Areas We Serve
Seattle Criminal Defense Attorneys
Being accused of a crime is one of the most difficult and intimidating experiences that many people will face in their lives. Between insecurity about your future, finding explanations for your friends and family, and learning to navigate the complicated Washington State justice system, we know how criminal charges can affect you.
At Washington Criminal Attorneys, we understand how you feel and what you are going through. Our Seattle criminal attorneys also know that your legal proceedings may leave you feeling scared and confused, and we’re here to help you in every way that we can. We believe that every person accused of a crime deserves the best defense possible – and our commitment to our clients motivates us to help you understand your rights and win your case.
Choose a Team That Understands Your Situation
We know how confusing and complex having criminal charges brought against you can be. Whether you’re new to the justice system or have been through the courts before, our criminal lawyers know how important it is for you to fully understand the charges being brought against you and your options.
An attorney will guide you through the legal proceedings, offering clear and thorough explanations of each step and answering all questions regarding your criminal charge.
We feel it is important for our clients and their loved ones to understand the processes of:
- Police interrogation: Do I really have to submit to searches and answer questions from the police?
- Arrest: What is an arrest? What happens after I am arrested?
- Booking and bail: In Seattle, what happens during booking, and will I be released?
- Arraignment, preliminary hearings and trial: What is arraignment, and when will I be arraigned? What preparations must be made before the criminal trial? When will I need to appear in court? What is a pre-trial hearing?
- Sentencing: What sentence might I receive? Can I contest my sentence?
- Appeals: What is the appeals process like? How can I file an appeal with an attorney?
With a strong understanding of their criminal charge, our clients are less stressed and better-equipped to navigate the justice system.
Knowing Your Legal Rights & Choosing the Right Criminal Attorney
If you are accused of a crime in Seattle, WA, you are to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. The city or state has the burden of proof in any court case – meaning that they must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime. It is not uncommon for police officers and criminal investigators to abuse their power by collecting evidence illegally, ignoring key steps in the investigation process, failing to file important paperwork, or exaggerating their version of events.
It is important for all Washington State residents to know that every person accused of a crime has state and federal constitutional and statutory rights, and hiring an experienced and aggressive Seattle criminal attorney from the Washington Criminal Attorneys ensures that you will be afforded the best defense available from a criminal defense lawyer who understands the legal system and knows how to properly manage your criminal trial.
Our lawyers want each of our clients to know their rights before talking to the police, entering a plea, or proceeding with a trial – and discussing your possibilities with our legal team before making any decisions can have a drastic effect on the outcome of your criminal case.
Why Choose a Lawyer from Our Criminal Law Team?
Our Seattle criminal attorneys will help you understand your rights as a defendant and aid you in formulating the best defense possible. Choosing a criminal lawyer is one of the most important decisions you will make, and our legal team is prepared to work as hard as possible to provide the best possible outcome for your case.
With more than 30 years of experience in Washington State criminal law and Seattle criminal defense, our Seattle lawyers have a complete understanding of the legal system and take a comprehensive, team-based approach to fighting for our clients in court. We are here to assist you without judgment, without prejudice, and with the opportunity for the second chance that you deserve.
The right lawyers may be able to have the charges against you reduced or dropped by investigating your case and bargaining with the District Attorney. Our legal team of criminal attorneys will also be in a position to interview police to ensure that no evidence was obtained illegally and that all matters related to your case have been handled with decency and care.
A lawyer from our firm can also interview witnesses and other involved parties to uncover potential lies, mistakes, or exaggerations; have key evidence – including ballistics and other physical evidence – re-examined; and utilize testimony from expert witnesses to prove the correct version of events.
Our Seattle criminal attorneys handle all misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and many felony matters in the Seattle Municipal as well as King County District and Municipal Superior Court.
We offer assistance for:
- Driving-related matters – including DUI, driving with a suspended license, hit-and-run, and reckless driving or negligent driving criminal charges
- Vehicle Prowling
- Washington State BUI – Boating under the influence
- Juvenile law – including possession of alcohol and minor drunk driving
- Disorderly conduct
- Obstructing police officers and resisting arrest
- Possession of marijuana/drug crimes
- Protection and no-contact order violations
- Theft and shoplifting
- Burglary
- Prostitution and solicitation of a prostitute
- Criminal trespass
- Fraud and forgery
- Harassment and assault (including domestic violence)
- Malicious mischief
- Fish and wildlife crimes
When to Hire a Criminal Attorney
Many people accused of a crime are unsure of when may be the right time to hire a criminal attorney. Some wait until after being interviewed by the police, after being arrested, or even after entering a guilty plea to their criminal charge before seeking legal counsel.
It is important if you are facing the legal system to know that you have certain state and federal constitutional rights as accused individuals – including:
- The right to refuse to speak with police until after hiring and consulting with an attorney.
- Protection from unreasonable searches of their private property.
- Protection from evidence obtained by the police illegally.
- The right not to incriminate oneself with coerced or illegally-obtained confessions.
It is essential to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer about your options early in the case and before making any decisions about how to proceed.
By consulting with a criminal attorney as early as possible, you will avoid being manipulated or taken advantage of and ensure that all of your rights are met. Many clients feel they were pressured into making a confession, pleading guilty, or accepting an agreement with which they were not satisfied – and our team will act in your best interests throughout the entire legal process.
Give One of Our Knowledgeable Seattle DUI Lawyers a Call Today!
We understand that you have a lot of questions about your DUI, and we are here to provide answers. We have handled hundreds and hundreds of complex drunk driving cases throughout Washington State, so you can rest assured that we will be able to provide you with the support and guidance you need during this difficult time. We are in your corner and want to help you as much as we can to challenge this Seattle DUI/DWI charge.
That’s why we make it as easy as possible for you to get the help you need from our team of skilled Seattle drunk driving lawyers. We offer:
- A free initial DUI attorney consultation
- Low flat fees and affordable payment plans
- Personal attention your case deserves
You have legal rights! Don’t simply forfeit them! Our resourceful Seattle drunk driving lawyers will be able to answer any questions you may have about your Seattle DUI/DWI case. All it takes is one simple phone call to start getting the answers you need about how to challenge your DUI charge.
Give us a call at (844) 311-8605 or contact us online now to learn more about how we can help you fight for your legal rights today!