Felony Crimes in Seattle

Felony charges in Washington state are the most serious category of criminal offenses and carry the harshest penalties under the law. A felony is any crime punishable by more than one year of incarceration, often served in state prison rather than county jail. The severe penalties for felonies reflect their significant impact on victims and society. Punishments include long prison sentences (up to life for Class A felonies), fines of up to $50,000, and additional consequences such as loss of voting rights, difficulty obtaining employment, and permanent damage to your reputation. Felonies have lifelong repercussions even after serving a sentence.

At our Seattle-based law firm, our defense attorneys bring over 20 years of experience in felony defense. We have a reputation in the Seattle legal community for being tough, aggressive, and relentless in fighting for our clients. Our attorneys have defended clients in the city and across Western Washington against felony charges. Whether it's challenging the evidence, negotiating reduced charges, or taking your case to trial, we are ready to fight for you every step of the way. Contact our felony defense team today for a free consultation.

Felony Charges Our Seattle Attorneys Fight

For over two decades, our Seattle attorneys specializing in felony defense have fought to reduce or dismiss penalties for several charges, including:

Class A Felonies: Class A felonies are the most serious crimes, punishable by up to life in prison, a fine of up to $50,000, or both.

• Murder In The First Degree
• Murder In The Second Degree
• Rape In The First Degree
• Assault In The First Degree
• Kidnapping In The First Degree
• Arson In The First Degree
• Robbery In The First Degree
• Child Molestation In The First Degree
• Drug Trafficking Of A Large Quantity
• Aggravated Domestic Violence With A Deadly Weapon

Class B Felonies: Class B felonies are punishable with as many as 10 years in prison, fines of up to $20,000, or both.

• Burglary In The First Degree
• Manslaughter In The First Degree
• Theft In The First Degree
• Identity Theft In The First Degree
• Arson In The Second Degree
• Robbery In The Second Degree
• Assault In The Second Degree
• Vehicular Homicide (DUI-Related)
• Trafficking In Stolen Property In The First Degree
• Drug Manufacturing Or Delivery Of Certain Substances

Class C Felonies: Class C felonies are punishable with as many as 5 years in prison, fines of up to $10,000, or both.

• Theft In The Second Degree
• Possession Of Stolen Property In The Second Degree
• Forgery
• Assault In The Third Degree
• Vehicular Assault
• Identity Theft In The Second Degree
• Unlawful Possession Of A Firearm In The Second Degree
• Criminal Mistreatment In The Second Degree
• Malicious Mischief In The Second Degree
• Possession Of Controlled Substances With Intent To Deliver (Small Quantities)

No matter the felony charges you are up against, our Seattle defense attorneys can challenge them in court.

What Happens If You Face A Felony Charge In King County Courts?

If Seattle law enforcement charges you with a felony, you will typically face trial at King Superior Court. Here is what you can expect from arrest until post-trial:

1. Arrest And Initial Booking: Felony cases often begin with an arrest, followed by booking into a local Seattle jail. Officers will take your fingerprints and photographs, and you'll remain in custody until your initial court appearance unless you post bail. Our Seattle felony attorneys work quickly to secure your release by arguing for reduced bail or personal recognizance. We also ensure that law enforcement does not violate your rights during the arrest process, which can be grounds for dismissal of charges.
2. Arraignment: At your first appearance, typically in King County Superior Court, the judge will inform you of the charges and set release conditions, and then you'll enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest). Our experienced Seattle attorneys will guide you on the most suitable plea based on the charges and evidence, laying the groundwork for your defense.
3. Discovery: The King County prosecutor shares their evidence. Our attorneys in Seattle then carefully review it for flaws or illegal actions. We also do our own investigation by talking to witnesses and consulting experts to build a stronger case.
4. Pre-Trial Motions: Before you go to trial, we will file motions to challenge the evidence or charges. We'll fight to have the judge throw out any illegally obtained evidence and drop charges due to weak evidence. With 20 years of experience, we know how to navigate King County courts and expose any prosecution errors.
5. Plea Negotiations: Often, the King County prosecution will offer a plea deal. During the negotiations, our Seattle felony attorneys will negotiate for reduced charges, lighter penalties, or alternative sentences like probation or treatment. We're known in King County for securing favorable plea deals for our clients. We can help minimize the impact on your life.
6. Trial: If no deal is made, you will face trial in King County. Our trial attorneys know how to build a strong case, challenge the prosecution, and fight for an acquittal.
7. Sentencing: If the King County Courts convict you of a felony, we work to secure the least severe sentence. Washington's felony guidelines can be harsh, but we argue for alternatives like probation. If possible, we will also pursue an appeal to overturn the verdict.

