Issaquah Criminal Attorneys

If you, or a loved one, have been charged with a crime, or are facing criminal charges of any kind in Issaquah or the surrounding areas, it is imperative that you hire a skilled criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after an arrest. Our Issaquah criminal law lawyers are here to help guide you through the entire process, starting with our absolutely free consultation.

If you or a loved one is facing the realities of a possible criminal conviction, you’re likely experiencing a fair amount of trauma. The very real threat of losing your freedom and repercussions that could include losing your job and the impacts on your family cannot be understated. We understand what you’re going through, and we are here to help. Our experienced WA State lawyers can help you take the first step, which is almost always the most difficult.

Our team of qualified, legal professionals have over 50 combined years of experience handling cases exactly like yours. Allow us to walk you through every step of this process, starting with the initial, free, consultation. We are here to answer any questions you have about the charges themselves, how to possibly get them dropped, what your legal rights are, and how to protect them. It can be scary trying to navigate criminal charges and the intricacies of Washington State Law. Let our team of Issaquah criminal defense attorneys help you to overcome the many obstacles the legal system will throw at you.

At our law firm, we specialize in defending a wide variety of criminal offenses, including

• DUIs
• Drug crimes
• Theft
• Domestic Violence
• Felonies
• Assault

The punishments for these crimes, if convicted, can include

• Jail Time
• Probation
• Loss of License
• Fines
• Prison
• Registering as a Sex Offender

If you find yourself facing any of these or similar charges, our Issaquah criminal lawyers are ready and available to help. We understand the rights of the criminally accused, as well as the high stakes involved for defendants and their families. We don't back down from a fight and we promise to do everything the law allows to protect your constitutional rights, your freedom, and your personal interests.

Right now, you may be asking:

• Should I hire an attorney?
• Can I fight a bogus criminal charge?
• Can I have a criminal charge expunged from my record?
• Where is the best place to learn about the charges I currently face?

Navigating a criminal charge is a complex and, oftentimes confusing ordeal. You will have to deal with the many layers of government, including the police, the bail-bondsman, court marshals, and the judges. If you have been charged, you will need to know how to deal with the arrest, detention, bond/bail, arraignment, jail, court hearings, and possibly a trial.

An attorney who is familiar with the Washington State criminal courts, agencies, procedures and various legal defenses can help protect your rights and make sure that your case has the best possible outcome.

The cornerstone of our law firm is our desire to maintain a practice that is solely dedicated to providing our clients with skilled and experienced legal representation in criminal matters. Our team of experienced Washington State criminal attorneys will work hard to create a solid strategy based on your unique circumstances. We always work towards resolving your case with the best possible result as our number-one goal..

In Washington, there are three different types of courts in which a person accused of a crime may end up. To determine what court will handle your case, consider what law the government alleges that you have broken. Depending on the nature of your crime, you may end up in Municipal Court, District Court, or Superior Court.

Each of these courts has limited jurisdiction and can only hear certain cases. In some instances their jurisdiction overlaps and your case may be able to be heard in more than one court.

The Issaquah Municipal Court, located in the Olde Town section of Issaquah, serves the city of Issaquah as well as North Bend and Snoqualmie. Municipal Courts are courts of limited jurisdiction like state District Courts, but Municipal Courts may not hear civil lawsuits. A Municipal Court may only consider and has exclusive jurisdiction over non-criminal traffic citations, as well as misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor crimes that occur within a city's boundary.

Misdemeanor offenses include:

• Trespassing
• Shoplifting
• Assault
• Disorderly conduct
• Prostitution

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

Gross misdemeanors might include:

• DUI
• Theft of property worth no more than $750
• Violating certain provisions in a domestic violence protective order
• Negligent Driving
• Cruelty to Animals

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.

The King County District Court, or county court as it is commonly referred to, is the largest and most powerful court in the county, and is located in Bellevue. The district court hears two different types of cases, civil cases and criminal cases. As a court of limited jurisdiction, the District Court is responsible for the following types of matters:

• Anti-harassment orders
• Infractions (traffic, non-traffic and parking)
• Misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor criminal cases
• Domestic violence protection orders

The court may also hear preliminary or expedited felony cases. In a preliminary felony case, the court will determine bail, or whether the charges will necessitate further proceedings in the state superior court. State law violations can carry with them a wide range of punishment including fines, probation, jail or prison.

The King County Superior Court is located in downtown Seattle, and has exclusive jurisdiction over felony cases, estate and probate matters, family law cases (including divorces and child custody hearings), and juvenile proceedings.

Felony crimes are much more serious than misdemeanors and include such offenses as rape, armed robbery, burglary, and sales or distribution of illegal drugs.

