Bellevue Criminal Defense Lawyer

When you are facing criminal accusations, you need a high-quality, recognized Bellevue criminal defense lawyer who will give you honest, transparent insight into your legal options.

Puget Law Group has over 150 years of combined experience and the compassion to support you through even the most difficult of cases, especially with our numerous previous prosecutors now working to defend clients.

Contact us immediately if you are facing charges, and let us get to work to help you achieve the best outcome.

You Need an Aggressive Bellevue Criminal Defense Team

Puget Law Group serves the greater Pacific Northwest to bring consummate criminal representation to clients in need. If you find yourself contending with unfounded accusations of misconduct, our Bellevue criminal defense team will step in and fight for you. We believe in fighting for our clients as your trusted, reliable criminal defense lawyer in Bellevue, WA.

Your Bellevue criminal defense attorney does not hesitate to tackle complicated cases, no matter what the charges brought against you look like. We bring a prosecutor’s perspective to your case thanks to our years spent on the other side of the bench. Having a prosecutor who knows how to fight against criminal defense charges can be one of the best investments you can make when your future is on the line.

Let one of Inc. Magazine’s “Fastest Growing” criminal defense law firms stand up for you in criminal court. Get in touch today with a criminal defender for a free case evaluation. Our criminal defense attorney in Bellevue is ready to fight for your rights.

We Never Shy Away from Hard Cases

Our team understands that today’s criminal cases can vary from minor to severe. We make an effort to help parties facing all kinds of charges, including some of the most serious. You can count on our team to help you navigate accusations of:

• Bellevue homicide defense lawyer: You could be facing life in prison if you are convicted of homicide.
• Bellevue assault defense lawyer: Assault charges could quickly leave you with a devastating criminal record.
• Bellevue drug crime lawyer: Get help clearing your name when you are accused of committing a drug crime.
• Bellevue DUI lawyer: Trust in our team to help you avoid the fallout of a DUI conviction.

Come to us today to openly and honestly discuss the charges brought against you. Puget Law Group will respectfully address your concerns while crafting a thorough defense. Speak to an experienced Bellevue criminal defense attorney today.

Your Criminal Defense Lawyer in Bellevue, WA, Knows How to Challenge the Charges Brought Against You

Our team spent years on the other side of the bench prosecuting parties in your position. What does that mean for you today? It means that we know how the prosecution thinks.

We bring that experience to your defense, carefully preparing our arguments to counter the questions and suppositions we anticipate the prosecution asking. Our team prepares you, fights to prove the evidence is not accurate, and guides you in ensuring your rights are always protected. You have experience but also compassionate professionals working to guide you throughout your case.

Your criminal defense attorney in Bellevue, WA, is ready to help you. Let us analyze your case to offer insight into what we can do to help you to get the best possible outcome. We will challenge the charges brought against you on multiple fronts, including the following:

Challenging the Validity of Evidence

The prosecution has an obligation to meet the state’s burden of proof under WAC §182-16-066 when arguing that you engaged in criminal misconduct. As such, the state’s prosecutors have to go to considerable lengths to find the evidence most relevant to their case. This is necessary, but it does not mean we cannot fight to prove that evidence is not accurate.

If the court orders you to trial, the prosecution likely has enough evidence to arouse suspicion against you. That said, our team will call into question the evidence the prosecution continues to bring forward. There are many situations where we can outright prove such evidence is not accurate.

We will question the means by which the prosecution obtained the evidence, its relevance to your case, and its validity. For example, we can highlight the questionable nature of alleged witnesses’ memories, particularly the way the framing of the courtroom may influence their opinions. Work with our criminal defenders to learn what we recommend for your case.

Challenging Officers’ Conduct at the Scene

There is also a chance that the officers who arrested you may have invalidated your case from the get-go. Officers must read you and respect your Miranda rights accordingly. Officers must also take specific steps to lawfully come into possession of the evidence needed to meet the state’s burden of proof.

If officers arrested you after unlawfully obtaining evidence of misconduct, or if you suffered unconstitutional injustice at the scene of your arrest, as described under the Fourth Amendment, your criminal defense lawyer can request that a judge throw out your case. Not every situation allows for this. However, if you believe it to be the case, reach out to us for insight.

We will gain insight into what legal rights you have. We can offer insight into what specific strategies we can then employ to minimize the charges brought against you. When possible, we will seek to get them dropped.

We Will Keep You Prepared as Your Case Progresses

You never have to feel out of the loop as your criminal case evolves. Our team recognizes that the conditions and terms set by the court in your case can often appear vague or confusing. You can count on us to clear away any uncertainty you may feel.

