(360) 876-1879 Having criminal charges brought against you may be one of the most difficult experiences you will ever face. Your life can be affected for many years to come, even if you are not guilty of any crime.
We can help protect your rights and defend against all types of criminal charges. With more than 15 years of experience, there are no criminal cases we haven’t dealt with. We can ably represent you against both misdemeanor and felony charges.
For help with effectively defending your rights and pursuing a positive case outcome, seek representation from a skilled defense attorney. Once retained, a qualified Kitsap criminal defense lawyer could focus on your case and work tirelessly on your behalf to protect your freedom.
If police violated your constitutional rights during their investigation, any evidence they obtained is not admissible in court. We can help you determine whether your constitutional rights were violated during the criminal processing of your case.
Prosecutors must prove every charge against you beyond a reasonable doubt. Our team could help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the criminal process. Our attorneys are experienced in exploiting weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and could help refute the allegations brought against you.
Classifications of Criminal Offenses under State Law
There are generally three classifications of criminal offenses in Kitsap: misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and felonies. The difference between these classifications is the maximum penalties a court could impose upon conviction.
According to Revised Code of Washington §9A.20.010(2)(a), a misdemeanor is any offense with a maximum penalty of $1,000 in fines, a 90-day jail sentence, or both. Crimes that do not have maximum penalties defined in their respective state statutes are also considered misdemeanors.
Gross misdemeanors are more serious offenses and are punishable by up to one year in jail, a $5,000 fine, or both. Any criminal offense in Washington which is not expressly classified as a misdemeanor or felony is considered a gross misdemeanor, so it’s best to retain a local attorney when handling any criminal case.
Finally, RCW §9A.20.010(1) defines three subclasses of felony offenses, each with varying penalties. A person convicted of a Class C felony may face up to five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine, while a Class B felony conviction could lead to a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and/or $20,000 in fines. Particularly severe offenses like murder are usually charged as Class A felonies, which can lead to $50,000 in fines and/or life in prison.
Our firm has experience defending against all types of criminal charges, including:
If you are eligible, we can also help you move past your criminal charges through an expungement. We also provide legal help to those seeking to restore their firearm possession privileges.
The penalties an individual may receive upon conviction can vary significantly based on the circumstances of their case. Representation from a dedicated criminal defense lawyer in Kitsap County could help mitigate these penalties in your case. RCW §9.94S.510 establishes a sentencing grid that Washington courts use to determine the penalties a convicted defendant will face for a particular crime.
The severity of the charges and the number of prior convictions a defendant has can impact the penalties they receive upon conviction. For example, someone with no prior convictions can receive anywhere from zero to 60 days in jail for a Level I forgery conviction, whereas someone who has nine or more prior convictions may receive anywhere from 22 to 29 months in prison.
Handling criminal charges can be challenging in Washington compared to other states, especially because of how much sentences can change on a case-by-case basis. Fortunately, you could significantly increase your chances of success by working with a legal professional who knows how to handle cases like yours.
A dedicated Kitsap criminal defense lawyer is ready and available to help you defend your rights and best interests. To schedule an initial meeting and discuss your case, call our firm today.
Jeniece LaCross, Attorney At Law
