Seattle Criminal Defense Attorneys

Being accused of a crime will have both immediate, and lasting, repercussions. While there are varying degrees of crimes, and punishments that go along with them, all should be taken seriously. Convictions can lead to expensive fines, jail time, probation, loss of one’s driver’s license, no contact orders, and far more. Then there is the emotional strain of dealing with a criminal accusation due to damage to one’s reputation, job, and family life.

One fact prevails throughout virtually every criminal case: It makes sense to talk to qualified and experienced Seattle criminal defense lawyers that understand the law and how it applies to your particular circumstances.

Whether you admit your guilt, or you believe the charges against you are false, taking the first step toward resolving your case can be the most difficult. Still, contacting professional Seattle criminal attorneys as soon as possible to help guide you through the process is arguably one of the most important actions you will ever have to take.

Even if you think your innocence is obvious, you will not be able to appear before a judge and simply explain your situation with expectations that he will dismiss the case based on your word. The court system is not designed in this way, so the only way to ensure your side of the story gets told is with help from one of our Seattle criminal lawyers.

Even if you feel like there is no reason to challenge the charges against you, giving up is not in your best interests. Before taking any action, talk to one of our Seattle criminal attorneys without cost or obligation and find out what the repercussions will be when you ultimately make a decision. It’s highly probable that they will provide you with valuable information that you were previously unaware of.

There are very few criminal situations that our team of Seattle criminal lawyers won’t tackle. While criminal charges can be quite varied from person to person, the following is a rundown of common criminal offenses...

• DUI – Driving Under the influence in Seattle is a serious crime that can have a devastating effect on your life, your livelihood, and your family life. If you’ve been charged with a DUI, our Seattle criminal defense lawyers will aggressively defend your rights, and do everything legally possible to keep you out of jail and legally licensed to drive.
• Physical Control – This is a DUI-related crime that often causes a great deal of confusion to the accused because charges can be levied even if you weren’t behind the wheel. One of our Seattle criminal attorneys can explain these charges in detail.
• Minor DUI – While the penalties for a minor DUI in Seattle aren’t as severe as a regular DUI, the implications of a conviction are sobering. Our Seattle criminal lawyers will actively pursue preventing these charges from haunting a young person for many years to come.
• Assault – There are different degrees of assault but all are serious offenses, and could lead to a lengthy jail sentence.
• Theft and Shoplifting – Embezzlement, fraud, and retail theft are just some of the offenses that fall under this category. In these cases it pays to talk to one of our Seattle criminal attorneys as soon as you possibly can, so that they can protect your interests.
• Drug Crimes – These include everything from possession of a small amount of a controlled substance to more serious charges like intent to distribute and drug trafficking. The seriousness of these cases cannot be overstated.
• Domestic Violence – Domestic violence charges can be complicated. One of our Seattle criminal defense attorneys can help you better understand the severity of the specific charges you face.
• Sex Crimes – These cases can have a destructive affect on a person’s family life, and ruin an otherwise stellar reputation. There are also serious consequences to a conviction, so it makes sense to get help from our Seattle criminal defense lawyers if you’ve been charged with a sex crime.
• Juvenile Crimes – Getting started in life is hard enough without a criminal record haunting every action you take in the future. Our Seattle criminal lawyers understand that sometimes children make mistakes, so they go out of their way to ensure that their rights are being protected as minors.

One of the most difficult aspects of dealing with criminal charges is facing an uncertain future. The majority of people have never been charged with a crime and are surprised to discover that the judicial system is often a large uncaring machine, and that they are being chewed up and spit out by the unrelenting gears.

While some Seattle criminal defense attorneys may simply tell you what you want to hear, we will always tell you what you NEED to hear, whether it’s good news or bad news. When you have questions or concerns we will answer them quickly using whatever means of communication works best for you.

Most importantly, our Seattle criminal defense lawyers will match their efforts to your goals, whether you want your case to go to trial or not. Whatever the outcome, we will ensure that you are fully informed about your options and their consequences, so that you can make an educated and intelligent decision.

