If you're facing criminal charges, your future is uncertain. Will you go to jail or prison? Will you lose your rights to drive, to bear arms, or to see your children? You cannot afford a weak defense when so much is on the line.
When you are facing the possibility of imprisonment, hefty fines, community service, and a host of other harsh consequences, you do not want an overwhelmed public defender handling your case. You want to work with a team that has a working knowledge of the criminal justice system and knows how the prosecution pursues criminal convictions. What you want is an attorney with extensive experience dealing with the type of charges you’re currently facing.
Our team of Washington criminal law lawyers has more than 50 combined years of experience advocating for the rights of individuals caught in the web of the criminal justice system. Our attorneys believe that everybody, no matter their status or the level or type of crime, deserves aggressive, knowledgeable defense counsel. We understand that the damage to reputation and career can be one of the most devastating aspects of a criminal accusation, so we take steps to mitigate these collateral consequences by defending your legal rights.
How Does the Criminal Court System Function in Washington State?Quite simply, Courts decide what really happened and what should be done about it. They decide whether a person committed a crime and what the punishment should be. There are four levels of court in Washington: the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, the superior courts, and courts of limited jurisdiction (district and municipal courts).
Criminal cases are exclusively tried in Municipal, District, and Superior courts. Each county has at least one district court and many of the state’s cities and towns have a municipal court.
The Municipal Courts are courts in the state of Washington that have jurisdiction over the violations of city ordinances. Municipal Courts are courts of limited jurisdiction, which means they can only hear cases involving traffic infractions, simple misdemeanors, and gross misdemeanors that occur within the city limits.
Each of Washington’s 39 counties contains a district and superior court. District court, also known as “county court” is responsible for adjudicating both civil and criminal cases that violate county ordinances. District courts may also adjudicate preliminary and expedited felony charges.
Arlington has an interlocal contract with The Snohomish County District Court - Cascade Division to hear all municipal and district court cases for the city.
The Snohomish County Superior Court is located in Everett and has exclusive jurisdiction over felony cases, estate and probate matters, family law cases (including divorces and child custody hearings), and juvenile proceedings. The Superior court may also hear cases that have been appealed from a Municipal or District Court. If a defendant chooses to appeal a case that was previously decided in a Municipal or District Court the Superior court will hear the case and is not beholden to the Municipal or District Court’s decision.
You want an Arlington criminal defense attorney who does not just sit behind a desk, but who is a constant presence in the local criminal courtrooms. You will find those attributes in the Arlington criminal law lawyers at our law firm.
If you’ve never been to court, the experience can be daunting. Walking into the impersonal atmosphere of the Washington Courts is intimidating and downright scary. Whenever you are required to appear in court, we will be at your side ensuring that you are fully prepared for everything that awaits.
Ultimately, every client must choose an attorney who they trust will fight for them. Criminal charges need to be addressed right away. We will provide the immediate attention your case requires. Call us today.
Work Washington State criminal law lawyers who care about the end resultOur criminal defense attorneys also have long-standing professional relationships that benefit our clients. That, combined with our intimate, real world, knowledge of the law, means we are well equipped to offer you reliable counsel. Our WA State lawyers have a long track record of success defending those accused of misdemeanors and felonies in the Arlington area. Some of these crimes include:
Few things are more frightening than the prospect of being put behind bars due to a criminal conviction. It does not matter if you know that you are innocent – you need someone who can prove it. You cannot afford to count on innocence alone to exonerate you. You need a skilled and aggressive defense attorney who knows how to negotiate favorable plea bargains, how to poke holes in the prosecution's case, and who knows how to instill reasonable doubt in a jury, all on your behalf.
In situations where criminal charges are justified, legal counsel is just as important. Prosecutors often seek to maximize punishments associated with certain crimes. If you’re in this kind of situation, you need a lawyer who will do everything legally possible to minimize your punishments. Remember, you have legal rights and it’s our job to protect them. And it’s a job we take very seriously.
Contact our Arlington criminal law attorneys today for a free initial consultation. We will discuss your case and provide you with information you can use to make a decision regarding representation. Make no mistake, your choice of Washington criminal lawyer matters. If you ultimately decide to work with our professional team of attorneys, we will work tirelessly on your behalf from start to finish.
What is Arraignment? Common Legal Terms Explained by an Arlington Criminal Law LawyerThe Washington state criminal justice system can be extremely intimidating, especially if you have never had a brush with the law before. The state's criminal laws are complex, and the penalties for a conviction can be severe. When you choose one of our Arlington criminal defense attorneys to assist you with your criminal case, we pledge to treat you with the dignity and respect that you deserve, no matter what charges you may be facing. We know that there are at least two sides to every story, and we promise that you will have the opportunity to tell yours.
Our lawyers will conduct a thorough review of the details of your arrest and the charges against you so that we can gain a complete understanding of the situation. We will communicate openly and honestly with you throughout the process, and we will help you explore all of your available options. You can depend on us to give you the information you need to make the best possible decisions regarding your unique circumstances.
Listed below are some of the common terms and charges you may see throughout your legal process.
