Mukilteo Criminal Law Lawyers

Have you or someone you love been arrested and charged with a crime. If so, you are likely dealing with a great deal of worry and wondering what you should do next. Remember, a criminal arrest is the beginning of a lengthy process. The first thing you should do is contact a qualified attorney. In the meantime, do not talk to the police or prosecutors, even if they promise you leniency. When they tell you that “anything you say may be used against you,” they aren’t kidding.

Obviously, being charged with a crime is not a matter to take lightly. If you have been arrested then you may be facing steep fines or worse yet, jail time. Our Mukilteo criminal defense lawyers fully understand the negative impact such penalties can have on your life. In addition to fines and possible jail or prison time, you may face the lasting criticism and judgment of your friends, family, peers, and colleagues. You may also have difficulty obtaining employment, as you will have to disclose your criminal conviction on employment applications.

Our team of qualified, legal professionals has over 50 combined years of experience handling cases exactly like yours. We understand that everyone who has been charged with a crime is under a great deal of stress and pressure. Our attorneys recognize that you are in crisis and we are here to advocate for you accordingly. We will listen to your version of the events that lead to your arrest and, most importantly, we will make sure your story is heard by the persons prosecuting your case.

For every client we make sure to;

• Seek your release from custody
• Return your calls
• Thoroughly explain all charges and the legal process
• Listen to you and understand your goals
• Analyze all evidence
• Speak to any witnesses
• Fight aggressively for you in court
• Work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you

Fighting your charges may seem daunting, but cases are won, charges are overturned, and people walk free out of the courtroom every day. Right now, you’re likely asking:

• Can my charges be expunged by the court?
• Will I have to go to jail?
• Can I avoid acquiring a criminal record?
• How much does it cost to expunge a DUI?

Being charged with a crime does not mean you’re going to jail. You are innocent until proven guilty, and the goal of our Washington state criminal defense attorneys is always to defend your innocence, protect your rights, and fight to keep your record clean. You deserve nothing less. Call us today for your free initial consultation.

Now that you know how our WA State criminal lawyers can help you, you should understand where your hearings might take place. Depending on what criminal charge you are facing in Mukilteo, there are three different locations that your case may be heard in, Municipal Court, District Court, or Superior Court. Each of these courts has jurisdiction over certain types of cases, although occasionally the jurisdiction will overlap, and your case may be able to be heard in multiple courts.

The Snohomish County District Court-Everett Division, located in Everett, serves as both the Municipal and District court for Mukilteo. If you have been charged with violating either a county or a state law in Mukilteo, this is the court where you will have to appear. This court is responsible for adjudicating simple misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor charges, as well as infractions (including non-criminal traffic violations).

Simple Misdemeanors might include

• Prostitution
• Shoplifting
• Trespassing

Penalties for simple misdemeanors can carry a maximum of 90 days in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.

Gross Misdemeanors might include

• DUI (if it’s your first offense)
• 4th Degree Assault
• Unlawful Hunting of Wild Animals in the first degree.

Penalties for gross misdemeanors carry a maximum of 364 days in jail and up to $5,000 in fines.

The Snohomish County Superior Court, also located in Everett, are trial courts of general jurisdiction, which means that they have the authority to adjudicate cases of all kinds, not just criminal but civil, family, and probate as well. The Superior court has exclusive jurisdiction over felony cases and may act as a Court of Appeals for cases from Municipal and District court.

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.

Regardless of the criminal charges you’re facing, you can rely on our Mukilteo criminal law attorneys to protect your rights and freedom. Our lawyers are experienced in representing defendants at all stages of the legal process from arrest to trial. If you have been charged with a criminal offense, we will work to see that all of your rights are protected and will make your best interests our top priority.

All criminal charges should be treated seriously. The repercussions can have lasting negative effects on one’s future, educational prospects, career growth, and reputation. An experienced criminal law attorney can help find details surrounding your case that can be used to your advantage and weaken the prosecution's case against you.

Our Washington state criminal defense lawyers will take a proactive approach. We will gather evidence, investigate the situation, and work within the community on your behalf. Our team has the resources and knowledge to prepare your defense case. Your Washington criminal lawyer cares about the end result as much as you do. We always aggressively fight to ensure our clients are treated fairly.

Facing criminal charges is no small matter. When your future is on the line, it’s overwhelming to have to figure out what your next steps are and how to begin fighting your charges. You will probably have a lot of questions like

• Should I hire an attorney?
• Will I have to appear in court?
• Is there a difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
• What am I being charged with?
• Can I make a plea deal?

We are here to serve as a resource as well as legal defense. Our goal is to empower you to be an active participant during every step of the process. We strive to achieve that goal through transparency, listening, and education.

Listed below are just a few of the charges our experienced Mukilteo criminal lawyers have handled. If you don’t see your charge listed below, please contact us to assess whether we can help your case.

DUI - Any charges related to impairment in a vehicle are harshly litigated in Washington. Most people are aware that the legal limit for your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is .08%, but did you know that if you refuse a breathalyzer test or test higher than .15% you can receive more severe punishment, even if it’s your first offense? The penalties if you are convicted of driving under the influence can include a large fine, probation, court-ordered alcohol treatment, loss or suspension of your driver’s license, and if the conviction is for a felony DUI, a prison sentence. Hiring an experienced Mukilteo criminal defense lawyer will significantly increase your chances of seeing a positive outcome for these charges.

Domestic Violence (DV) - A domestic violence charge can be filed in any alleged crime against a family member or other person who shares the home with you. The crime itself is not domestic violence, it’s the perpetrator’s relationship to the victim that determines whether a crime is domestic violence.

