If you have been charged with a criminal offense in Burien, it is important to seek legal representation from an experienced and aggressive Washington criminal defense lawyer. If you are convicted of the criminal charges brought against you, you stand to face a number of potentially life-altering legal penalties, including but not limited to,
If you or a loved one is facing the reality of a criminal conviction, you are undoubtedly going through a tremendous amount of stress. Dealing with the police, prosecutors, and the unfeeling machinery of the courts can put an unimaginable strain on your and your family. Right now you may be asking:
Make no mistake, a criminal conviction in King County will be very damaging to both your professional and personal reputation. The penalties for a conviction are swift and severe. The best way to protect your rights is to hire a skilled Burien criminal defense attorney to defend you against aggressive state and federal prosecutors. Having a well-trained criminal lawyer on your side will greatly increase your chances of winning your case and preserving your freedom.
The resources on this website attempt to assist in explaining what is at stake and how the system works. However, it is no substitute for consultation with qualified legal counsel. Our experienced WA State criminal lawyers offer a free first consultation so that you can get reliable information about the specifics of your case, right now.
Understanding Your Charges - Answers From a Burien Criminal LawyerAfter the shock and confusion of an arrest, it is in your best interest to arm yourself with as much knowledge as you can. A great criminal defense attorney can explain the intricacies of the Washington legal system to you as it applies to your case. However, it never hurts to acquire some general knowledge of the law before you speak to a lawyer.
Washington State criminal penalties are divided into two general categories:
Misdemeanors - A misdemeanor is a crime punishable by less than 12 months in jail. There are two categories of misdemeanors, defined by the punishments applicable to each charge.
Felonies- A felony is a far more serious charge. The severity of the offense may determine the class of felony charged. Washington uses three different classes to categorize felony offenses;
Within those two categories are a myriad of charges that our Burien criminal defense attorneys have successfully argued. Let’s break them down.
Our Washington State criminal lawyers explain common offenses
DUI- Any charges related to impairment in a vehicle are harshly litigated in Washington. Most people know that the legal limit for your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is .08%, but did you know that if you refuse a breathalyzer test or test higher than .15% you can receive more severe punishment, even if it’s your first offense? Our legal team is well versed in the intricacies of the DUI laws in Washington State and will fight to make sure your penalty is as negligible as possible.
Physical Control Violations- Physical Control Violations carry the same punishments as a DUI charge. Read this section of code dealing with statute RCW 46.61.504
Physical control of vehicle under the influence.
(1) A person is guilty of being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug if the person has actual physical control of a vehicle within this state:
(a) And the person has, within two hours after being in actual physical control of the vehicle, an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher as shown by analysis of the person's breath or blood made under RCW 46.61.506
Note that the term "actual physical control" is not defined by the Washington statute, which means that you can be charged with this crime even if you’re sitting in the passenger seat, or asleep in the driver’s seat of a parked car. A seasoned defense attorney knows how to navigate the slippery language of Washington laws and can argue that you weren’t “in control” of your vehicle under certain specific circumstances.
Sex Crimes- When most people hear the words “sex crimes,” they think of rape, but sex crimes is an umbrella term that encompasses many charges including child molestation, indecent exposure, child pornography, revenge pornography, and rape. If you’ve been accused, make sure you have representation that understands the law and can help guide you in the best direction for your particular case.
Juvenile Crimes- Being convicted of a crime as a minor can follow you around for the rest of your life. Washington state courts aim to rehabilitate rather than punish, but aggressive prosecution can move to have your minor tried as an adult in adult court. A skilled defense team is necessary to make sure your child receives a fair trial and a positive outcome.
Philosopher Will Durant wrote, “as knowledge grew; fear decreased.” Arm yourself with knowledge, seek help from a legal team with over half a century of experience with the Washington legal system. Our Burien criminal law attorneys are dedicated to making sure you understand your case, every step of the way.
Criminal Procedure in Washington State
Criminal procedure is the system the state uses to investigate, try and punish crimes. Some of the information we cover in this section you probably already know thanks to television, books, and movies. Those stories, however, cram months of casework into a single one to two-hour program. Also, since most of those programs take place in large cities like New York and Miami, they don’t cover the various laws and scenarios that apply to Burien and King County.
The first step of any criminal case begins with an investigation. This is done by the police in response to a crime allegedly being committed. Once enough evidence is gathered to pinpoint a suspect, the police will make an arrest. A suspect may be arrested by law enforcement and booked in jail if there is probable cause to believe the suspect committed a crime. The Prosecuting Attorney's office has a time-frame within which they must file charges. If that does not happen then the accused must be released from holding.
Prosecutors use Municipal, State, and Federal criminal code to determine what offense was allegedly committed. Sometimes they take liberties with these charges, so it’s vital to have an understanding of the law. Consider an assault charge. You can be charged for assault in four different degrees. Take a look at this section of code:
RCW 9A.36.041
Assault in the fourth degree.
(1) A person is guilty of assault in the fourth degree if, under circumstances not amounting to assault in the first, second, or third degree, or custodial assault, he or she assaults another.
(2) Assault in the fourth degree is a gross misdemeanor, except as provided in subsection (3) of this section.
Fourth degree assault is a gross misdemeanor, and while this is a serious charge, it's far less serious than assault in the first, second, or third degree. When it comes to the law, little differences in criminal charges can be the difference between paying a fine and spending years in prison.
Once you have been arrested and charged with a crime, the next step is arraignment. During the arraignment, you will appear before a judge who will then do a formal reading of the charges against you. Afterward, you will be asked to enter a plea. There are 4 ways a defendant might plead
The entry of a guilty plea at arraignment is highly unusual. In almost every case the defendant enters a plea of not guilty and the Judge sets future hearing dates and a trial date.
