Understanding Felony Charges
Felonies represent the most serious criminal charges, carrying potential prison sentences exceeding one year, substantial fines, and life-altering consequences including loss of voting rights, firearm privileges, and professional opportunities.
Our Defense Approach
Our criminal defense attorneys provide comprehensive representation through every stage of felony proceedings:
- Initial Investigation: Scrutinizing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and identifying procedural violations
- Pre-Trial Motions: Filing strategic motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges when constitutional rights have been violated
- Negotiation: Leveraging case strengths to secure reduced charges or favorable plea agreements
- Trial Defense: Presenting compelling arguments and challenging prosecution evidence
- Sentencing Advocacy: Developing persuasive mitigation strategies to minimize penalties
Common Felony Cases
We defend clients facing diverse felony charges including violent crimes, assault, drug trafficking, white-collar offenses, sex crimes, robbery, and federal violations.
Why Professional Representation Matters
Navigating complex felony cases requires specialized legal knowledge. Our attorneys possess the experience, resources, and courtroom skill necessary to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome for your situation.
Contact us immediately for a confidential consultation to discuss your defense strategy.
What happens after a felony arraignment in Washington state?
Once a felony arraignment process is complete in Washington state, the next step in criminal proceedings occurs. In some cases, an agreement has been negotiated between the prosecuting attorney and the defense attorney, which results in a plea bargain or a stipulated recommendation laid out in court.
Should no agreement have been reached, the matter will be set for pre-trial hearings. During this phase, the prosecution and defense prepare their case by conducting legal research, interviewing witnesses, and physically gathering evidence. It is hoped that during this period, an agreement can still be reached before trial, or else the matter must proceed to a jury trial. Ultimately, should neither side get a deal, it is up to unbiased jurors to determine guilt or innocence based on the necessary elements of law laid out by the judge.
What happens at a probable cause hearing for a felony?
A probable cause hearing is a hearing that takes place when a person is charged with a felony in Washington. The purpose of the hearing is to determine whether there is enough evidence for the accused to be tried in court.
During the hearing, the prosecutor submits paperwork with evidence to persuade a judge that there is probable cause that a crime was committed and that the defendant committed it.
The case will be dismissed if the judge determines insufficient evidence for probable cause. On the other hand, if sufficient evidence is presented, a trial date will be set, and proceedings can move forward.