Have you or a loved one been charged with a crime? A thousand questions may race through your mind in the moments immediately following your arrest. You may wonder
Answering these questions depends largely on the nature of your charges and the circumstances surrounding your arrest. First and foremost, do not talk to the police or prosecutor until you have a qualified WA State criminal lawyer at your side. Law enforcement officials often make promises to persons arrested for crimes in order to get more information, but remember that any information you provide can be used against you in court.
Right now, the best thing you can do is to contact our law office for a free consultation with an experienced Washington State criminal law lawyer. When it comes to your freedom, you should never take chances. Let us help you ensure your legal rights are firmly protected.
Our Washington Criminal Lawyers Help you Every Step of the WayFrom the moment you begin working with our Bothell criminal defense attorneys, we will begin educating you on the sometimes confusing ins-and-outs of Washington state law, and mounting a defense strategy to attack the charges leveled against you. We investigate all avenues of the case to uncover any potential weaknesses and inaccuracies within the prosecution’s case. With our thorough investigation strategies, our team can formulate a hard-hitting criminal defense designed to achieve the best possible outcome.
With over 50 combined years of experience, our Washington state criminal law lawyers operate in local, state, and federal courts, handling a wide range of criminal defense cases such as:
Our goal is to provide a successful outcome, no matter how challenging your legal matter may be. While negotiation is typically the first step, we take great care to ensure that we are ready for the next step if it needs to be taken. Our Bothell criminal attorneys have achieved a great deal of success arguing cases in front of judges and juries, so you can be confident in our ability to go the distance to get an outcome that is right for you.
Where Do I Appear in Court in Bothell? A Criminal Court OverviewIn Washington, there are two federal district courts, a state supreme court, a state court of appeals, and trial courts. These courts serve different purposes, and if you’ve been charged with a crime in Bothell, then the relevant court to your case will either be the Municipal Court, District Court, or Superior Court. Which court you end up in is dependent upon what type of charges you face.
The Bothell Municipal Court is a court of limited jurisdiction and handles all simple misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor charges that happen within city limits. A municipal court's authority over these ordinance violations is similar to the authority that district courts have over state law violations.
Because Bothell is a dual county city, District court cases may be heard in either The King County District Court or The Snohomish County District Court. Like Municipal Court, District courts can hear misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor charges. District court is also responsible for hearing civil cases, and cases that involve violations of state laws. Preliminary hearings for felony cases are also within the jurisdiction of the district courts. Each county in Washington state has at least one district court, and larger counties, like King and Snohomish, have multiple branches of the district court in order to service larger populations.
The Snohomish Superior Court, located in Everett, is the state trial court of general jurisdiction. That means that the superior court hears any case, civil or criminal, that is not specifically designated to another court. The Superior Court also has exclusive jurisdiction on family law, estate and probate matters, and felonies. Washington State Felonies are classified into three very distinct groups – Class A, Class B, and Class C.
Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney in Washington can mean the difference between a prison sentence and the reduction or dismissal of criminal charges against you. The government has police, prosecutors, investigators, and staff working hard on their side to close the case by obtaining a conviction. Let our team of experienced Bothell criminal law attorneys help you handle your case at any court level.
You Have Questions? We Have AnswersWhat is a gross misdemeanor? Is a Class A Felony worse than a Class C felony? How much jail time would I do if I got charged with a crime in Washington? Is Negligent Driving the same thing as a DUI? If you’ve been charged with a crime in Washington state, these are probably just a few of the questions running through your head.
As Washington state criminal law attorneys, our first job is to make sure our clients understand exactly what they have been charged with, and what the adjudication process for your case will be. The resources on this website attempt to assist in explaining what is at stake and how the system works. It is no substitute for consultation with counsel though, which is why we offer a free first consultation so that our Bothell defense lawyers can speak with you about the specifics of your case.
What Can a Bothell Defense Attorney Do For You?When we are called by a client, it is usually during the worst time of their lives. Our Bothell criminal law attorneys understand that you are probably worried, confused, and stressed. Our job is to reduce the stress and worry of our clients.