Why choose representation from our team of Seattle criminal attorneys? The Law Office of Jason S. Newcombe boasts over three decades of experience defending hard-working people from criminal charges in the Seattle area. We are a team of dedicated Seattle criminal defense attorneys that will fight for your rights and be at your side throughout every step of this difficult time in your life.

If you’ve been charged with a crime, now is the time to act and contact one of our Seattle criminal defense lawyers. You need someone with experience that you can trust to meet all of the important deadlines and time-sensitive issues that will need to be addressed with the court. Failure to do so will likely exacerbate your problems, and there is little a criminal attorney can do if you contact them too late.

We offer a free case evaluation, so that you can start getting some honest answers today that are based on the law. Taking the first step is often the most difficult, but when you begin to fully understand the criminal charges you’re facing, you will find that the path toward resolution starts to take shape.

Contact us today and find out what our team of experienced Seattle legal professionals can do on your behalf.

Have you or someone you love been arrested and charged with a crime?

Do you have questions regarding Washington state criminal charges?

There are few situations in life as scary as facing criminal charges. Suddenly, your finances, freedom, and future are on the line. Make no mistake, the penalties associated with any criminal conviction are swift and severe. Even minor offenses can mean significant repercussions. Major crimes can change your life in fundamental ways that are difficult to comprehend.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, we understand. Being arrested for a crime is embarrassing and will fill you with anxiety and fear. Right now your future is unknown, so you’re likely asking yourself what you should do next.

The answer? You need experienced legal representatives on your side. Our Seattle criminal law lawyers possess the skills, knowledge, and experience to ensure that your rights and future are protected.

If you or a loved one has been arrested for a crime, contact one of our Washington criminal lawyers immediately. Your future could depend on it.

If you’re dealing with any type of criminal matter, you will be at a disadvantage if you aren’t familiar with Washington state criminal laws. That’s why it’s imperative to hire a seasoned professional. An experienced criminal defense attorney has spent years studying the intricacies of Washington’s ever-changing criminal justice system.

Understanding what to expect can help prepare you to do whatever you can to preserve your rights and interests when they are at risk. This website offers a basic outline of how criminal proceedings work in Seattle. Of course, every case is different and your proceedings may vary accordingly.

If you or a loved one has been arrested for a crime in the state of Washington, you need a defense attorney who can effectively protect your future. With so much at stake, such as

• Jail or prison time
• Fines
• Probation
• Community Service
• Sex Offender Registration
• Loss of Drivers License

It is critical to have an attorney with the skills needed to defend your rights. Contact our Seattle criminal defense attorneys today to discuss your situation.

Did you know that the American Court system is based on the English Common Law system? The basic idea is that there are two sides, the plaintiff and the defendant, who present their arguments before an impartial judge. In a civil case, the “wronged” party is the plaintiff, and in a criminal case, the state prosecutor acts as a plaintiff on behalf of the state.

In the United States, there are more than 50 different interpretations of this basic model. Each state has its own rules and procedures. Washington state uses a three-tiered criminal court system, these are known as municipal, district, and superior courts.

A municipal court will hear cases brought by the city prosecutor in which the prosecutor alleges that a city law was broken. Cities in Washington are not required to have municipal courts, however, most larger cities and towns in western Washington do have municipal courts to ease the burden on cases heard in District Court.

The Seattle Municipal Court is a court of limited jurisdiction and handles all misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor crimes, civil infractions, and other offenses authorized under the Seattle Municipal Code and certain Revised Code of Washington Statutes.

District court, also known as “county court” is responsible for adjudicating both civil and criminal cases that violate county ordinances. District courts may also adjudicate preliminary and expedited felony charges. The King County District Court is the largest court of limited jurisdiction in the state of Washington and is currently responsible for processing approximately a quarter of a million matters per year. The District Court currently holds court and provides public access at 10 facilities located throughout King County.

A Superior Court may consider all civil and criminal matters occurring within a county's boundary. Because there is no limit on the types of civil and criminal cases heard, superior courts are called general jurisdiction courts. The King County Superior Court has exclusive jurisdiction over felony cases, family law cases, and juvenile proceedings. Superior courts also have the authority to hear cases appealed from both municipal and district courts.

