Port Orchard Criminal Attorneys

Have you, or someone close to you, been charged with a crime? If the answer to that question is yes, be proactive, contact our Port Orchard Criminal Attorneys today. If you do nothing, the lasting effects could be devastating to you and your family, especially if you end up behind bars or get charged heavy fines.

It’s not always seasoned criminals who get charged with crimes. We find that quite often the people that contact our office have been charged for the first time. If this sounds like you, don’t worry, we are here to help. Our legal team has the experience to help you make sense of the whirlwind of information that comes along with being charged with a crime in Washington State.

Washington Criminal Lawyers - Answers to Your Questions

You are sure to have a multitude of questions, and our Port Orchard Criminal Attorneys are here with answers. Some questions you may be asking include:

• Can a DUI be reduced in Washington State?
• Can a lawyer keep me out of jail?
• What should I look for when hiring a criminal defense lawyer?
• What happens after an arrest in Washington State?

Our team can help make sense of the applicable laws, we will assist you in navigating the dense stream of new material, motions, and jargon that accompanies criminal proceedings in our state. Plus, our team of criminal lawyers has over 30 years of experience in assisting people just like you.

In addition to the confusion and the questions of “What happens next,” getting charged with a crime in Port Orchard can leave you feeling a wide range of emotions. You may feel embarrassed, overwhelmed, depressed, angry, or outright scared. Let us help you get on top of the situation, and start building a smart, strategic defense.

Many of our clients have been charged with the types of crimes that can carry penalties such as:

• Loss of License
• Fines
• Probation
• Jail Time
• Prison
• Sex offender registry
• A lifelong criminal record

Having a criminal record can affect your life in ways you may have not yet considered. It could affect your ability to find a job, get a loan, good housing, your right to vote, and the list goes on. Building a strong defense should be your first priority and your first step in that direction is to contact our qualified Port Orchard Criminal Lawyers today.

An Overview of the Port Orchard Criminal Courts

Port Orchard is located on the Sinclair Inlet of Puget Sound. It’s a scenic community of just under 15,000 residents, with most travel access relying heavily on water-based transportation.

The City of Port Orchard has a municipal court that deals with mostly minor criminal infractions. Typically, misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, criminal traffic, or non-criminal traffic infractions, and parking tickets, are handled by this court.

Misdemeanors and Gross Misdemeanors might include:

• 4th Degree Assault
• Petty Theft
• Criminal Trespass
• Vehicle Prowling
• Reckless Burning
• Possessing Stolen Property
• Obstructing a Law Enforcement Officer

If you are charged with any of these crimes, you may be processed at the Port Orchard Municipal Court. Having quality representation at this time will ensure that your defense is sound and the judgment is fair. Our Port Orchard Criminal Attorneys have experience fighting all types of crimes including the ones listed above.

Penalties for misdemeanors can carry sentences of up to 90 days in jail and/or fines of up to $1,000. Penalties for gross misdemeanors in Washington State can carry sentences of up to 364 days in jail and/or fines of up to $5,000.

If you are charged with a more serious crime such as a Felony or Aggravated Felony, our Washington State Criminal Attorneys are eager to help. Some of those crimes that will be tried at the state level may include:

• Armed Robbery
• High-Level DUI
• Murder
• Sexual Battery
• White Collar Crimes

Felonies can be classified into three distinct categories:

• Class A felonies can carry penalties of a life sentence in a state correctional institution, a $50,000 fine, or both.
• Class B felonies can carry penalties of less than 10 years in a state correctional institution or up to $20,000 fines, or both.
• Class C felonies can carry penalties of up to five years in a state correctional institution, fines of up to $10,000, or both.

These crimes will be tried at the state superior court level. King County Superior Court, is located in downtown Seattle, and the criminal division handles all adult criminal proceedings in the court. The court also handles civil proceedings, dependency, family law, and juvenile cases.

If you are charged with any of these crimes, or other felonies, it is of vital importance that you contact our Washington State Criminal Attorneys immediately. Your defense is far too important to your future. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience fighting crimes like these and we will fight diligently on your behalf.