We understand your rights and the criminal justice system. Our Washington criminal defense lawyers can help alleviate your stress by fighting for you. We are committed to providing excellent representation, with only our clients’ best interests in mind, and promise to make every effort to obtain the best result possible. If you are charged with any of the following offenses, call us now. Listed below is just a small sample of the kinds of criminal cases we have tackled.
DUI - Why are DUI charges so serious? Washington state is cracking down on people who are charged with driving under the influence. Washington state statute posits that it is illegal to drive while appearing “under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or marijuana.” Did you know that the term drugs doesn’t just refer to heroin and cocaine, but also prescription drugs like Xanax?
Even if your doctor prescribed you medicine, it is illegal in Washington state to operate a motor vehicle. First-time DUI’s are generally charged as a gross misdemeanor, which means you may not only face jail time, but also heavy fines and loss of your driver’s license. If you’ve been charged with a DUI, contact our Bothell criminal defense attorneys today so that we can begin building you a proper legal defense.
Minor in Possession - Washington state statute RCW 66.44.270 states that “It is unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one years to possess, consume, or otherwise acquire any liquor. A violation of this subsection is a gross misdemeanor punishable as provided for in chapter 9A.20 RCW.
(b) It is unlawful for a person under the age of twenty-one years to be in a public place, or to be in a motor vehicle in a public place, while exhibiting the effects of having consumed liquor. For purposes of this subsection, exhibiting the effects of having consumed liquor means that a person has the odor of liquor on his or her breath and either: (i) Is in possession of or close proximity to a container that has or recently had liquor in it; or (ii) by speech, manner, appearance, behavior, lack of coordination, or otherwise, exhibits that he or she is under the influence of liquor.”
While the offense may seem cut and dried, MIP cases can be quite complicated. Only an experienced attorney can accurately advise you of what you might be facing in your MIP case.
Domestic Violence - Almost any crime can be charged as domestic violence (DV). The crime itself is not DV, it’s the victim’s relationship (defined as a family or household member) to the alleged perpetrator that determines whether it’s DV or not.
"Family or household members" means spouses, former spouses, persons who have a child in common regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time, adult persons related by blood or marriage, adult persons who are presently residing together or who have resided together in the past, persons sixteen years of age or older who are presently residing together or who have resided together in the past and who have or have had a dating relationship, persons sixteen years of age or older with whom a person sixteen years of age or older has or has had a dating relationship, and persons who have a biological or legal parent-child relationship, including stepparents and stepchildren and grandparents and grandchildren.
Assault, violation of a protection order, and harassment are all examples of DV crimes. Being charged with domestic violence can be one of the most stressful and onerous times in a person's life. If you have been charged with domestic violence, contact our Bothell criminal defense attorneys, so we can help make sure that all of your rights are protected.
Fish & Wildlife Violations - The laws regarding fishing and hunting in the state of Washington are both extensive and byzantine. Due to this fact, it’s possible to be accused of a violation without even being aware you were breaking a law. For example, many people don’t know that it’s illegal to hunt deer in Washington without a legal license or permit. Hunting charges can lead to fines and/or jail time, and convictions can lead to a permanent revocation of hunting and fishing licenses.
Even keeping one undersized fish can lead to repercussions that seem unimaginable. Consider the following Statute:
RCW 77.15.070
Civil forfeiture of property used for violation of chapter.
(1) Fish and wildlife officers and ex officio fish and wildlife officers may seize without warrant boats, airplanes, vehicles, motorized implements, conveyances, gear, appliances, or other articles they have probable cause to believe have been held with intent to violate or used in violation of this title or rule of the commission or director. However, fish and wildlife officers or ex officio fish and wildlife officers may not seize any item or article, other than for evidence, if under the circumstances, it is reasonable to conclude that the violation was inadvertent. The property seized is subject to forfeiture to the state under this section regardless of ownership. Property seized may be recovered by its owner by depositing with the department or into court a cash bond or equivalent security equal to the value of the seized property but not more than one hundred thousand dollars. Such cash bond or security is subject to forfeiture in lieu of the property. Forfeiture of property seized under this section is a civil forfeiture against property and is intended to be a remedial civil sanction.