We will also keep you up to date as we communicate with legal representatives, including the state’s prosecution. This means that you can rest easy knowing we will not negotiate a plea deal without discussing your options with you. Our criminal defense team is committed to doing all we can to ease your mind.

Moreover, you can trust us to bring you to court fully prepared for the day’s events. You will never go onto the stand without first practicing questions and answers with our team. While we cannot predict every trick the prosecution may have up its sleeve, our ample experience as prosecutors can help us stay one step ahead of their attempts to discredit you.

You Can Turn to Our Bellevue Criminal Defense Team for Post-Conviction Relief

Our team can step in after a court has made its decision and challenge that decision on your behalf. We can help you file an appeal well within the deadline established by the state. We would also advocate for you should you be required to serve jail or prison time, fighting for your right to overcome the accusations brought against you.

You can reach out to our team today to learn more about the post-conviction relief we have secured for clients like you. Every case is different. With our diverse criminal defense experience, we are confident we can help you navigate what comes next, so read through our FAQs to learn more.

We Never Charge Excessively for Legal Representation

Our team does not believe in charging you ludicrous bills in exchange for our services. You should not have to pay out the nose for the defense protecting your future. We are also upfront about any costs that you do need to pay.

Instead, Puget Law Group’s criminal defense law firm in Bellevue charges clients like you a flat fee for legal representation. That flat fee covers all of our services. We do not additionally charge you for by-the-hour services, and we will not chase you for extra payments.

We also start with a free case evaluation that can give you insight into what your best options moving forward could be. That also means there is no reason not to seek out immediate help right away to prove your case. We are here to help.

Bellevue Criminal Defense FAQ

When you are facing criminal charges, you may be overwhelmed and intimidated by what the future may bring. Looking online for answers is a double-edged sword, partially because there are so many different legal opinions and information out there. When you need personalized answers, our defense team is here to help.

We have created a quick FAQ below that answers some of the most common questions our former clients have asked us regarding their criminal charges in Bellevue. You may have additional questions we do not answer here. If this is the case, do not hesitate to contact our law office to schedule a confidential case evaluation.

What Happens During Arraignment?

Your arraignment is where you are formally charged. During the arraignment, you will have an opportunity to enter your plea of “guilty,” “not guilty,” or “no contest.” If you enter a “guilty” or “no contest” plea, the judge may sentence you on the spot depending on the type of criminal charges you are accused of.

However, if you plead “not guilty,” you will be given a trial date. During arraignment, you will also find out whether you will be granted bail. If the judge grants bail, you will need to pay the bail bonds person to secure your release.

What Is Pretrial Diversion?

Pretrial diversion is an alternative to going to trial. Typically, only individuals who are charged with first-time, non-violent crimes will be eligible, according to RCW §69.50.4017. If you qualify for pretrial diversion and enter a program, you must fulfill the program terms or be subject to your original criminal charges.

Can I Get My Criminal Record Expunged?

You may be able to get your criminal record expunged if you meet the eligibility requirements as described under RCW §9.94A.640. Typically, those who qualify for expungement must wait at least three years from the date they have completed their sentence to petition the court. However, if you were acquitted or the charges against you were dismissed, you may not need to wait as long.

Additionally, if you have had any type of anti-harassment, domestic violence protection, or civil restraining order taken out against you in the last five years, you may be disqualified. In fact, if you have been charged with any crime at the state or federal level within the last three years, you will not be eligible for expungement at this time. Typically, only misdemeanor-level and low-level felony offenses are eligible for expungement.

What is the Statute of Limitations on Criminal Offenses in Washington State?

The state of Washington has specific statutes of limitations that vary depending on the type of criminal offense. For instance, if you were charged with a misdemeanor, the state would have up to one year from the date of the alleged offense to file formal charges.

Gross misdemeanors carry a two-year statute of limitations deadline per RCW §9a.04.080, while felony offenses can be charged up to three years from the alleged offense date.

Get Professional Criminal Defense Representation in Bellevue, WA, ASAP

Do not let the deadlines associated with your criminal case get away from you. The sooner you can get an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side, the sooner you can advocate for your right to freedom. Puget Law Group puts you in contact with a team of experienced former prosecutors who are more than ready to use their experience to your benefit.

Our team has successfully defended thousands of clients throughout the Pacific Northwest. We are ready to go to court on your behalf. Even if you are unsure of your equal rights or your options for moving forward, reach out to us. 

You can confidently trust our criminal defense law firm. Get honest, transparent insight into your legal rights. We do not leave you without the insight you need.

Schedule a Case Evaluation with an Attorney Now

Puget Law Group is committed to supporting you through this challenging situation. Do not wait to call a Bellevue criminal defense attorney. Contact us today to book a criminal defense case evaluation.