Felony Crimes in Federal Way

Felony crimes are serious offenses that carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences, huge fines, and long-lasting consequences on your personal and professional life. A felony crime in Federal Way, Washington, is defined as any crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or by death.

Unlike a misdemeanor, which usually has a shorter jail time and smaller fines, felonies are considered a threat to public safety. They are categorized based on their nature, so there are violent felonies, property felonies, and drug-related felonies, each carrying its own legal consequences.

One of the more serious felony categories in Federal Way is those labeled as violent. These include offenses like murder, assault, and robbery. Murder is the unlawful killing of another with malice and can be classified into different degrees, depending on the actual circumstances.

Property felonies are another common felony category in Federal Way and involve crimes like burglary, arson, and theft. Burglary in Washington is defined as the unlawful entry into a building or dwelling with the intent to commit a crime.

Arson, another felony offense, is the act of intentionally setting fire to a property. This can result in lengthy prison sentences, especially if someone was hurt or killed due to the fire. Drug-related felonies also have big consequences.

Crimes like possession, distribution, or manufacturing of controlled substances like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, or marijuana (in certain contexts) are all also classified as felony offenses in Washington. For these, the severity of the offense comes down to factors like the amount of the substance, if there was a firearm, or if the offense happened near a school zone.

Felony convictions like these can lead to serious financial penalties and even a permanent criminal record that can ultimately affect your employment opportunities and other aspects of your life.

You will find that most felony crimes are regulated under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). However, some federal statutes may also apply.

• Murder: Under RCW 9A.32.030, first-degree murder refers to a premeditated killing or the intentional killing of a law enforcement officer or judge. For this, you can be punished with a prison sentence of 25 years to life. Second-degree murder, outlined in RCW 9A.32.050, is when it is an unplanned killing but is committed with malice. This crime can carry a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
• Assault: Under RCW 9A.36.011, assault in the first degree is when someone intentionally inflicts serious injury on another. This can lead to life in prison. Assault in the second degree (RCW 9A.36.021) involves lesser injury and can end you up in prison for 10 years.
• Robbery: Under RCW 9A.56.200, first-degree robbery can lead to life in prison. This criminal act is when a weapon is used, or you cause harm while you are taking property from someone with force. Second-degree robbery involves less severe circumstances.
• Burglary: Under RCW 9A.52.020, first-degree burglary involves unlawfully entering a dwelling or building with the intent to commit a crime. This often also involves the use of a weapon or some kind of force. Convictions for this can lead to sentences of up to life imprisonment.
• Second-Degree Burglary: RCW 9A.52.030 defines second-degree burglary as someone who enters a building with the intent to commit theft or another crime. The sentences for this offense can range from 5 to 10 years in prison.
• Arson: RCW 9A.48.020 defines first-degree arson as intentionally setting fire to a building, vehicle, or property. It carries a penalty of up to life imprisonment if significant damage or injury occurs. Second-degree arson, covered by RCW 9A.48.030, involves setting fire to property without causing widespread destruction and can result in up to 10 years in prison.
• Felony Theft: According to RCW 9A.56.030, theft becomes a felony when the value of the stolen property exceeds a certain amount. For example, first-degree theft involving stolen property valued over $5,000 can result in up to 10 years in prison and hefty fines.
• Possession of Controlled Substances: Under RCW 69.50.401, if you possess a felony quantity of drugs, it can lead to felony charges. In addition to jail time and fines, you may have to complete a mandatory rehabilitation program.
• Manufacturing and Distribution: RCW 69.50.401 is also where you will find more information on the manufacturing and distribution of controlled substances. It is a felony that can land you in prison for many years. If the crime was committed near a park or school or involved minors, the penalties are more severe.
• Drug Trafficking: Under RCW 69.50.410, if you are convicted of transporting large quantities of illegal drugs across state lines or are caught dealing them on the street, you can face a long prison term that can range from 5 to 15 years or more.

Federal Way in King County is about 22 miles south of Seattle. It has a population of approximately 100,000 residents, making it one of the largest cities in the area. Its economy, driven by a mix of retail, healthcare, and service industries, is home to many outdoor recreational areas with hiking trails, camping, and water activities along Puget Sound.

As a city within the state of Washington, Federal Way follows the RCW when it comes to these criminal offenses.

You shouldn’t have to face felony charges alone. You need an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in your corner who is more than familiar with the area and state and federal laws that govern these offenses. Seek assistance from someone who can advocate for your rights, negotiate on your behalf, and do everything in their power to ensure a fair outcome for your case.

We firmly believe that every felony charge, including those for violent crimes, property crimes, and drug offenses, can be successfully challenged. Our attorneys have been defending individuals facing felony charges throughout Western Washington for over 20 years.

If you or a loved one is facing a felony charge, it is crucial to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney.

A skilled felony defense lawyer can take various steps to ensure that your case has a chance for a favorable outcome, from challenging evidence to negotiating reduced charges or penalties.

Our Federal Way felony defense legal team is experienced, aggressive, and dedicated to fighting for your rights. We will work tirelessly to protect your future and minimize the impact of a felony conviction on your life.

Washington State law outlines all of the crimes that can incur a felony charge. These are broken down into three classifications according to their severity, each with its own punishments. Any felony charge should be treated seriously because the repercussions of a conviction can affect your life in countless ways. Protecting your legal rights is paramount, so it makes sense to work with an experienced team of Federal Way felony attorneys who will ensure you are treated fairly.

In the state of Washington, the punishments you face after a felony conviction are influenced by a variety of factors, such as:

• Prior convictions
• Recommendations made by the prosecutor
• The judge's final rendering

The outcome of your case may depend on the effectiveness of your defense, which is why you should work with qualified Federal Way felony lawyers that can help guide you through this difficult time in your life.

A felony conviction incurs mandatory penalties that could cost you your freedom. Even those closest to you could suffer as you face prison time or lose your ability to provide for them. With so much at stake, you should contact the Federal Way felony criminal attorneys at the Law Office of Jason S. Newcombe and make sure that your legal rights are being defended by a professional.

Building a defense starts by fully understanding the nature of your charges. Our Federal Way felony attorneys will help you define how the law applies to your case, and then outline the punishments that a conviction incurs.

To better understand how your case may be resolved, our Federal Way felony criminal lawyers will discuss any plea scenarios and what could happen if your case goes to trial. Our Federal Way felony criminal attorneys have more than 30 years of collective experience, so we usually have an idea of what to expect. We will help you develop a defense designed to minimize your punishments by thoroughly investigating your case.

Our Federal Way felony lawyers are familiar with the prosecutors and courts that try felony cases. Our primary goal is to ensure your legal rights are defended every step of the way, while making sure you have the opportunity to have your voice heard.

Contact our Federal Way law office for a free consultation, and start getting some reliable answers about the law. Make informed decisions regarding your felony charges with help from qualified lawyers who are eager to resolve your case in the most favorable way possible. If you retain one of our experienced Federal Way lawyers, they will pursue your legal interests and provide you with trustworthy counsel as you confront your Washington felony charge.