Every criminal case is different. Every person accused of a crime possesses different motivations, family backgrounds, financial circumstances, and needs. What is common to all criminal cases, however, is the need for an aggressive criminal defense attorney. Enlisting an advocate who understands the law and fights tirelessly on their clients’ behalf can significantly affect the outcome of your case. Contact our Bothell legal defense team today for your free initial consultation.
Bothell, the Dual-County CityDid you know that Bothell is one of four dual-county cities in King County? Bothell was first settled in 1870 and existed as part of King County. However, in 1992 the city annexed an area in southern Snohomish County, becoming a dual-county city. One interesting quirk that evolved because Bothell is dual-county is that streets that cross the county line often change numbers. For example, 104th Avenue NE in King County becomes 23rd Avenue SE when it crosses into Snohomish County.
Much like the rest of the Pacific Northwest, Bothell has a temperate climate. Temperatures in the winter average 37 degrees when it is usually cloudy and overcast, and in the summer average 77 degrees, during the drier season. The annual rainfall in Bothell, 41 inches per year, is only slightly higher than the national average of 38 inches.
In 2018 Bothell was selected by Readers Digest magazine as one of their Nicest Places in America. This award was in recognition of Bothell’s annual event on May 10th called Cup of Kindness Day, which was organized to inspire the community to commit acts of kindness around the city.
Bothell is also home to a thriving farmers market, The Park Ridge Community Market. Open every Wednesday from June to September, the community market is home to farmers selling produce, local artists, and food vendors. Another popular outdoor activity in Bothell is The Park at Bothell Landing.
If you have been charged with a crime, but would like to enjoy the freedom to see and experience all that Bothell has to offer, contact our Washington criminal defense lawyers today.
Our Bothell Criminal Law Attorneys Are Here to HelpA criminal charge can have devastating consequences on your life, finances, and future. It’s essential that you know the full scope of your rights and the best ways to achieve success in regard to the outcome of your case. Our knowledgeable attorneys will increase your chances of having charges made against you either reduced or dropped entirely.
If you have been charged with any sort of criminal offense, you need the assistance of a Bothell criminal defense attorney who will aggressively fight for your legal rights. Our team has helped clients facing nearly every criminal offense, from assault to theft and everything in between. We are committed to helping you every step of the way — from initial investigation to your situation’s resolution. Many individuals across the country are wrongfully convicted of crimes to which they are innocent due to inadequate legal representation. Don’t fall victim to a wrongful conviction, contact us today for your free consultation.
Bothell Criminal Lawyers Who Are on Your Side.As a Washington State resident accused of a crime, you are entitled to a number of constitutional rights by the state and federal government. Our knowledgeable and resourceful attorneys are 100% dedicated to helping you and offering you the representation you deserve in a court of law. We know our way around the Washington legal system, and commitment to serving our clients without negative judgment sets us apart.
Why Hire a Bothell Criminal Lawyer?If you have been accused of a crime or brought in for questioning by the police, they may try to make it seem like you have no other option but to discuss the facts of your case with them. They may use deception to convince you to make incriminating statements against yourself, and they may try to convince you to let them search your home or vehicle.
You should know that you are entitled to legal representation by Bothell criminal attorneys before you even speak to the police. Having an attorney present while you are being questioned by law enforcement prevents them from taking any liberties with your case or taking advantage of you by pressuring you to incriminate yourself. You attorney will be with you every step of the way during the process – from questioning to the courtroom and afterward. By hiring a Bothell criminal lawyer, you ensure that you will understand the charges against you, that you know what to expect during and after your trial, and that you have the tools you need to cope with the results of your case during the entire litigation process.
Our experienced Bothell criminal lawyers handle all manner of misdemeanor charges as well as many felony charges.
Our criminal defense attorneys are on your side every step of the way, and we understand how difficult it is for you to be charged with a crime. We know that you might be feeling anxious and nervous about the outcome of your trial. You’re probably feeling scared for you future and worried over whether you could lose your job or your driving privileges. Perhaps you’re feeling ashamed and are afraid to tell your family and friends that you have been charged with a crime. Our attorneys are ready to help put your mind at ease, and we will dedicate ourselves to your case 100 percent. Contact us online to learn more about how we can help you.