No matter what you are being pulled over for, there are few things more anxiety-inducing than seeing the blue and red police lights flashing in your rearview. It’s a scenario no one wants to face, but sometimes good people make mistakes. Unfortunately, sometimes, those mistakes lead to serious criminal charges. In those cases, know you are not alone. Our winning Mt. Vernon criminal defense attorneys have got your back!
With over 30 years of experience defending the rights of Mt. Vernon citizens just like you, we know the ins and outs of Washington criminal law. We are also deeply familiar with theSkagit County Court system and know exactly how to present a compelling case to our local judges. Our knowledgeable criminal lawyers will put together a defense that protects your rights, highlights your genuine morse, and shows your meaningful efforts to make amends. With our legal know-how and local experience, we’ll make sure you get the best possible outcome for your case.
Contact our Mt Vernon legal team now to get help for your charges, including:
MisdemeanorsMisdemeanors are considered crimes in Washington State. However, these charges are deemed less severe and divided into two classes. So, while such charges would still go on record as criminal offenses, the penalties for the first category, common misdemeanors, have a maximum fine of only $1000 or a jail sentence of no more than 90 days in more severe or repeat cases.
The second category, however, is Gross Misdemeanors, which is classified as more serious than a common misdemeanor but still not so severe that it’s considered a felony. Punishments here do scale up, however, with fines that now have a maximum of $5000 and jail sentences with an increase to a potential one year maximum.
FeloniesFelonies are serious crimes that come with more serious consequences. Felony convictions, like misdemeanors, have different grades of severity – three, to be exact, in the state of Washington. The different categories have different degrees of punishment based on the situation and severity and are classified as follows:
Class CA Class C felony is the next step from a gross misdemeanor. The penalties involved at this level are jail sentences of up to five years, fines of no more than $10000, or both.
Class BThe next felony level is for more severe or damaging criminal acts. People facing these charges now face prison sentences of up to 10 years and fines of up to $20000, or both.
Class AA Class A felony can result in a life sentence, which is a minimum of 25 years, with or without a chance for parole. A maximum fine of $50000 is also possible, as well as both a jail sentence and a fine being levied at the same time.
Traffic OffensesThe USA has a very car-centric culture compared to many other parts of the world, and many possible offenses can occur surrounding the use of a motor vehicle, including:
DUIDriving Under the Influence, known as DUI, is considered a criminal act. However, depending on circumstances, it may be classed as either a gross misdemeanor or a class C felony. The most common DUI violations are:
DUI AlcoholThis is the most common type of DUI, where drivers have more than the legal limit of alcohol in their bloodstream. Officers can administer a breath test, and while drivers don’t have to take the test, there are legal consequences for refusing.
DUI MarijuanaThe legal status of cannabis, or marijuana, is regulated by state laws. In Washington State, marijuana is legal to purchase and use privately, but it’s breaking the law when consumed publicly. Like alcohol, there are laws that charge drivers with a criminal offense if they are found to be operating a vehicle shortly after marijuana consumption.
Negligent DrivingAs the name suggests, negligent driving is when a driver carries out careless actions while behind the wheel of a moving vehicle. Negligent driving has two categories. The less severe, negligent driving in the second degree, is classed as a traffic infraction and only carries a fine.
The more serious negligent driving in the first degree is a misdemeanor and may be used in first-time offenses such as alcohol or marijuana DUI. Because of the complexity involved in the circumstances defining negligent driving, it’s best to work with a traffic attorney in Mt. Vernon to ensure all details are considered.
Reckless DrivingNegligent driving is carelessness or errors made unawares. Reckless driving is the charge laid when a driver is knowingly and willfully breaking laws heedless of consequences to others. Street racing, pursuing other cars on the road, and even DUI may fall under this gross demeanor charge.
