Criminal Charges – Understand and Protect Your Rights in Washington
Facing criminal charges can be a frightening and stressful experience. You may have many questions about your rights and your future. The Washington court system is confusing — but you don't have to go it alone. A strong and sympathetic criminal defense lawyer by your side works to protect your rights and ensure you are treated with respect.
If you've been charged with any of the following, you need serious representation:
- DUI and related crimes
- Drug crimes
- Driving violations
- Retail theft/shoplifting
- Petit or grand theft
- Burglary
- Juvenile crimes
- Domestic violence
- Assault
Any of these charges can result in dramatic changes to your life — including fines, possible loss of license, loss of job and future opportunities, damage to reputation, and even jail time.
From the moment authorities charge you with a crime, any misunderstanding of your rights can affect the outcome of your case. This is why it's so important to contact a qualified Tacoma criminal defense lawyer before talking to anyone else. Your attorney understands your constitutional rights, protects them, and ensures your case is handled properly from the start. Unfortunately, many people don't contact an attorney until they have already made a statement, pled guilty or given up their rights when they didn't have to. At this point, an attorney can only do so much.
If you are charged with a crime, keep the following in mind:
- Invoke your right to remain silent ("Miranda rights")
- Inform the officers you want to speak to a lawyer
- Do not say anything to anyone, no matter how innocuous it may seem
- Do not give a statement without an attorney present
A good criminal defense team knows the burden of proof is on the prosecution — and will make them work to prove their case. Your attorney's goal is to protect your reputation, your job, your family, and your freedom. If you need compassionate yet aggressive representation in Tacoma, contact a criminal defense attorney today.