Appeal - Taking a case that has been decided in a court of inferior jurisdiction to one of superior jurisdiction, to obtain a review.
Arraignment - An arraignment is a hearing. It is when the court formally charges the person accused with the crime.
Continuance - A postponement of further proceedings in a hearing, trial, or other judicial proceedings until a later date.
Deposition - A witness's sworn out-of-court testimony. It is used to gather information as part of the discovery process and, in limited circumstances, may be used at trial.
Domestic Violence (DV) - A domestic violence charge can be filed in any alleged crime against a family member or other person who shares the home with you. The crime itself is not domestic violence, it’s the perpetrator’s relationship to the victim that determines whether a crime is domestic violence. Simple assault becomes DV when you commit it against a family member or an intimate partner.
DUI - Is an acronym for Driving Under the Influence. This is what Washington State Statute RCW 46.61.502 has to say about driving under the influence.
Expungement - A process by which a record, or a portion thereof, is officially erased or removed after the defendant is not convicted.
Felony - Felony crimes are the most serious criminal offense and carry severe punishments. Some examples of felony charges include rape and murder.
There are three levels of felony charges
Indictment - A formal accusation by a grand jury that charges a person with a crime. Indictments are used to bring more serious charges.
Malicious Mischief - the willful destruction of another person's property for vicious, wanton, or mischievous purposes. In Washington State, Malicious Mischief can be charged as a gross misdemeanor or a felony. The charges are based upon the dollar amount of the damaged or vandalized property.
Misdemeanor - a crime less serious than a felony. There are two levels of misdemeanors, defined by the parameters of their punishments.
Negligent Driving - Negligent Driving is considered to be driving that is done in a manner that was not only negligent but also likely endangered another person or property. There are two types of Negligent Driving in the State of Washington.
No Contact Order - A no-contact order usually states that a criminal defendant, the person charged with the crime, is not to directly or indirectly contact or be within sight of the protected person and their residence. Direct contact includes phone calls, letters, going within sight of the protected person, the protected person's residence, place of employment, or school. Indirect contact includes messages through a third person at the direction of the defendant.
Nolo contendere - "I will not contest it". The name of a plea in a misdemeanor case or traffic infraction proceeding, having the same legal effect as a plea of guilty, so far as regards all proceedings in the case, and on which the defendant may be sentenced.
Ordinance - The enactments of the legislative body of a local government.
Plea - Statement made by the defendant either as to his guilt or innocence to the charge made against him.
Preponderance - The greater weight of evidence, or evidence that is more credible and convincing to the mind.
Reasonable Doubt - The degree of certainty beyond which the state/government must prove its accusations in order to obtain a criminal conviction.
Summons - A document notifying a defendant that an action has been instituted against him and that he is required to answer to it at a specific time and place.
This list is by no means extensive. If you or someone you love has a legal question- do not wait. The worst mistake you can make is to hesitate. Contact our Arlington criminal defense law firm now for a free consultation.
Arlington, Fly like an EagleLocated in northern Snohomish County, Arlington is part of the Seattle metropolitan area. The city lies on the Stillaguamish River in the western foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range. Before the arrival of European settlers in 1851, Arlington was inhabited by indigenous Coast Salish peoples, primarily of the Stillaguamish Tribe, who called the area Skabalko.
In 2003, Arlington celebrated its hundredth year. As part of its anniversary events, it applied for and was accepted as a Tree City, joining 50 other Washington towns with that designation. If you’re looking to get out and enjoy nature, Arlington has 17 city-maintained parks with over 257 acres of open space. There are also a few dedicated hiking trails, like The Boulder River Trail that is particularly popular because it features 3 waterfalls along the 8 mile trail route.
If you’d rather stay in the city limits, you can download the brochure for the Arlington Art Walk. Public art has been mandated for public construction projects in Arlington since a 2007 ordinance setting 1 percent of the budget for new artworks. The Arlington Arts Council, a volunteer organization established in 2004, has acquired over 30 sculptures and murals that form the Art Walk along the Centennial Trail.
Every January, Arlington hosts the Eagle Festival. With winter comes the return of the eagle to the Stillaguamish River. Locals and tourists celebrate the return of this mighty bird with a day-long festival which includes guided tours, art and photography show, speakers, demonstrations, live music, wagon rides, prizes, nature exhibits, and other fun activities.
Did you know that eagles are an American symbol of freedom? If you would like to keep enjoying your freedom like the eagles, reach out to one of our Arlington criminal defense attorneys today.
Concerned for your future? Our Arlington Criminal Defense Attorneys Can HelpWhen you’re accused of a crime, your life can be upended in a moment. You’re facing harsh penalties that can impact you and your family for years. It’s not just your finances, either. It can impact your freedom, your rights, and your livelihood.
Successful criminal defense largely comes down to the persistence and determination of your attorney. Our Washington criminal law lawyers have 50 combined years of experience with the nuances of state law and criminal charges.
Even though getting an early start on your case is beneficial, it is never too late to get in touch with an Arlington criminal defense lawyer from our firm. Regardless of where you are in the process, we can work with you to establish what your best options are moving forward. Reach out today to start your free consultation.