Whether you find yourself charged with a DUI, a misdemeanor offense, or even need representation for a violent criminal case that could result in a felony conviction, our team of experienced Seattle criminal law attorneys is available to assist you. You want an experienced attorney who can not only help you solve your legal problem but also someone who will explain the process to you and take away some of the fear. Contact our team today and we’ll get started on your legal issues.

If you have never been arrested before, you may not fully understand Washington state criminal law and processes. You may have a number of questions, such as

• Are there any alternatives to going to court?
• Do I even need a lawyer?
• What are the possible outcomes if I’m convicted of criminal charges?
• Should I speak to the police if I’m innocent of these charges?
• When should I hire an attorney?

Our criminal defense attorneys in Seattle are here to answer them. When a person is accused of a crime, our firm of Seattle Criminal Defense Attorneys will bring all of our 50 combined years of experience and reputation to providing the most effective criminal defense possible. Our firm has the skill and experience necessary to vigorously defend our clients charged with all kinds of felonies and misdemeanors.

Our team defends clients against all criminal charges, including (but not limited to):

White Collar Crimes - White collar crimes include things such as insurance fraud, tax evasion, workers compensation fraud, extortion, embezzlement, and many more. Frequently, individuals who are prosecuted for white-collar crimes may not be aware they were involved in an illegal operation, or they were not the person responsible for organizing the crime ring or enterprise. Regardless of the reason you were charged with a white-collar criminal offense, it is important to hire an experienced attorney to help you develop your best defense against the allegations against you. All white-collar criminal charges are serious threats to your livelihood, freedom, and reputation. You will face potentially severe penalties in cases of white-collar crime convictions.

Juvenile Crimes - Parents and families are often confused about the rights of juveniles in a court of law. In severe cases of violent crime, a juvenile may be tried as an adult in the criminal justice system. A juvenile criminal record can affect a person’s future in many ways. Our team of Seattle juvenile defense attorneys recognizes that a child is one of the most vulnerable defendants and needs someone to advocate for them, and their future.

DUI - For many people, a DUI can come as a surprise. You had a few beers with friends after work and seem fine to drive. Seattle law enforcement might disagree. According to Washington state statute RCW 46.61.502

(1) A person is guilty of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, marijuana, or any drug if the person drives a vehicle within this state:
(a) And the person has, within two hours after driving, an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher as shown by analysis of the person's breath or blood made under RCW 46.61.506; or
(b) The person has, within two hours after driving, a THC concentration of 5.00 or higher as shown by analysis of the person's blood made under RCW 46.61.506; or
(c) While the person is under the influence of or affected by intoxicating liquor, marijuana, or any drug; or
(d) While the person is under the combined influence of or affected by intoxicating liquor, marijuana, and any drug.

In a DUI case, the penalties may be harsher than many people realize. It is a common conviction, but that does not mean it's not severe. Consequences can include a loss of license, financial penalties, probation, increased insurance premiums, and even jail time. It can also affect certain job opportunities, as well as your reputation. An arrest for a DUI does not mean you will be convicted of this serious crime. An experienced Seattle defense lawyer can frame a strong defense strategy while making sure your rights are protected.

Domestic Violence - When you mention Domestic violence cases, most people think of a scene from tv shows or movies where a woman with a black eye and a broken arm shows up at the ER claiming she “fell down the stairs,” while her husband looks innocently on. But the reality is quite different.

Domestic violence allegations arise from almost any situation, including heated arguments, situations where the parties are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, in child custody cases, and in divorce cases where one party is trying to gain a more favorable position. Domestic violence includes married couples, unmarried couples who live together, same-sex couples, and other family members such as aunts and uncles, cousins, and siblings. If you live in the same home, you have a domestic relationship, and can be charged with domestic violence.

Consider this section of Statute RCW 26.50.010

Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings given them:
(1) "Court" includes the superior, district, and municipal courts of the state of Washington.
(2) "Dating relationship" means a social relationship of a romantic nature. Factors that the court may consider in making this determination include: (a) The length of time the relationship has existed; (b) the nature of the relationship; and (c) the frequency of interaction between the parties.
(3) "Domestic violence" means: (a) Physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury or assault, sexual assault, or stalking as defined in RCW 9A.46.110 of one intimate partner by another intimate partner; or (b) physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury or assault, sexual assault, or stalking as defined in RCW 9A.46.110 of one family or household member by another family or household member.