Washington state statute puts forth that for the purposes of DV "family or household members" means spouses, former spouses, persons who have a child in common regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time, adult persons related by blood or marriage, adult persons who are presently residing together or who have resided together in the past, persons sixteen years of age or older who are presently residing together or who have resided together in the past and who have or have had a dating relationship, persons sixteen years of age or older with whom a person sixteen years of age or older has or has had a dating relationship, and persons who have a biological or legal parent-child relationship, including stepparents and stepchildren and grandparents and grandchildren.

Malicious Mischief - You may be asking yourself, what is malicious mischief? Simply put, malicious mischief is knowingly and maliciously causing physical damage to another person’s property. There are three levels of Malicious Mischief charges

• Malicious Mischief in the First Degree is a class B felony. It is charged when
  • physical damage exceeds $5,000
  • physically damaging or tampering with an emergency vehicle or property of the state, a political subdivision thereof, or a public utility or mode of public transportation, power, or communication
  • Causes an impairment of the safety, efficiency, or operation of an aircraft by physically damaging or tampering with the aircraft or aircraft equipment, fuel, lubricant, or parts
• Malicious Mischief in the Second Degree is a class C felony. It is charged when
  • physical damage has occurred that costs between $750 to $5,000.
• Malicious Mischief in the Third Degree is a gross misdemeanor. It is charged when
  • physical damage has occurred that costs up to $750
  • The alleged perpetrator writes, paints, or draws any inscription, figure, or mark of any type on any public or private building or other structure or any real or personal property owned by any other person unless the person has obtained the express permission of the owner or operator of the property, under circumstances not amounting to malicious mischief in the first or second degree.

Minor DUI - If you are under age 21 and are either driving or in physical control of a motor vehicle with a breath or blood alcohol content of 0.02 – 0.079 within 2 hours of the time of the incident, you can be arrested and charged with “Driver under twenty-one consuming alcohol,” also known as “minor DUI.” An arrest for a "minor DUI" triggers a mandatory license suspension of at least 90 days by the Department of Licensing. No matter how seemingly simple or overwhelmingly complex your case is, you should take the time to consult with our knowledgeable Mukilteo criminal defense lawyers.

No Contact Order Violation - In Washington State, a No Contact Order is likely to be issued by the court after an arrest for domestic violence. However, a No Contact Order can be issued in any case that has a victim. Contact, in this charge, does not specifically refer to physical contact. The end result of such an action is described in statute RCW 26.50.110 as follows:

• (i) The restraint provisions prohibiting acts or threats of violence against, or stalking of, a protected party, or restraint provisions prohibiting contact with a protected party

Most No Contact Order violations stem from electronic communication, such as a phone call, text, email, or social media message. Each communication can be treated as a separate violation and separate criminal charge. Sometimes, contact with the complaining witness is the result of an accident or honest mistake. A skilled lawyer will know the ins-and-outs of Washington's laws and be able to help you fight this charge.

While these charges are serious, we want you to rest assured that your future is in experienced hands. Given the potential for long sentences, heavy fines, and other negative consequences, you should never face criminal charges without a capable defense attorney at your side. Our Mukilteo criminal law attorneys are committed to getting the best outcome to your case, whether that involves the dismissal of charges, reduced charges, or taking your case to trial.

Your Washington State criminal law lawyer will not charge anything for an initial consultation, so you risk nothing by setting up a meeting with us and learning about your options.

Mukilteo is located on the Puget Sound between Edmonds and Everett, approximately 25 miles north of Seattle. The name is a translation of the Indian word Muckl-Te-Oh. Some say the word translates into long gooseneck, possibly referring to the spit of land where the lighthouse stands today. Others claim the interpretation means good camping ground.

The Snohomish had a year-round village in the area for at least 600 years before the arrival of European and American explorers in the 19th century. Today, Mukilteo is a bedroom community with a small job base centered around manufacturing industries. It is also a major transportation hub, with connections to Whidbey Island via the Washington State Ferries system, Sounder commuter trains to Seattle, and public transit services to nearby cities.

The city is home to over 600 acres of public parks, including the popular Mukilteo Lighthouse Park. This park, formerly known as Mukilteo State Park, is home to the historic Mukilteo Light Station and is available for touring and special events. Lighthouse Park is also home to The Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival, a three-day jubilee featuring a parade, fireworks, a fishing derby, and fun runs.

If indoor pursuits are more your speed, Mukilteo is also home to the attraction Boeing Future of Flight. This is the only place in the United States where you can tour a commercial jet assembly plant. There are also several permanent exhibitions, covering topics like future travel, spacecraft, and sustainable aviation fuels.

Did you know that a felony drug-conviction will prevent you from leaving on a jet plane? Having your passport privileges revoked is just one of the many penalties you can face if you’re convicted of a crime. Call our Mukilteo criminal defense attorneys today so we can work on a plan to protect your freedom.

How a Mukilteo Criminal Law Lawyer Can Help You Partnering with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Mukilteo may mean the difference between receiving harsh penalties or dismissed and reduced charges, depending on why you were investigated, arrested, or charged with a crime.

Listed below are just a few examples of cases our Washington state criminal defense lawyers have experience with.

• Assault
• Criminal Trespass
• Domestic Violence
• Drug Possession
• DUI
• Harassment
• Juvenile Cases
• Negligent Driving
• No Contact Order Violation

If you have been investigated, arrested, or charged with a criminal offense, do not face the judge without an experienced Mukilteo defense attorney by your side. We will ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process while pursuing the best outcome available for your unique circumstances.

You do not have to go through this along. Call us today for your free initial consultation and make sure you have a legal team fighting to ensure your Constitutional rights are fully protected.