Criminal Defense
An Aggressive Defense
Are you facing a criminal charge in Clark County, Camas, Washougal, or Battleground courts? You don’t have to face it alone. We’re a local criminal defense firm dedicated to protecting your rights and your future. From misdemeanors to serious felonies, We'll be your fierce advocate, fighting on the frontlines with you for the best possible outcome. Let's work together to build your defense.
DUI
Charged with DUI in Clark County?
You Need an Aggressive Defense Now.
A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charge in Clark County, Washington, is one of the most serious and common criminal offenses. The moment you are pulled over, the clock starts ticking on a two-front battle: one in the criminal courts and the other with the Department of Licensing (DOL).
The consequences of a DUI conviction are severe and far-reaching, even for a first offense. They can include mandatory jail time, extensive fines, a long-term license suspension, and the installation of a costly ignition interlock device on your vehicle. The emotional and financial toll can be devastating, impacting your job, your family, and your freedom.
We understand the stakes. We are dedicated to providing a vigorous, strategic defense to protect your rights and minimize the impact of a DUI charge on your life.
The Two-Front Battle: DOL and Criminal Court
A DUI arrest triggers two separate legal processes you must address immediately:
The Department of Licensing (DOL) Hearing: This is a civil administrative action to suspend your driver's license. Your request must be postmarked within 7 days of the date of arrest, or within 7 days of the date the notice was given. to request a hearing to challenge the suspension. If you don't, your license will be automatically suspended. We can handle this critical process for you, fighting to save your driving privileges.
The Criminal Case: This is where you face the criminal penalties of a DUI conviction. The Prosecuting Attorney's Office and the local courts take these charges very seriously. The penalties increase significantly with each prior DUI conviction, and can even become a felony if you have three or more prior offenses within a specific timeframe.
How We Can Help
Do not try to navigate a DUI charge on your own. A single misstep can compromise your entire case. Our defense strategy is comprehensive and designed to challenge every aspect of the prosecution's evidence. We will:
Challenge the Stop: We will scrutinize the initial traffic stop to determine if the police had a legal basis to pull you over.
Contest the Field Sobriety Tests: We will evaluate whether the tests were administered correctly and if the officer’s interpretation was accurate. These tests are often subjective and unreliable.
Challenge the Breath Test: We will investigate the calibration and maintenance records of the breathalyzer machine, as well as the certification of the officer who administered the test.
Seek Reduced Charges: We will negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce your charge to a lesser offense, such as Negligent Driving or Reckless Driving, which carry significantly lighter penalties.
Explore Alternative Sentencing: We are experienced in seeking alternative sentencing options, such as electronic home monitoring or participation in the Clark County DUI Court, to help you avoid mandatory jail time.
The moments after a DUI arrest are critical. Every decision you make can affect your case. The first thing you should do is remain silent and contact an experienced DUI defense attorney.
Domestic Violence
Serious Charges. Serious Consequences.
Aggressive Domestic Violence Defense in Clark County, Washington.
Domestic violence charges are among the most serious and complex legal issues you can face. The moment a domestic violence accusation is made, the full force of the legal system is brought to bear. In Clark County, law enforcement and the Prosecuting Attorney's Office have a strict "no-drop" policy, meaning that even if the alleged victim wants to recant or drop the charges, the case will likely proceed.
If you have been charged with a domestic violence crime, you are not just facing a single offense—you are facing a unique and challenging legal process with life-altering consequences. At [Your Law Firm Name], we understand the stakes and are here to provide a strategic and powerful defense.
What Constitutes a Domestic Violence Charge?
In Washington, a domestic violence charge is not a stand-alone crime; it is a label attached to a variety of underlying offenses when the alleged crime is committed against a "family or household member." This broad definition can include:
Spouses or former spouses
People who have a child in common
Adults related by blood or marriage
Adults who are or have resided together
People in a dating relationship
The underlying crimes that can be charged as domestic violence include:
Assault
Harassment
Malicious Mischief
Trespassing or Burglary
Interference with Reporting a Domestic Violence Crime
Violation of a No-Contact Order
The Immediate and Long-Term Consequences
A domestic violence arrest in Clark County can immediately lead to:
Arrest
Jail Time
No-Contact Order
The long-term consequences of a conviction can be severe:
Jail or Prison
Forfeiture of Firearm Rights
Mandatory Domestic Violence Treatment
Permanent Criminal Record
A Proactive and Strategic Defense
The complexities of domestic violence cases require an attorney who understands the local legal landscape. We will not allow the prosecution's policies to dictate your future. Our defense strategy includes:
Investigating the Allegations: We will conduct a thorough investigation of the evidence against you, examining police reports, and witness statements to uncover inconsistencies and challenge the prosecution's narrative.