If you are facing allegations of DV, you need to become familiar with the law and the consequences of a conviction of domestic violence. An experienced domestic violence criminal defense attorney can help you understand your charges and Washington state law.

Reckless Driving - The consequences for a reckless driving conviction go far beyond the typical ticket or traffic citation to include not only fines, but also the possible suspension of a driver’s license, jail time, and a criminal record that can impact future employment. A criminal traffic conviction can also cause a dramatic increase in insurance premiums. If you were given a traffic ticket for reckless driving in Seattle you should talk with a local, experienced Washington State criminal law lawyer before your court date.

Drug Charges - The state of Washington has taken a hard stance on illegal drugs and the illegal use of prescription drugs. Many drug charges now carry a mandatory minimum jail sentence. A drug conviction can also carry heavy fines. Even a minor drug offense can stay on your criminal record and affect your ability to get a job or rent an apartment. If you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony drug crime, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you gain an acquittal, dropped charges, or minimum consequences.

If the matter that you are charged with or are being investigated for is not listed in this practice area feel free to contact us and your case will receive personal attention via a free consultation.

The largest city in Washington state, Seattle needs little to no introduction to most of the country, if not the world. Located on an isthmus between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, and home to almost 4 million people, Seattle has become a hub of arts, technology, and culture on the west coast.

Seattle’s first recorded nickname, “Queen of the Pacific Northwest,” was coined in 1869. Around the turn of the century, Seattle became “The Gateway to Alaska,” due to the booming gold rush. In the 1950s the city was referred to as “Jet City,” due to the prominence of the aerospace industry, although that nickname was later officially claimed by the city of Renton. In 1975, Harper Magazine referred to Seattle as “America’s most livable city,” which became a popular moniker until 1982, when the Seattle-King County Convention and Visitors Bureau held a contest for the best nickname for the city. The grand prize winner, Sarah Sterling-Franklin, came up with “Seattle, the Emerald City. Seattle is the jewel of the Northwest, the queen of the Evergreen State, the many-faceted city of space, elegance, magic, and beauty" and The Emerald City has been the official nickname of Seattle since then.

Most people unfamiliar with Seattle history believe that the nickname has something to do with The Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum. However, all you have to do is look towards Washington state’s official nickname, “The Evergreen State,” to understand where the name Emerald City comes from.

Seattle has a temperate climate, classified as oceanic due to its cool, wet winters and mild, relatively dry summers, making it an ideal location for lush greenery to grow. The city boasts over 6,000 acres of dedicated parkland, including the popular Discovery Park. At 534 acres, Discovery Park is the largest park in the city and includes two miles of protected tidal beaches for visitors to explore.

Other popular outdoor attractions include the Seattle Great Wheel, one of the largest Ferris wheels in the United States, and Woodland Park Zoo, home to over 300 animal species from around the world.

Don’t let a criminal conviction keep you from enjoying all that the city of Seattle has to offer. Contact our Washington criminal defense attorneys today to get started with your no-cost initial consultation.

When you are facing criminal charges in Seattle, the prosecutors and police are never on your side. The only ally you have is an experienced criminal defense attorney. In fact, you should never answer any questions from a law enforcement official before securing the help of an attorney.

Whether you have been arrested and charged with a crime, are under investigation, or are concerned that a warrant has been issued for your arrest, our Seattle Criminal Defense Lawyers will help alleviate your fears, so you can face the legal facts before you with positivity.

A criminal record can haunt you for the rest of your life. Even a minor criminal charge should be handled by an experienced defense attorney. Our full-service law firm is committed to helping our clients find the best resolution in all types of criminal issues, including assault, DUI, fish & wildlife crimes, and drug possession.

Our goal is to guide you through your legal challenges so you know what to expect and can plan for a better future. We will listen to your story, provide counsel and outline a strategy focused on your best interests. Contact us today to begin your free consultation.