How to choose a criminal defense lawyer
Defending clients in the Olympia, Tacoma, and Pierce County areas
Print this page.Click here to view more information about our Practice Areas.
Avoid delay
If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor or felony in Washington State, don’t delay in hiring a good criminal defense lawyer. Consequences will likely flow from everything you do or don’t do, from the time of your arrest.
Protect your rights
When the police book you at the police station, you have two rights:
- • The right to remain silent – which you should always do
- • The right to consult a lawyer
The police must give you an opportunity to contact a criminal defense lawyer, and until you speak with one, you’re not required to answer questions beyond giving basic personal information, such as name, address and phone number.
Miranda Rights
After you’ve been booked, the police will probably try to question you further. But first they must read you your Miranda Rights.
These basically say that:
- • You have the right to remain silent
- • Anything you say could be used against you
- • You have the right to have a lawyer present when you’re questioned
- • If you can’t afford a lawyer, one will be appointed for you
If the officers don’t read you these warnings, it doesn’t mean your case will be dismissed. But it does mean that your criminal defense lawyer can ask that any statements you made at that time be excluded from court.
Remain silent
Washington State has its own set of criminal laws which don’t detract from anything provided in the U.S. Constitution, but make things more specific, and add layers of complications.
To help you through this maze in a way most advantageous to your case, you need a highly experienced criminal defense lawyer. And to help your lawyer help you best, do not answer any questions (beyond the basic personal information questions) until you consult with your criminal defense lawyer. Your lawyer will arrange for your release and bail.
At the Lane Law Firm we’ll give you a free consultation to examine your options, answer your questions, and generally assess your situation.
Choose a lawyer who specializes in the area of law you need
There are many specialties in the law, such as taxes, bankruptcy, family law etc. Some lawyers are generalists and depending on the crime you’ve been charged with, a general practitioner may be appropriate.
Sources for criminal defense law firms
- • Online directories
- • Local phone book
- • Washington State bar association
- • Word of mouth
Be informed before you interview criminal defense lawyers
- • Look at the firm’s website
- • Make an appointment for an initial consultation
A free initial consultation doesn’t obligate you to hire that lawyer. If you feel uncomfortable with that firm for any reason, move on. Make an appointment somewhere else, and choose a lawyer whom you feel comfortable with.
Does the lawyer:
- • Listen to what you say?
- • Answer your questions clearly?
- • Explain legal terms?
- • Explain the options available to you?
- • Seem trustworthy?
Exert your right to speak to a drug offense lawyer. Sometimes police officers conduct an illegal search and seizure, or deviate from their proper procedures in some other way. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can determine if any of your rights were violated, and possibly seek a dismissal of your case.
At the Lane Law Firm, we offer you a free case evaluation. You will get the help you need, 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Our criminal defense lawyer will start working on your case the moment we represent you.
Our unique process gives you immediate and unlimited access to a representative from the firm who will work with you in developing a proactive strategy to help you avoid jail and defeat the charges against you.
You need an aggressive, experienced criminal defense lawyer working for you now. Find out more about our Criminal Cases, and the Lane Law Firm Criminal Process. Contact Us today!
Click Here for a FREE CONSULTATION !