Seattle Superior Court

When you or your loved one faces felony charges in Seattle Superior Court, it can feel like you're lost in a maze of legal procedures, not knowing where to turn. Luckily, you can turn to our dedicated Seattle defense attorneys. With over two decades of recognized success in Western Washington, our attorneys have built strong connections within the local legal community. We have a profound understanding of both the legislative framework and the unique characteristics of local courts. Our team is ready to defend your rights and guide you through every stage of your case. We understand the gravity of your situation, and we can help you confront these serious allegations effectively.

Cases tried at Seattle Superior Court are inherently serious due to the nature of the charges involved. Typically, the court tries felonies, which are the most severe category of crimes under Washington state law. With our deep understanding of state and federal laws, we have successfully defended our clients against the following charges:

• Murder
• Manslaughter
• Rape
• Assault
• Robbery
• Burglary
• Arson
• Theft (Major)
• Kidnapping
• Drug Trafficking
• Forgery
• Identity Theft
• Auto Theft
• Money Laundering
• Human Trafficking

As experienced Seattle defense attorneys, we know the Seattle Superior Court and the tendencies of local judges and prosecutors. Our insights are pivotal in formulating a defense strategy.

If you face charges at Seattle Superior Court, here is what you can expect:

1. Booking: If law enforcement accuses you of committing a felony, the process typically begins with your arrest, followed by booking into a local Seattle jail. Officers will collect your fingerprints, take a mugshot, and enter your case into the system.
2. First Appearance/Arraignment: Within 72 hours of the arrest, you'll have your first appearance before a judge, known as an arraignment. At your arraignment, the judges formally read the charges against you, and you'll have the opportunity to enter a plea. Our Seattle defense attorneys ensure you understand your rights and the charges. We'll advise you on whether to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest based on a strategic evaluation of the case.
3. Bail Hearing: Concurrently with the arraignment, at the bail hearing, a judge determines whether they will release you from custody while awaiting trial and under what conditions. Our Seattle court lawyers argue for the most favorable bail conditions. We use our knowledge of local precedents to advocate for lower bail or release on your own recognizance.
4. Discovery: After the arraignment, the discovery phase begins, where the prosecution must share all evidence they plan to use against you. Our legal team in Seattle meticulously reviews this evidence, searching for inconsistencies or violations of your rights, such as improper search and seizure. Discoveries could lead to dismissing charges or weakening the prosecution's case.
5. Pre-Trial Motions: Before the trial, we may file several pre-trial motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss charges, and other legal arguments that could significantly impact the outcome of your case.
6. Plea Bargaining: Throughout the process, there may be opportunities to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecutor. Our expert defense attorneys negotiate these agreements to potentially reduce your charges or secure a lighter sentence.
7. Trial: If the two sides cannot reach a plea bargain, your felony case will go to trial. Trials in King County Superior Court can be before a judge or a jury. During the trial, both sides will present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and make legal arguments. Our experienced trial lawyers argue a robust defense, advocate for you, and work to achieve a favorable verdict.
8. Sentencing: If the judge convicts, they will issue a sentence, which the Washington State Sentencing Guidelines determine. Our Seattle legal team strives to achieve the most lenient sentence possible, advocating for alternatives to incarceration, like probation or treatment programs, whenever applicable.
9. Appeal: Should the outcome of your trial be unfavorable, you have the right to appeal the decision to a higher court. Our Seattle appeals team can handle the process, arguing for a reversal of the conviction or a retrial based on potential legal errors made during the trial.

Throughout each of these stages, our attorneys provide expert legal counsel grounded in 20 years of experience in Seattle and Western Washington courts. We understand the nuances of the King County Superior Court and know how to fight for a favorable outcome for your case.

As seasoned attorneys with deep roots in Seattle, our understanding of the local landscape extends beyond the legal framework. We're as familiar with the ins and outs of the King County Superior Courthouse as we are with the iconic Space Needle and the historic Pike Place Market. Our team has built legal relationships not only within the confines of the courtroom but also by participating in community events like the Seattle Marathon and cheering on the Seahawks at Lumen Field. We've discussed case strategies over coffee in the bustling ambiance of Pioneer Square and have celebrated case victories at Gas Works Park. Whether taking a contemplative stroll through the Seattle Japanese Garden or attending a concert at the Benaroya Hall, we are a part of the community.

Being local gives our defense team insights into the legal preferences of judges and prosecutors in the Seattle Superior Court, so we know how to win cases. For 20 years, our firm has been vigorously defending clients throughout Western Washington, mastering the complexities of the local court system.

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, don't hesitate. Call us now for a free consultation. We truly believe every case sent to Seattle Superior Court can be challenged. Our knowledgeable attorneys are committed to finding that way.

The criminal division of the King County Criminal Court handles jury trials, bonds, and pleas for cases involving serious crimes. If you’re facing serious criminal charges, then it is vital that you have professional legal representation from qualified Seattle Superior Court lawyers that can protect your rights and help you mitigate the damage that a conviction will cause.

When faced with the prospect of serious jail time, it’s comforting to know that you have someone in your corner who won’t judge you and will ensure that your side of the story gets told. Obviously, the number one goal of our Seattle Superior Court attorneys is to have the charges against you dismissed, but when this is not possible they will aggressively defend your interests and fight to have the penalties you face reduced.

Sometimes, our Seattle Superior Court criminal lawyers can work out a plea arrangement with the prosecution, and for many this is a favorable outcome. If you are innocent of the charges against you and want to take your case to court, our Seattle Superior Court attorneys will be at your side throughout the process, offering you valuable counsel and a listening ear.

Many people that are charged with a serious crime have little to no knowledge about the punishments they face, or how the process will unfold. Before you can build a quality defense to criminal charges you need to get help understanding the details of your crime from qualified Seattle Superior Court criminal attorneys with real-world experience.

As the process unfolds and your Seattle Superior Court criminal lawyers gather evidence regarding your case, they will seek to uncover ways to challenge the charges against you so that it’s possible to negotiate with the prosecution or design a convincing case to present to a jury. Much depends on how quickly you act from the outset, because it takes time to build a defense and it’s always better to get a head start.

You can start getting answers now by contacting one of our Seattle Superior Court lawyers to discuss your case. Whether you have a loved one that’s been charged with a serious crime, or you are suddenly facing the prospect of a life-changing criminal conviction, we will provide you with the information you need to take the next step.

If you retain the services of one of our legal professionals, they will defend your rights every step of the way, and make sure that you are always kept abreast of every detail that could affect your fate.