Before the trial begins, there may be pre-trial hearings. Pre-trial hearings are utilized to determine the status of the case. Pre-trial is also where plea-bargains may be made. If plea negotiations are unsuccessful, a trial date will be set.
During the trial, the onus is on the prosecution to present enough evidence and/or witnesses to prove to the judge or jury that the defendant is guilty of the charges beyond all reasonable doubt. While the defense does not have the burden of proving their client’s innocence, they are free to present evidence that shows their client’s innocence or that could cast doubt of the client’s guilt in the minds of the jury.
Once the trial is completed, the defendant is either found guilty or not guilty of the charges. If the defendant is found guilty, the next phase is sentencing. Washington state law sets sentencing guidelines. Penalties may include fines, probation, restitution, and time in jail or prison.
The potential consequences of a Washington State criminal conviction can be extremely serious and may affect your life for years to come. Fortunately for defendants, the assistance of an experienced Burien criminal defense lawyer can often help avoid these consequences and may even result in your case being dropped or dismissed. Contact us today to get started with your free consultation.
Washington State Courts OverviewThere are four levels of court in Washington: the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, the superior courts, and courts of limited jurisdiction, also known as district and municipal courts. This section will focus on three of those courts, Municipal, District, and Superior Courts, as they are the three courts most relevant to criminal charges in Burien.
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.
Burien has an interlocal contract with The King County District Court-South Division to hear all municipal and district court cases for the city of Burien.
The King County Superior Court, located in downtown Seattle, serves as the superior court for the city of Burien. Superior courts are trial courts of general jurisdiction. A Superior Court may consider all civil and criminal matters occurring within a county's boundary, and has exclusive jurisdiction over cases involving felonies, family law (such as divorce or child custody), and estate and probate issues. Superior courts also act as a court of appeals for cases from District and Municipal Courts. This means that a defendant can appeal to the Superior court to re-try their case if they feel that the law was not applied correctly in the trial court.
Burien - Plenty of things to do in This Western Washington CityThe city of Burien is nestled on the shores of Puget Sound, approximately 15 miles south of Seattle. Originally named “Sunnydale,” Burien was settled in 1873 but didn’t receive the name of Burien until 1889 when the land was purchased by Gottlieb Burian. There appears to be no record explaining how the "a" in "Burian" was changed to an "e.” Perhaps it was a typo.
Burien is home to more than 365 acres of parks and open space, including Seahurst (Ed Munro) Park, which features a Marine Technology lab run by the local school district, and Salmon Creek Ravine, an open space park of 88 undeveloped acres popular with hikers who enjoy its primitive trail systems.
If indoor activities are more your speed, Burien has a local playhouse, The Burien Actors Theatre. Past shows that they have put on include The Importance of Being Earnest, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and The Addams Family. There is also a lively, if small, local nightlife scene featuring pubs, bars, and breweries downtown. The Puget Sound Regional Council designated Burien as one of the 25 Regional Growth Centers that will experience focused urban growth in the decades ahead, so new restaurants and stores are opening all the time.
Burien is also known for its thriving health care community. Burien has a large number of health care providers, including hospitals, clinics, and various wellness and alternative care specialists. The city also enjoys several health clubs, yoga, and martial arts studios, swimming pools, and other recreational facilities.
Freedom is an essential part of enjoying indoor and outdoor activities. To ensure you can enjoy your freedom, contact one of our qualified Washington State criminal law attorneys today and get help handling your case.
Our Commitment to YouOur Washington criminal defense attorneys provide aggressive legal representation for all of our clients who face criminal charges. We work to ensure you understand the legal, financial, and personal ramifications of your legal matter. Throughout the legal process, you will be continuously informed and educated about the options available to you. Our priority is delivering results when it counts. We have decades of combined legal experience and we don’t back down from a fight.
We are a full-service criminal defense firm with the proven track record of success that you want in your corner. Our Burien defense attorneys take your case seriously no matter what the circumstances–and we treat you with respect and compassion. Whether you are charged with a relatively minor drug crime or facing life in prison, we put the full weight of our substantial skills to work for you. Call us today for your free consultation.
Burien criminal lawyers to defend you in court.We know how difficult it is for you to be charged with a crime, and it’s our goal to make the process as easy as possible for you and your family. We understand that you might be feeling scared and worried about the outcome of your trial, and we want to put you at ease and let you know that you have a wealth of options when it comes to your Burien criminal defense.
Why Hire a Burien Criminal Lawyer?Under the State of Washington and federal constitutions, each person accused of a crime is entitled to certain rights. These rights include the right to legal counsel, and individuals accused of a crime should hire their Burien criminal lawyers before even speaking to the police.
During questioning, the police may try to coerce you into making incriminating statements against yourself or your friends. They may try to convince you to allow them to search your home or your vehicle (though in the absence of a warrant, you have every right to refuse). They may also tell you that hiring a lawyer or refusing a search makes you appear guilty.
Our Burien criminal attorneys are looking out for your best interests, and it is our goal to ensure that you are made fully aware of your rights and that you are not taken advantage of by law enforcement. Our attorneys will be with you every step of the way – during questioning by the police, paperwork, pre-trial hearings, your actual trial, and beyond. Our legal team is looking out for you and your family, and our aim is to act on your behalf.
Our experienced Burien criminal attorneys handle all manner of misdemeanor charges plus many felony cases, including:
We take a team approach to each case, working as a group to ensure the most thorough and well-planned defense possible. Our legal staff is well-versed in Washington State criminal law, and our familiarity with many of the judges and prosecuting attorneys who will be handling your case gives us an edge over other attorneys. If you have been accused of a crime, do not wait until after speaking with the police. Call our criminal defense team or contact us online for more information on how we can help you.