Hit & RunA hit and run is a breach of law that goes across a spectrum of legal classifications in Washington State. A hit-and-run happens when a vehicle gets into an accident and, rather than the driver remaining at the accident site to exchange information with those involved and cooperate with the police, flees the scene, hoping to evade any financial or legal responsibility. Depending on how serious the accident is, a hit and run may be only a misdemeanor if fleeing from minor vehicle or property damage and a gross misdemeanor for serious damage. However, a hit-and-run can also be categorized as a felony if injury or fatality is involved. For example, a felony hit-and-run occurrence could involve fleeing the scene after a fatal collision with a cyclist. A Mt. Vernon traffic attorney is often invaluable in dealing with this situation.
Like traffic violations, non-vehicular illegal acts also run the spectrum of being misdemeanors or felonies, including:
Criminal TrespassTrespassing is entering onto private property illegally and is considered either a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor. The category of the charge depends on different elements of the circumstance, like whether the trespasser knowingly entered the property illegally or not.
Fish & WildlifeWashington State has a diverse but delicate ecosystem that requires human guidance to protect the environment and its species. Fish and wildlife violations may be misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the specifics of the incident. Fish and wildlife attorneys in Mt. Vernon may be able to help with these charges for overfishing or other offenses.
Minor In PossessionA minor in possession is when someone not yet legally an adult, between the ages of 13-20, is found with—or even in proximity to—substances like alcohol, illegal drugs, or firearms. The “MIP” offense is classed as a gross misdemeanor with a variety of penalties, including license suspension, fines, or even jail sentences.
Malicious MischiefMalicious mischief refers to acts of vandalism or other actions taken to deliberately damage property or impair services. Malicious mischief has three degrees, with the 3rd being the least severe as a gross misdemeanor. First and second-degree acts are classed as felonies. The severity of a malicious mischief charge is often tied to the financial damage involved.
TheftMany are familiar with the concept of theft, whether it involves taking a physical object or illegally getting a service for free. Theft charges in Washington State may be either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the severity of the theft. Theft has many degrees and definitions, with charges that may even be specific to the type of theft, like livestock or vehicles. A criminal defense lawyer in Mt. Vernon may be required to fairly settle theft charges.
AssaultAssault, like other illegal acts, may be categorized as a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the nature of the assault. A number of different factors are considered for these charges, such as whether an assault is motivated by a hate crime, whether children were victimized, whether it is a first or repeat offense, and other circumstances.
Domestic ViolenceLike other illegal acts, domestic violence has a spectrum of penalties dependent on circumstances and seriousness. People should note, however, that despite being called domestic violence, inflicting physical violence on a person is not necessarily a requirement to file this charge. Stalking, burglary, and even vandalism against property may qualify. Because there is so much room for interpretation here, defense attorneys in Mt. Vernon play an important role in getting a better resolution for such cases.
HarassmentHarassment takes many different forms, from verbal threats of violence to property damage. Because of this, the interpretation of harassment in Washington State is broad. This also means that the type and severity of the penalty for harassment are also broad, from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the circumstances.
Forgery & FraudForgery and fraud are serious crimes that can be committed in a variety of different arenas, including welfare and white-collar crime. Fraud can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, but forgery is usually considered a felony in most cases. A Mt. Vernon defense attorney is a valuable ally in this legal situation.
Drug CrimesCannabis is now legal, but what constitutes a drug crime in Washington State is something that still carries a lot of complexity. One reason is that the definition of criminal violation may be enforced by ordinances not just at the state but even municipal level. There is also a lot of complexity due to the legal considerations based on the type of substance, whether the substance was consumed, possessed, or trafficked.
Because of the many permutations, such as whether a person knowingly or unknowingly was in possession of an illegal substance, this is a variable legal situation. A Mt. Vernon defense attorney can help guide clients through this situation and help attain a more favorable or fair resolution.
Sex CrimesA sex offense is one of the most serious illegal acts that can be committed in Washington State. However, they also encompass a very broad range of different crimes. They also fall across varying levels of severity on the legal spectrum. At the most serious end are offenses like rape or child molestation, while an act like indecent exposure may carry lesser consequences in comparison.
