When you have been arrested or accused of a crime in Snohomish County, it is important that you face your charge with the most knowledge possible. This means seeking out the assistance of a dedicated Everett criminal defense attorney.
Knowing what you face is the first and most important step in knowing what to do when you have been pulled over. The severity of possible penalties and your legal options depend upon the nature of the offense. Criminal traffic offenses such as hit and runs, reckless driving, and driving with a suspended license often result in large fines and jail time while lesser offenses like traffic tickets and speeding may result in a suspension of your license, financial penalties, and increased insurance penalties. Contesting the ticket as soon as possible is in your best interest, as waiting will only make penalties worse.
If you are pulled over for DUI, it is important that you are respectful and comply with police requests. However, it is your right to refuse a field sobriety test, but doing so may not be in your best interest and can lead to the immediate revocation of your license or a night in jail. It is important to remember that these tests are not perfect, and errors in calibration, administration, lab issues, or equipment maintenance can result in false BACs. Our firm investigates all circumstances behind your DUI to make sure that you are not the victim of faulty testing.
Theft crimes are unique depending on the circumstances and what you were accused of taking. Property valued under $750, for example, is considered a misdemeanor, while anything involving a higher price can be charged as a felony. In addition, the type of crime also affects possible penalties. Burglary can include punishments of time in state prison, large fines, and a permanent criminal record, while misdemeanor theft or shoplifting may require you to pay reparations or spend time in jail.
In the State of Washington, possessing under 40 grams of marijuana is legal. Exceptions include possession on federal or tribal lands. In these locations, possession of more than 40 grams or any other controlled substance gets a punishment of anywhere between 0 months to 60 months, depending on your criminal history.
In Washington State, violent crimes are anything that threatens or harms another person. This includes domestic violence, assault, harassment, and murder. Violent crimes are often the most harshly punished and having a dedicated criminal defense lawyer on your side can greatly increase your chances of receiving a lesser conviction or getting your case dismissed entirely.