Accused of Crime?

Driving Under the Influence

Busted? I will defend you when you are accused of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor and/or drugs, deferred prosecutions of DUI offenses, domestic violence (assault) and most other misdemeanor charges. I will also defend you in select felony cases.

DUI is one of the only crimes that doesn't require the defendant to have criminal intent to be found guilty. If the State or City can prove your breath test was .08 or over, you can be found guilty. The DUI law is also unusual insofar as the law imposes strict mandatory minimum sentences for commission of the crime which the sentencing Judge has no discretion to suspend or defer. It also carries with it severe restrictions or limitations on your privilege to drive a motor vehicle in the State of Washington, sometimes even based solely upon the law enforcement officer's written report and regardless of the outcome of the criminal case. Although DUI is still classified as a "gross misdemeanor" in the State of Washington, the penalties associated with it often times have more wide-ranging impact on a person's life than conviction of certain felonies. Deferred prosecution is still a valuable option in dealing with certain DUI's, so long as the defendant has never utilized the option before. You need an attorney if you are charged with DUI. Give us a call.

Domestic Violence Related Crimes

These crimes include Assault in the 4th Degree, Violation of an Order of Protection, Malicious Mischief and others allegedly committed between spouses, family members or others with whom you have resided. The criminal justice system is now devoting a huge amount of its resources to successfully prosecuting crimes involving domestic violence. Now, simple disputes between family members that escalate are being seriously investigated and charged criminally. Law enforcement officers are more likely to refer these types of cases to the Prosecutor and the Prosecutor is more likely to file them than in the past. The alleged victim of such a crime loses their ability to "call off the dogs" once these cases are filed as a result. This is where my experience in family law will also be beneficial to persons accused of these crimes, as they usually also involve related Petitions for domestic violence Orders of Protection and other civil family law cases

Felonies

You also need an attorney if you are charged with any felony offense. If you are charged with a crime out of Superior Court, as opposed to District or Municipal Court, you are charged with a felony. The seriousness and legal consequences of these offenses are significantly greater than most misdemeanors.

Attorney's Fees

I charge a variable fixed free for all routine criminal defense work. The fee is variable, depending upon how the client chooses to resolve the case. I will charge substantially less for a case that is resolved on an "agreed disposition" or "plea bargain" than I will for a case where my client desires to take his or her case to the jury. However, the fixed fee is converted to an hourly fee, with an additional lump-sum retainer if the matter goes to trial. An initial retainer is usually required to be paid up front, with agreed upon payments for the balance of the account. Generally, the fees charged for misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor cases are substantially less than fees charged for felony cases. These arrangements are all reduced to writing in plain language and agreed upon prior to taking the case. Please call and make an appointment to discuss any questions you may have about my attorney's fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: I was arrested last night for DUI. I blew a .22, so I must have been really drunk. Although I must say that I didn't really feel affected by the alcohol I had to drink. Should I plead guilty at the arraignment and just get it over with?

Answer: NO! When you are arrested for a crime, you merely stand accused of committing that crime. You are not automatically guilty just because some law enforcement officer accuses you of a crime. You are presumed not guilty until either you admit guilt by pleading guilty or until you are found guilty by a Judge or jury. You should plead "not guilty" at the arraignment just because some Prosecutor decided he or she had enough evidence to charge the case. You will have plenty of time and will be afforded plenty of information and opportunity to secure legal advice until you are faced with the decision whether to either take your chances with a jury or plead guilty. In the DUI context, you might also be eligible for the deferred prosecution alternative where you trade alcohol treatment in return for a dismissal of the charges against you. There is too much at stake here. Your license to drive a motor vehicle. Your personal freedom. Your job. Sometimes even your marriage and family.

More Information

You can find more information in our DUI & Criminal Defense archive.