Like other crimes, the categories range from gross misdemeanors at minimum to Class A felonies at maximum. Sex offenses carry some of the most severe consequences for those convicted, including possible lifetime registration as a sex offender. Because of these ramifications, it’s critical for those facing such charges to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Mt. Vernon for the most favorable outcome.
Speeding & Traffic TicketsTraffic violations are not classed as criminal acts, but they are infractions regarded as breaches of state law. Being charged with a traffic infraction doesn’t always mean the charge is correct or fair. A Mt. Vernon traffic attorney may be able to challenge these charges. Some examples of traffic violations are:
Negligent Driving In The Second DegreeIt’s not a criminal offense, but 2nd degree negligent driving is one of the most serious traffic infractions, with two categories. The first category is negligence, which endangers people and property and has a maximum fine of $250.
The more severe second category involves a vulnerable user victim, like a child or cyclist. Penalties here carry a maximum of $10000 and may also result in a license suspension.
SpeedingBy far, the most common infraction drivers commit is speeding. Speeding tickets are given whenever law enforcement observes a vehicle traveling faster than the area’s posted speed limit. A driver who receives too many speeding tickets may get a license suspension.
Speeding In A School ZoneChildren are harder to see and more unpredictable than adult pedestrians, so stricter speed laws are enforced in school and playground areas. Fines are also more serious. However, depending on the situation, you may be able to challenge this in court with a Mt. Vernon traffic attorney.
Following Too CloseThis traffic violation is somewhat ambiguous in that much of the infraction is left to the personal discretion of the law enforcement officer. As the name suggests, a ticket is issued for following a vehicle too closely, but the definitions of reasonable and prudent distance vary wildly with specific situations and personal judgment. Traffic ticket attorneys in Mt. Vernon can be useful here.
HOV Carpool Lane TicketThe high occupancy vehicle lane is created for the use of vehicles carrying passengers, not just a single driver. Usage is defined by a sign indicating the minimum number of people—including the driver—occupying a vehicle for lane use. These policies are created based on state law and traffic tickets issued for those found in breach.
Failure To Obey Traffic Control DeviceOutdoor electronics like traffic signal lighting systems are installed to help control traffic flow for better distribution of vehicles on roadways and to reduce the chances of accidents. All drivers are required to comply with these devices. Disobeying these devices, like ignoring a red light and speeding through an intersection, is a fairly common traffic infraction throughout Washington State.
Overweight TicketProfessional vehicles for hauling freight are legally restricted by weight classes and how much they are permitted to carry. Drivers who are charged with committing this non-moving violation might, depending on how much of a breach is involved, find themselves paying fines in the hundreds or thousands. The formula for determining the penalty is the base fine plus an accompanying percentage of how much over a designated weight limit the infraction is.
CDL DriversA Commercial Driver’s License is issued to drivers of vehicles over a certain weight or transporting a large number of passengers. Cargo trucks and bus drivers are the most common examples of this license holder, among others.
People who hold these licenses rely on their ability to drive to maintain a paying career. That’s why it’s important to talk to a traffic attorney in Mt. Vernon if legal issues arise that may suspend this license for any length of time.
Intermediate License DriversWashington State has a “graduated” licensing system that requires new drivers to hold intermediate-stage licenses before getting a full license and all its privileges. However, getting more than one ticket may result in a 6-month license suspension or even a ban until the age of 18 for intermediate license holders. Options exist to deal with this, like deferment, but alternatives should only be explored with the help of a traffic ticket attorney in Mt. Vernon.
Get Professional Legal HelpMt. Vernon, in Skagit County, is a great place for people to settle down and enjoy life. This might involve some whale watching throughout the county or getting some weekend shopping done with fresh produce at the Mt Vernon Farmer’s Market. There’s plenty to do in this part of Washington State.
Sadly, having the potential to live the good life here is no guarantee a person won’t mistakenly or even unfairly get caught up in a situation where legal charges are pending. If you find yourself in violation of traffic laws, or worse yet, if you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, get professional help. Find a traffic ticket attorney or reliable defense attorney with experience in the specific charges you face.