• Class A felonies, which are the most serious, are punishable by prison sentences which can include life, as well as fines of up to $50,000, or both.
• Class B felonies carry penalties of up to 10 years in a state correctional facility and fines of up to $20,000, or both.
• Class C felonies are punishable by up to 5 years in a state correctional facility and up to $10,000 in fines, or both.

The Superior court may also hear cases involving violations of City law that have been appealed from a Municipal or District Court. If a defendant chooses to appeal a case that was previously decided in a Municipal or District Court the Superior court will hear the case and is not beholden to the Municipal or District Court’s decision. These cases include infractions and misdemeanors.

Whether you are faced with a misdemeanor or felony charge, your future can be seriously impacted by a criminal conviction. Such a conviction can affect future job prospects, student loans, and even housing. Those individuals that are charged with a crime deserve to have a Issaquah criminal defense attorney who will doggedly fight for and protect their rights.

If you’re arrested, should you talk to the police?

In short, no. If you have been arrested, charged or are under investigation for a criminal offense in Issaquah, it is crucial to know your rights. You are innocent until proven guilty and you have the right to be represented by a lawyer. Never agree to be questioned or interviewed by law enforcement without first consulting with an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

When should you contact a qualified Washington criminal lawyer?

If you have been through your arraignment but haven’t yet secured council, now is the time to contact our Issaquah Criminal Attorneys. Even if you’ve already been assigned a public defender, it’s not too late to get our expert, professional assistance for your case.

The first step you take is our absolutely free consultation. After that, our expert legal team works to start building your case. Some of the steps we will take to build your case include

• Interviews with you and all witnesses involved
• Examining all the evidence in the case
• Protection and guidance with federal and state criminal investigations
• Keep track of court dates, and timely filing deadlines

We protect our clients during every stage of the legal process, from the beginning of a criminal investigation to final resolution of the case. We will continue to fight for you to ensure justice is served.

Our Issaquah Criminal Defense Attorneys handle all types of criminal proceedings, from misdemeanors to felonies, at every level of Washington’s court systems. Some of the charges we have helped fight include

• DUI Washington’s DUI laws forbid a person from operating or being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle
  1. With a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .08% or higher
  2. With a THC concentration of 5 nanograms or more per milliliter of blood or
  3. While under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or marijuana.

   “Actual physical control” of a vehicle requires a person to be able to control the mechanics of the vehicle. The vehicle does not have to be moving or even running. DUI offenses based on impairment (drugs or alcohol), THC concentration, and BACs under .15% typically carry the lowest penalties. DUI offenders who refused chemical testing (blood or breath) in violation of Washington’s implied consent laws or had a BAC of .15% or greater generally face more severe consequences.

• Negligent Driving Negligent driving first degree is described by statute as follows:

(1)(a) A person is guilty of negligent driving in the first degree if he or she operates a motor vehicle in a manner that is both negligent and endangers or is likely to endanger any person or property, and exhibits the effects of having consumed liquor or marijuana or any drug or exhibits the effects of having inhaled or ingested any chemical, whether or not a legal substance, for its intoxicating or hallucinatory effects.

Negligent Driving is a gross misdemeanor and being charged with this offense is different from other drunk driving offenses, because it is often up to the discretion of the police officer who initially pulled you over. According to Washington Statute, “negligent" means the failure to exercise ordinary care, and is the doing of some act that a reasonably careful person would not do under the same or similar circumstances or the failure to do something that a reasonably careful person would do under the same or similar circumstances.

Obviously, the arresting officer can use a lot of personal discretion when charging someone with this crime. Our experienced team knows the intricacies of this law and will fight to reduce the sentence or get the charges dropped altogether.

• Domestic Violence This crime is on the rise in King County and all over the country in 2020. Traditionally, domestic violence was considered to be between a man and wife, however, the law has been broadened to include criminal acts against siblings, your children, your parents, step-parents, ex-girlfriend, friends,domestic partners and more. A criminal domestic violence charge has serious repercussions, both legally and socially.
• Theft There are three different degrees of theft, which differentiate the seriousness of the offenses
  1. First degree, the most severe Theft charge, is a Class B Felony, and carries penalties of up to 10 years in jail and/or a fine of up to $20,000.
  2. Second degree theft is charged as a Class C Felony and carries penalties of up to 5 years in jail and/or a fine up to $10,000.
  3. Third degree theft is categorized as a gross misdemeanor and carries penalties up to 1 year in prison and/or a fine up to $5,000.

Additional penalties for theft can include providing restitution to the victims, community service, and/or probation. Because of the negative consequences associated with a criminal conviction, it is vital that you seek the help of an experienced attorney when facing such a charge.