With over 20 years of experience, our Seattle felony defense attorneys have built a reputation for toughness, legal excellence, and local expertise. We know the judges, prosecutors, and tendencies of King County courts. We also know how to tailor defenses that work.

Aggressive Felony Defense From Skilled Seattle Attorneys

We're proud to call Seattle home. You'll see us shopping at Pike Place Market and enjoying the breathtaking views at Kerry Park. We know what the city has to offer. However, imagine not being able to cheer on the Seahawks at Lumen Field or the Mariners at T-Mobile Park, stroll through the peaceful trails of Discovery Park, or enjoy a summer day at Alki Beach. Further, imagine losing access to events like Seafair or festivals at Seattle Center. If you are convicted of a felony, you could lose freedom and access to our great city.

As your local defense attorneys, we know the Seattle courts. With our deep understanding of the city’s legal system, we'll find a way to challenge your felony charges and fight to protect your freedom. Call our Seattle law offices today for a free consultation.

Our Seattle Felony Criminal Attorneys Handle Most Felony Matters

In Washington, there are many different crimes that can incur felony charges. Felony offenses have three separate classifications depending on their severity. One thing is certain, every Seattle felony charge should be taken seriously, and it’s vital to have legal representation from qualified Seattle felony lawyers that will protect your legal rights.

If you are convicted of a felony in Seattle, your sentencing will depend on a variety of factors that include previous convictions, the prosecutor’s recommendations, and the final decision of the judge. Much will hinge on the effectiveness of your defense, and this is why working with Seattle felony attorneys that you can trust is so important.

A felony conviction will likely affect you for the rest of your life. It could also affect the people you care about, and may make it difficult for you to find a quality job. Indeed, your cherished freedom could be jeopardized. Our Seattle felony criminal lawyers will aggressively fight to protect your interests, and will explore all avenues of a legal defense.

Understanding Your Charges – Our Seattle Felony Attorneys Explain the Law

One of the smartest things you can do now is get an in-depth understanding of your felony charges with help from one of our qualified Seattle felony lawyers. Once you understand the penalties you could be facing, it will be easier to start forging a path toward developing a defense.

Our Seattle felony criminal attorneys will also help you better understand the legal process, including how possible plea scenarios with the prosecutor might work, and what could happen if the case were to go before a jury. While no two Seattle felony cases are ever the same, our three decades of combined experience has provided our Seattle felony criminal lawyers with real-world experience that will be used on your behalf.

Best of all, our Seattle felony attorneys are familiar with the courts and the prosecutors that try these cases, and this experience in invaluable. Our number one goal is to defend your legal rights, and do whatever we can to minimize the penalties you could be facing. We are in your corner, and will ensure that your side of the story gets told.

Contact Our Seattle Felony Lawyers for a Free Consultation

At Washington State Attorneys, we offer a cost-free case analysis, so that you can start getting some answers today – answers that will help you decide how you would like to proceed with your criminal case. There is no obligation, so you are free to proceed as you see fit, but if you retain our team of professional Seattle litigators you will have our experience working on your behalf, ensuring that someone is at your side every step of the way and making sure your interests are valued.