Challenging the No-Contact Order: We will fight against the imposition of a no-contact order.
Negotiating with Prosecutors: We will engage with the Prosecuting Attorney's Office to seek a dismissal of charges or a favorable plea agreement that avoids the harsh consequences of a domestic violence conviction.
Protecting Your Rights: We will ensure your constitutional rights are protected at every stage of the process and will prepare to take your case to trial if necessary.
Assault
Assault Charges: A Serious Offense in Clark County, Washington
If you have been charged with assault in Clark County, you are facing one of the most common—and most serious—criminal offenses. In Washington State, an assault charge does not always require a physical injury. It can be a simple unwanted touching or even the act of putting another person in reasonable fear of imminent harm.
Because the legal definition is so broad, many people are surprised to find themselves facing charges for an event that they believe was a minor disagreement or even an act of self-defense. Regardless of the circumstances, a conviction can lead to jail time, a criminal record, significant fines, and a loss of your right to own firearms.
We have a deep understanding of Washington's assault laws and the specific procedures of the Clark County court system. We are committed to protecting your rights and fighting for the best possible outcome in your case.
Your Future Is On the Line
An assault conviction can have a devastating impact on your life, affecting your ability to find employment, secure housing, and maintain a clean record. If the charge is linked to domestic violence, it can also lead to a mandatory no-contact order and the loss of your Second Amendment rights.
The time to act is now. Your first and most important step is to secure knowledgeable legal counsel.
Property Crimes
Fighting Property Crime Charges in Clark County, Washington
These offenses are a common reason people seek legal counsel, but the consequences can be life-altering. A conviction for a property crime can lead to jail time, hefty fines, a permanent criminal record, and lasting damage to your reputation, employment prospects, and housing opportunities.
We understand the complexities of Washington State law and the local courts in Clark County. We are dedicated to providing a strong defense to protect your rights and your future.
Common Property Crime Charges We Handle
The term "property crime" covers a wide range of offenses, from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Our firm has extensive experience defending clients against charges including:
Theft: Known as larceny in some states. The severity of the charge depends on the value of the property stolen:
Theft in the 3rd Degree (Gross Misdemeanor): For property valued at less than $750.
Theft in the 2nd Degree (Class C Felony): For property valued between $750 and $5,000.
Theft in the 1st Degree (Class B Felony): For property valued at over $5,000.
Burglary: This is not just stealing; it is the act of unlawfully entering or remaining in a building with the intent to commit a crime inside. The charge is a felony and does not require that a theft actually occurred. Burglary charges can be elevated if a weapon is used or if the crime involves a dwelling.
Possession of Stolen Property: Even if you did not steal the item yourself, you can be charged with a crime if you knowingly receive, possess, or conceal property that you know to be stolen. Like theft, this is classified in degrees based on the value of the property.
Malicious Mischief: This charge involves the damage of property belonging to another person. It can range from a misdemeanor for minor damage (under $750) to a felony for significant damage to public or private property.
Vehicle Prowling, Motor Vehicle Theft, and Possession of Stolen Motor Vehicle: We defend clients against charges of vehicle prowling (unlawfully entering a vehicle with the intent to commit a crime) and more serious offenses involving motor vehicles.
Forgery & Identity Theft: We handle cases involving the creation of fake documents, the use of another person’s identity for financial gain, and other types of fraud.
The Consequences of a Conviction
The penalties for a property crime conviction in Washington State are severe and can include:
Jail or prison time
Significant fines
Mandatory restitution to the victim
Probation or community supervision
A permanent criminal record, which can impact your ability to secure employment, housing, and even professional licenses.