member, household member, current or past romantic partner, or the other parent of your child (Chapter 10.99 RCW).
In many cases, DV is tied to an assault charge, but no one has to be hurt for a DV crime to occur. Even something like a husband scratching his wife’s car could be enough to warrant a DV malicious mischief charge.
Depending on the severity of the accusations, an individual may be charged with a gross misdemeanor or a felony. Aggravating factors, such as whether a weapon was present or if the alleged victim claims you put your hands around their neck, can lead to more severe penalties. DV Assault 1, for example, is a class A felony and punishable by up to life in prison. This is an extreme case, requiring an offender to intend to inflict great bodily harm or assault the alleged victim with a deadly weapon (RCW 9A.36.011).
DV cases can get messy quickly, leading to imposed no-contact orders that could make it impossible for you to be at home and create legal consequences for speaking to the alleged victim for the duration of the case.
Even worse, these cases can drag on for months, leaving you in legal limbo. Even if the alleged victim doesn’t want to press charges or have the no-contact order imposed, prosecutors often take a strong stance on DV crimes in Mount Vernon and push forward with charges anyway.
If you’re accused of DV, you need a team of passionate Mount Vernon criminal defense attorneys on your team to help you navigate these murky waters. We strive to minimize the impact this charge has to avoid lifelong consequences such as a permanent criminal record, the loss of firearms, or restricted access to your children.
Sex Crimes
Being charged with a sex crime like solicitation/patronizing a prostitute can be embarrassing due to the nature of the accusation. Patronizing a prostitute is defined by RCW 9A.88.110 as paying a fee to another person to compensate them for sexual conduct. This could be sexual intercourse or sexually gratifying contact, as defined by RCW 9A.88.030.
Naturally, you don’t want this kind of sensitive accusation to follow you. If you’re facing a solicitation/patronizing charge, reach out as soon as possible to discuss your options and start planning your defense. Our Mount Vernon criminal defense attorneys handle these sex crime cases with the utmost discretion.
Fraud and Forgery
A forgery or fraud conviction can result in significant consequences, ranging from jail time and fines to restitution. Outside of legal consequences, finding housing or employment becomes much harder.
Fraud is the act of making false statements to gain illegal access to an asset. For example, someone may be convicted of fraud if they lie to get state benefits. Forgery is similar, except it requires the false statement to be made in writing.
RCW 9A.60.020 states: “A person is guilty of forgery if, with intent to injure or defraud: He or she falsely makes, completes, or alters a written instrument or; He or she possesses, utters, offers, disposes of, or puts off as true a written instrument which he or she knows to be forged.” Essentially, if a prosecutor can prove that you intentionally lied or altered documentation, you can be charged with fraud or forgery.
How to approach a fraud or forgery case depends on the area of focus, such as insurance fraud or identity fraud. Our team stands by you for the duration of the case, explaining your position and representing you in court.
What to Do if You Are Charged With a Criminal Offense in Mount Vernon
First, remain calm. Take a breath. Do not speak to anyone regarding the matter, especially the police, until you’ve had a chance to speak to a reliable Mount Vernon criminal defense attorney. Remember, you have the right to remain silent. It’s time to use that and invoke your right to an attorney. Regardless of what you’ve been charged with, you always have the right to an attorney, and one will be appointed for you if you cannot afford one.
Once your attorney arrives, answer their questions honestly. They’re not there to pass judgment on you. Everything you share with your attorney is confidential, and they’re there to represent you and your best interests.
However, they also have an ethical obligation to be honest in court. They can’t lie for you or stand by while they know you lie on the stand. What they can do, however, is fight any attempts the prosecution makes to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
How Mount Vernon Criminal Defense Attorneys From Washington Criminal Attorneys, PLLC Can Help With Your Criminal Case
Building a solid legal defense without the support of an attorney isn’t recommended. There are too many nuances to consider for the average person. However, while you have the right to an attorney, you can also waive that right and choose to represent yourself.
The vast majority of people don’t have sufficient background knowledge, resources, or skills to craft a sound legal argument. Let us put our years of law school and decades of expertise to good use, protecting your rights and fighting your conviction.
Our team can help you by:
- Reviewing evidence presented by the prosecution and finding inconsistencies or errors that weaken their argument
- Negotiating plea bargains for reduced charges or sentences
- Filing motions as necessary
- Investigating potential defenses against your charges
- Representing you in court
- Advising you of potential case outcomes and how to fight your case
- Determining if any imposed sentencing is fair and just
We’re your go-to team when you need Mount Vernon criminal defense lawyers. We handle all kinds of criminal cases with passion and expertise, and we provide affordable flat fees and inexpensive payment plans to help you attain the high-quality legal representation you deserve.
Don’t Leave Your Case Up to Fate. Hire Dependable Washington Criminal Defense Lawyers ASAP
Any time you face criminal charges in Mount Vernon or Skagit County, you have an important choice to make. Choose the defense team you can trust at Washington Criminal Attorneys, PLLC. We’ve seen it all and done it all, and we’ll put that experience to good use, defending you against your accusations. Let us do the heavy lifting in your case so you get the fairest court process possible.
Not sure if we’re the right team to call? Reach out for your free phone consultation at any time and discuss the aspects of your case. We’ll walk you through how we’d approach your defense with no obligation to you.
Of course, if you choose to retain our services, you get the support of a law firm that has earned the trust and respect of our clients and the judges and prosecutors overseeing your case.
