Criminal Defense Lawyer - Offenses Against Persons
Defending clients in the Olympia, Tacoma, and Pierce County areas
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If you’ve been arrested for a criminal offense against another person, you should exercise your right to speak with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Crimes against persons include the following:
- • Murder
- • Assault
- • Domestic Violence
- • Robbery
- • Theft
These crimes are all felonies, carrying penalties which range from days of jail time to life in prison or the death penalty.
The prosecution may be gathering evidence against you even prior to your arrest. You will need an experienced criminal defense lawyer to represent you, gather evidence in your favor, and defend you in the court trial. At the Lane Law Firm we watch out for your interests and develop the best possible defense for you.
We also work with juvenile offenders. If a young person in your life has been arrested for an offense against another person, call us for immediate help.
Increased penalties
In recent years, Washington State has increased the severity of punishment for crimes against other people.
Three Strikes, You’re Out
This law mandates that the third conviction of a violent offense requires a lifetime jail sentence.
Hard Time for Armed Crime
Although the U.S. Constitution makes it legal to own a firearm, any such weapon must be registered, and if it’s used in the commission of a crime, extra penalties can be exacted.
- • The Hard Time legislation was passed in 1995 after citizens collected an overwhelming number of signatures on a petition, forcing the legislature to pass the proposed bill they had previously failed to pass.
- • This law mandates more severe penalties for crimes committed using a deadly weapon. It also expands the use of the death penalty.
Miranda Warning
Before they ask you any questions (aside from your name and address), police officers must give you your "Miranda warning". The exact wording can vary, but it basically says this:
You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say may be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you.
The purpose of this is to make sure any answers you give when they proceed to question you are voluntary.
Criminal Procedure
Certain rules must be followed when a person is detained or arrested. If they aren’t followed properly, the charge against you could be dismissed, or your conviction reversed. The Lane Law Firm is highly experienced in the rules of criminal procedure.
Steps in the Criminal Procedure
- • Booking – police offers obtain your personal information such as name, crime you’re charged with, address, fingerprints etc.
- • Arraignment – in court, the prosecution presents you with a written accusation describing the crime you’re accused of, and you enter a plea of Guilty or Not Guilty.
- • Bail or detention – you can be released on your promise to reappear, or the court can impose bail. Only for a capital offense can the court hold someone without bail.
- • Preliminary hearing – the prosecution presents evidence that the crime has occurred and the judge decides whether there is probable cause.
- • Trial – consists of opening statements, witness testimony, presentation of evidence, closing statements, and the jury’s deliberation and verdict
- • Sentencing hearing – held to determine the appropriate penalty, whether a fine, probation, or jail time.
- • Appeal – this is a subsequent court proceeding brought by your criminal defense attorney to examine whether all proper procedures were observed throughout your trial.
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. Criminal defense lawyer Charles Lane will start working on your case the moment he represents 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!
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