Our Practice Focuses on Representing People Accused of Crimes in Washington State and Federal Courts

““Not only is Laura is an amazing lawyer but she is also an amazing person. She is so attentive and I knew that she really cared about me and my situation. She went over and beyond in not only helping me during a hard time but helped me get the outcome I was hoping for in my case. I am so appreciative to her! If your looking for a great lawyer that puts in the work to get your case resolved without a doubt go with Laura!””

— 5 Stars, Avvo

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors include:

Driving Under the Influence
Assault in the 4th Degree
Reckless Driving
Violating a Protection Order
Theft
Indecent Exposure
Resisting Arrest
Hit and Run
Patronizing a Prostitute

While misdemeanors are considered less serious than felony charges, they can still have severe consequences. Misdemeanor convictions can result in incarceration, loss of driving privileges, loss of firearm rights, imposition of no contact orders, and issues with employment and housing. Even the most seemingly minor of crimes can have a profound effect on a person who is not well-represented.

In Washington, there are two “degrees” of misdemeanor: simple misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors. See RCW 9A.20.010 and RCW 9.92.020.

Simple misdemeanors are punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Examples of simple misdemeanors include patronizing a prostitute, indecent exposure, negligent driving in the 1st degree, and failure to disperse on order of a law enforcement officer.

Gross misdemeanors are punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. Examples of gross misdemeanors include DUI, assault in the 4th degree, violating a protection order, and theft of items less than $750.

In addition to these categories, some misdemeanor crimes have mandatory minimum sentences or other mandatory consequences. For example, DUI carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 1 day in jail and mandatory license suspension. Certain crimes designated as domestic violence crimes require surrender of all firearms.

Though many misdemeanors can be resolved without the imposition of jail time, there are serious consequences to these charges that must be carefully discussed with a qualified defense attorney who has experience in misdemeanor practice. There are resolutions available in misdemeanor cases that are not always available for felonies, such as resolution through civil compromise, deferred dispositions, and entry into therapeutic or community courts.

If you are charged with a misdemeanor offense,
call US today for a free consultation.

WE CAN HELP!

CALL US 206.660.8775

Meet Our Team

“Empathetic, Resilient, Resourceful

Emily and her team did an amazing job representing our family in a very tough mental health federal case. Not only was Emily competent and an expert on mental health federal cases, but she was also incredibly kind and empathetic. We felt like she was always in our corner, advocating for our family while representing my father. She and her team worked diligently to put together various strategies and documents to ensure our case was addressed with urgency. We are so glad we chose Emily to represent us and so grateful to find an attorney who was passionate and experienced in her field while treating her clients as human beings.”

— Anonymous July 13, 2021