• Sex Crimes Sex Crimes are no longer limited to just rape, the term under Washington State Law now encompasses other charges such as child molestation, indecent exposure, child pornography, revenge pornography, and others.These crimes lead to significant punishments including jail time and being listed on a sex offender registry. A defendant charged with an alleged sex crime should seek the assistance of an experienced Washington State criminal law attorney.

The potential consequences of a Washington State criminal conviction can be extremely serious and may affect your life for years to come. People who are found guilty of even relatively minor offenses can face probation, significant fines, court supervision, and jail time. Fortunately for defendants, the assistance of an experienced Issaquah criminal defense lawyer can often help avoid these consequences and may even result in your case being dropped or dismissed. Take the first step today, and contact us for a free consultation about your case.

Issaquah is considered part of the Seattle metropolitan area, situated in King County, Washington. Originally settled in the late 1800’s as a mining town, Issaquah has been home to Boeing, Microsoft, and most recently, Costco’s global headquarters.

Issaquah is surrounded on three sides by what are known locally as the Issaquah Alps: Cougar Mountain to the west, Squak Mountain to the south, and Tiger Mountain to the southeast. All three of these mountains offer hiking trails and other outdoor activities for adventurous visitors, including paragliding and hang gliding.

The city itself is situated in a valley, and benefits from this with it’s moderate, if wet, weather. Winters can be chilly and extremely rainy, but summers are mildly humid and moderate in temperature. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 35°F to 77°F and is rarely below 25°F or above 87°F.

Popular Issaquah activities include Issaquah Salmon Days a a festival held in October every year featuring sporting events, live music and vendors, Cougar Mountain Zoo home to the only Bengal tigers in Washington state, and Gilman Village, a specialty shopping center created from rescued buildings dating back to the origins of the Issaquah community.

Going to the zoo is a great way to spend the day with your family. A criminal conviction could very well mean missing out on special moments such as these. Don’t take any chances with your freedom. Contact us today and let our experience work to ensure your rights are protected.

Facing criminal charges can be frightening, and you’ll need help from an experienced Washington State criminal defense attorney. A great criminal defense lawyer needs expertise in many areas, and our skillful Issaquah criminal law lawyers cover them all. Our experienced team will make sure your rights are protected during every stage of the legal process.

As soon as you’re detained by the law, those who wish to prove your guilt will begin trying to get you to incriminate yourself. Say nothing, and contact our Issaquah Criminal Law experts for legal advice and a free consultation. Don’t wait when your future is at stake.

At the Law Offices of Issaquah criminal attorney Jason S. Newcombe, we know that being charged with a crime is difficult and frightening. We understand what you’re going through – and we have the skills and experience necessary to help your legal situation and bring you back to your normal life as soon as possible.

If you have been charged with a crime, you should know that accepting the charges is not your only option. Our Issaquah criminal lawyers will be able to offer you a number of options with the goal of having the charges against you dropped or reduced. No case is hopeless, and we are prepared to help you and your family through this difficult time and fight for your rights in court.

You – as an accused individual – are entitled to a number of rights by the Washington State and US Constitutions. You may feel that you were pressured to make statements against yourself or your friends without an attorney present. You Issaquah criminal lawyers will be able to help you through the questioning process and guide you through the legal system, addressing all of your concerns and looking out for your best interests.

The right time to hire an Issaquah criminal lawyer is before you even speak to the police. Many of our clients come to us after having made incriminating statements, after having confessed, or even after pleading guilty to a crime. Reversing a guilty plea is quite difficult in Washington State, and calling an attorney before you even speak to law enforcement prevents you from making any omissions in front of police.

Our Issaquah criminal lawyers offer the most complete and professional legal services with over 30 years of experience fighting for our clients’ rights in court. We take a team approach to each case, working together to build an aggressive defense that meets your exact needs. We handle each case with complete respect for our clients and without negative judgment. Because we believe that everyone deserves a second chance and a great defense, we offer low flat rate fees and flexible payment plans.

Our Issaquah criminal defense team is experienced in handling many misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

• Driving-related matters - including DUI, driving with a suspended license, hit-and-run, and reckless or negligent driving
• Minor issues - including possession of alcohol and minor drunk driving
• Disorderly conduct
• Possession of marijuana
• Reckless endangerment
• Protection and no-contact order violations
• Theft and shoplifting
• Prostitution and solicitation
• Criminal trespass
• Fraud and forgery
• Harassment and assault (including domestic violence)
• Malicious mischief (including domestic violence)

For more information on how we can help you, contact us online or call us today.