Seattle Criminal Defense Lawyers
Seattle, the fastest-growing major city in the United States, is located on the coast of Washington state and serves as the county seat for King County. The city’s main harbor is Elliott Bay, a part of Puget Sound, and its climate is oceanic and rainy, with warm Mediterranean summers. Over the course of its history, Seattle has been known for logging, jazz and grunge music, and for hosting technology corporations. Currently, Seattle is a hub for green industry and sustainable development. Like other cities in the United States, its judicial system oversees many criminal cases. Offenses involving sexual or emotional intimacy require particular care from an experienced criminal defense lawyer. This is partly because charges of sex crimes and domestic violence carry a stigma that can change the course of your life in Seattle. If you are facing prosecution, seek advice from Vindicate Criminal Law Group in protecting your rights.
Sex Crimes And Domestic Violence
Sex offenses cover a broad range of illegal conduct involving sexual contact or sexual intercourse, including but extending well beyond rape.
Unlike some states, which have a single statutory rape law dealing with sex with minors, in Washington, there are three degrees of rape of a child and three degrees of child molestation. Consent is not a defense, in contrast to rape involving adults. First-degree rape of a child occurs when the victim is a minor who is 11 years old or younger, and the perpetrator of sexual intercourse is at least two years older than the victim. As with other types of rape, sexual intercourse is defined as penetration, even to a slight degree, with a body part or object. The punishment for first-degree rape of a child conviction is up to life in prison, a fine of $50,000 or both. First-degree child molestation happens when there is any sort of sexual contact between a victim who is 11 years old or younger and a perpetrator who is at least three years older. Sexual contact is the touching of another person’s intimate parts in order to cause sexual gratification. Like first-degree rape of a child, the punishment is up to life in prison, a fine of up to $50,000 or both of these.
If you are convicted of a serious sex crime, you will not only face jail time and fines but you will also have to register in the state’s sex offender database. This is accessible to the public, including potential employers. You will have prohibitions on where you live and work, and you will have to maintain your registration and let the state of Washington know where you are.
Similarly, if you are accused of a domestic violence felony or misdemeanor, you should be aware that the state takes these charges seriously, and the prosecution may be zealous in pursuing them. In general, domestic violence cases are those that turn on improper conduct, such as stalking or physical assault within a certain family or household relationship as defined by RCW 10.99.020 and RCW 26.50.010.
If you are convicted of a simple misdemeanor domestic violence charge, you are usually placed on probation for two years and may have to spend up to 90 days in jail or pay a $1,000 fine. Those convicted of gross misdemeanors can be punished with up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine. A felony domestic violence conviction can result in devastating consequences. At their most serious, these crimes are charged as Class A or B felonies, which can lead to a life sentence in prison.
Our Seattle Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Defend You Against The Following Charges
Vindicate Criminal Law Group provides comprehensive defense representation across a wide range of criminal matters in Seattle. Our experienced attorneys can help with:
- Drug crimes: Defending against charges involving possession, distribution, manufacturing, or trafficking of controlled substances, including marijuana, cocaine, heroin and prescription medications
- DUI: Representing clients facing driving under the influence charges, including first-time offenses, repeat violations, and cases involving accidents or injuries
- Sex crimes: Handling sensitive cases involving rape, sexual assault, child molestation, possession of child pornography and other sexual offenses that carry severe penalties and lifelong consequences
- Domestic violence: Defending against assault, stalking, and harassment charges involving family members, intimate partners, or household relationships
- White collar crimes: Representing clients accused of fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, tax evasion and other financial crimes that often involve complex evidence
- Juvenile crimes: Protecting the rights of minors facing criminal charges while working to minimize the impact on their future opportunities and education
- Felonies: Defending serious criminal charges that carry potential prison sentences exceeding one year, including violent crimes and property offenses
- Theft: Handling cases involving shoplifting, burglary, robbery, identity theft and other property crimes with varying degrees of severity
- Federal crimes: Representing clients in federal court for offenses that cross state lines or violate federal statutes, requiring knowledge of federal criminal procedure
These diverse criminal matters require skilled legal representation to achieve favorable outcomes for our clients.
How To Choose A Seattle Criminal Defense Attorney
Selecting the right criminal defense attorney requires careful evaluation of several important factors that can significantly impact your case outcome. Begin by researching online reviews on platforms like Yelp and Google Reviews to understand previous clients’ experiences with potential attorneys.
Look for recognition through professional awards such as Super Lawyers, which requires attorneys to demonstrate excellence through peer nominations and independent research evaluation. This prestigious designation recognizes only the top five percent of lawyers in each state and indicates proven legal ability.
Evaluate the attorney’s specific experience with your type of criminal case, as different offenses require different defense strategies. Review case results and success stories, though remember that past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Consider whether the firm offers free consultations, which allow you to discuss your case without financial commitment and evaluate the attorney’s communication style. Ask about their trial experience, as many criminal cases benefit from attorneys who are comfortable in courtroom proceedings.
Discuss Your Charges With A Seattle Sex Criminal Defense Lawyer
Prosecutors may continue to pursue domestic violence or sex crimes claims even when a victim drops the complaint. Both the defendant and his or her family can suffer substantially in these cases. If you are facing prosecution in Seattle, you should retain an experienced sex offenses attorney who understands the dynamics involved in intimate relationships. At Vindicate Criminal Law Group, we are aware that these cases often turn on the credibility of witnesses and the ability to raise reasonable doubt and tell your side of the story in a compelling way. Contact us today for your confidential case evaluation or call 360-602-3329.
Vindicate Criminal Law Group
600 University Street
Suite 3010
Seattle, WA 98101
Phone: 360-602-3329