Misdemeanor defense attorney

FREE CONSULTATION   206-427-4901

Misdemeanor

Protect your rights

The Law Firm of Lucas D. McWethy represents those accused of crimes in Western Washington.  Whether your are a first time offender or have some criminal history, the criminal justice system is a complex and scary apparatus of the government. The State will be armed with prosecutors, police officers, familiarity with the system and a budget that likely exceeds yours. You need a criminal defense attorney that will fight for you. Hoping for the best is not enough, you have to be prepared with a skilled defense lawyer.

Your right to be presumed innocent is the bedrock of our criminal justice process. Unfortunately, it is a bedrock that is quickly eroding. When you are arraigned for a criminal offense, the prosecutor will ask that the court place conditions on your release. The court has the power to impose very restricting and costly conditions on you, even if you have not been found guilty of any crime. If you are accused of a 2nd DUI in Washington State, the law requires that the judge impose an ignition interlock requirement on your ability to drive while your case is pending. Similarly, if you have been accused of a domestic violence offense, most judges will impose a no contact order without much regard for your circumstances. You need a criminal defense lawyer on your side that will fight to have the least restrictive conditions placed on you so that we can fight for you rights.

A misdemeanor can be categorized as either a simple misdemeanor or a gross misdemeanor. A simple misdemeanor is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1000 fine. Some examples of these are Negligent Driving 1st degree, Disorderly Conduct, and Driving on a Suspended License. A gross misdemeanor is punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $5000 fine. Some examples of these are DUI, Domestic Violence, and Malicious Mischief. You can find the category in the RCW or by speaking with a criminal defense attorney.

Misdemeanors are typically charged by the prosecutor in municipal or district level courts.