Avoiding a Criminal Record is Vitally Important, so is Your Choice of Lawyers

You are sure to be under significant stress after being arrested and processed. It’s natural. But, you don’t have to fight this battle alone. Our team of lawyers has over 50 years of combined experience battling charges like yours. We listen with a keen and caring ear, and we fight for all of our clients to ensure the best possible outcome for their cases.

Every time we take on a new client, we put the full force of our knowledge and experience behind them. Each case is unique, and yet there are many precedents to follow. Our team is exceptionally well-versed in cases like yours and will take the time to understand the uniqueness of your particular situation.

The United States Constitution grants individuals certain rights. We understand those rights and are skilled at defending them. We will make sure your case doesn’t get lost in the shuffle, and that you aren’t steamrolled into accepting a bad deal. There are too many stories of people just like you being sentenced to far stiffer penalties than necessary. Don’t let that happen to you, contact our Port Orchard Criminal Attorneys so we can start building a quality defense for you today.

Many of the charges we have historically fought include DUI, theft, burglary, or criminal mischief. If you are charged with something more severe like a white-collar crime, sex crime, or aggravated felony, then our Washington State Criminal Lawyers are ready to fight for your freedoms.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a juvenile offense, contact us. Juvenile records can have lasting effects that can last a lifetime. Our professional team can help steer you or your loved one through the myriad of complicated steps that need to be taken to reduce or avoid criminal prosecution of a minor. We understand the gravity of these situations and we have the experience and determination necessary to provide the best defense possible.

You’ve Been Charged with a Crime in Port Orchard, What Happens Now?

You are sure to have a lot of questions after being charged with a crime.

• How do I prove my innocence?
• Will I have to go to jail?
• Will I face major fines?
• How does a criminal defense work?

First, it’s going to take some time to answer the multitude of questions you’re sure to have. We pay close attention to each individual case and we take the time to answer all of your questions.

The next step is building your defense. We will interview key witnesses, pour over the details and evidence that is presented, and determine the best strategies moving forward. Our Port Orchard Criminal Attorneys will evaluate your unique case versus similar cases. This allows us to utilize legal maneuvers that have been effective in the past and help you mount a quality, strategic defense.

Sometimes cases take longer than expected to resolve, don’t fear, once we sign on with a client, we fight diligently until the case is complete. We make certain the system treats you fairly and you don’t get pushed into accepting a deal that is quicker for them, and less equitable for you.

After arrest, you’ll be arraigned before the judge. At this time you’ll enter a plea. Guilty pleas are not typically accepted during the arraignment phase. You’ll be advised of your charges at this time and can ask for a bail reduction, or better, release on your own recognizance.

Our Port Orchard Criminal Attorneys are here to guide you through every step of your defense. We offer sound advice and have a reputation for achieving quality results. While we often explore various plea agreements, we also have the determination to see your defense through to trial if that becomes necessary. Being represented by a quality team of experienced lawyers is critical to your defense, and a good defense is imperative to keeping your penalties as light as possible.

Port Orchard Criminal Attorneys are Skilled in All Aspects of Criminal Law

Whether you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony, our legal team has the experience and expertise to help you battle the charge. Some of our specialties include:

• Drug Crimes - Drug crimes in Washington State can carry severe penalties. If you’ve been arrested for possession of illegal drugs or paraphernalia, trafficking, or intent to distribute, you’ll need a strong defense. Usually, first offenses carry lighter sentences, but those subsequent arrests can carry heavy sentences.
• Domestic Violence - If you’ve been accused of this crime, make sure you have representation that understands the law and can keep you from facing stiffer penalties than necessary. There are two sides to every story, our team understands the nuances of these charges, and can help your side of the story to be heard.
• Sex Crimes - Being accused of a sex crime in Washington State can carry many long-lasting complications. From the embarrassment of being arrested to the real-life consequences of being convicted, these charges are not to be taken lightly. Sex Crimes include statutory rape, molestation, solicitation of a minor on the internet, and other serious offenses. These crimes lead to significant punishments including jail time and being listed on a sex offender registry. Our team will help help you understand these confusing charges and will help you fight to achieve a fair outcome.
• DUI - It is illegal to drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol in Washington State. The limits are .08% BAC or 5 nanograms or more of THC in the bloodstream. Penalties increase after your BAC reaches .15%. First-time offenders with lower than .15% BAC will receive the lightest charges, still, the administrative fees alone can be burdensome. They may include fines, time in jail, ignition interlock devices, suspension of license, and more. 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 - Even if you’re not driving a vehicle, you can be charged with this crime in Washington State. If prosecutors believe you could turn the key and drive away from your location, they are authorized to bring charges. Even if you’re just sleeping in the driver’s seat, if you have the keys nearby, you can be charged. Some factors that can lead to a lesser sentence include being in the backseat or passenger seat, or whether or not you are fast asleep when the officer arrives. If the officer wakes you up in the backseat, a jury is less likely to consider you in control of your vehicle. Our team understands the ins and outs of this law and will fight to reduce the sentence or in some cases, get the charges dropped.
• Theft - There are many levels of theft from cyber-crime to pick-pocketing. Washington has increased penalties for cyber-theft, and these penalties can be wide-ranging and difficult to overcome. Shoplifting and petty theft tend to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, so it’s best to have an advisor on your side that knows the system and can help guide you in the best direction for your particular case.
• Assault - There are four levels of assault in Washington State, first degree through fourth degree, with varying levels of penalties. Charges can also stem from the physical harm statute, examples of which are reckless endangerment, promoting a suicide attempt, failing to summon assistance, or committing a hate crime. Our team will explain the intricacies of your specific situation and they will fight to ensure the best possible outcome.

Statute RCW 9A.36.011 says the following about Assault in the first degree, a very serious crime:

Assault in the first degree.
(1) A person is guilty of assault in the first degree if he or she, with intent to inflict great bodily harm:
(a) Assaults another with a firearm or any deadly weapon or by any force or means likely to produce great bodily harm or death; or
(b) Transmits HIV to a child or vulnerable adult; or
(c) Administers, exposes, or transmits to or causes to be taken by another, poison or any other destructive or noxious substance; or
(d) Assaults another and inflicts great bodily harm.
(2) Assault in the first degree is a class A felony.

Historic Port Orchard

Port Orchard is a small waterfront community of just under 15,000 people. It is connected to the Washington mainland by the Washington state ferry system, and also via highway. Port Orchard is a part of Kitsap County on the Kitsap Peninsula about 15 miles due west of Seattle. It borders Bremerton across the Port Orchard strait.

It was first settled in 1854 when a sawmill was set up, and later formally incorporated in 1890. The city was built so close to the water originally that tides used to swell and swamp the developed land closest to the water until eventually the waterfront was blacktopped and culverts were placed to properly drain the water.

Port Orchard has been hit by fire and tornado, but has a history of bouncing back from these natural disasters. There are numerous city parks to enjoy in the city that provide recreation for the whole family. Available activities include basketball, disc golf, picnic areas, barbecue pits, a splash pad, and walking trails. These parks are all animal friendly, and mutt mitts are available.

The fastest way to access Port Orchard is through the ferry system. To access the city from Seattle, first take the ferry from Seattle to the Bremerton fast ferry dock, then walk to the Bremerton foot ferry dock and board the boat to Port Orchard. Alternatively, you can head south out of Seattle, through Olympia and take route 16 north up the Kitsap Peninsula. The drive will take you just a shade under an hour, traffic permitting.

Port Orchard Criminal Attorneys are Here to Help

When you find yourself facing criminal charges in Port Orchard, contact our experienced team straight away. Our team is experienced in all areas of Washington State criminal law. We will work tirelessly in your defense to make sure the charges you face are fought with integrity and tenacity.

Don’t delay in contacting us. Criminal charges can bring a multitude of long lasting negative effects that can lead to incarceration, fines and other penalties. To ensure the best possible outcome of your trial, make sure to get your defense strategy started as soon as you can. We understand the mistakes people make, and we fight to make sure the consequences are as limited as possible.

Our trustworthy team of dedicated criminal lawyers are here for you. The consultation is free. So if you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or felony in Port Orchard, don’t delay. Contact our office today and experience how a team of dedicated lawyers like ours can alleviate the many stresses and complications criminal charges can bring. Call today, and get your defense in order.