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Top Maplewood, WA Criminal Defense Lawyers Near You

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Maplewood Criminal Defense Information

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Lead Counsel Verified Attorneys In Maplewood

Lead Counsel independently verifies Criminal Defense attorneys in Maplewood by conferring with Washington bar associations and conducting annual reviews to confirm that an attorney practices in their advertised practice areas and possesses a valid bar license for the appropriate jurisdictions.

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Are You Facing Criminal Charges?

If you are being investigated for or have been accused of a crime, now is the time to seek out the legal help you need. No matter the crime, a Maplewood criminal law attorney will be able to protect your legal rights.

Different Types of Criminal Charges

Criminal charges can range from minor infractions to misdemeanors and they can be as serious as felony or aggravated felony charges. No matter the charge, a person should be considered innocent until proven otherwise. Reading about criminal law and your rights can help you see the importance of a solid defense.

Each criminal charge carries with a potential punishment, which can include fines, probation and even jail time. The goal of a criminal defense lawyer will be to end up with the most favorable outcome possible for your particular situation.

What do criminal defense lawyers do?

A criminal defense lawyer will ensure that law enforcement respects your legal rights if they are investigating you or have arrested you. Your attorney will also conduct their own investigation to look for the best strategy to defend against your charges, including representing you at trial if necessary.

What makes a good criminal defense attorney?

A good criminal defense attorney knows the law and does not back down when police and prosecutors do not respect your rights or try to pressure you into taking a plea deal that is not in your best interest. You should also look for an attorney who has a long track record of success in cases like yours, including trial victories.

Should you accept a plea deal?

Police and prosecutors count on making defendants feel like they have no other option but to accept a plea deal, such as threatening to seek harsher punishment if you take your case to trial. You should only accept a plea deal after your attorney has taken a careful look at your case and the evidence for and against you. In some cases, a plea deal may be beneficial than taking your case to trial, but this is not a decision you should make on your own. It should be with someone who knows the law.

When should you ask for an attorney?

You should ask for an attorney as soon as you learn that you are under suspicion of committing a crime. If police are investigating you and “just want to ask you a couple of questions,” you should politely refuse and ask for a lawyer’s help. Also, if you are arrested, you should ask to contact a lawyer as soon as possible before answering any other questions. An attorney can speak to police and prosecutors on your behalf and make sure they respect your rights.

What sort of issues can I seek legal help with?

Specialized legal help is available for most legal issues. Each case is unique; seeking legal help is a smart first step toward understanding your legal situation and seeking the best path toward resolution for your case. An experienced lawyer understands the local laws surrounding your case and what your best legal options might be. More importantly, there are certain situations and circumstances – such as being charged with a crime – where you should always seek experienced legal help.

Tips on Approaching an Initial Attorney Consultation

  • Use the consultation as a means of gaining a better understanding of your legal situation.
  • Ask the attorney how many cases similar to yours he/she has handled. An attorney’s experience and knowledge can speak to their expertise (or lack of) in addressing your situation.
  • Your attorney should be able to articulate roughly how long a case like yours will take to resolve and what sort of procedures to expect.
  • Determine how comfortable you are working with the lawyer and/or law firm.

How to Find the Right Attorney

  • Determine the area of law that relates to your issue. Attorneys specialize in specific practice areas around legal issues within the broad field of law.
  • Seek out recommendations from friends, family, and colleagues. A successful attorney or practice will typically have many satisfied clients.
  • Set up consultation appointments to get a better understanding of your case as well as gauge your comfort level with different attorneys. Find the attorney who is the right fit for your needs.

Common legal terms explained

Personal jurisdiction – Requirement that a particular court have authority over a person, in order to bind that person to the judgment of the court, based on minimum contacts. International Shoe Co v. Washington is a landmark Supreme Court case outlining the scope of a state court’s reach in personal jurisdiction.

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