Criminal Defense
Being accused of a crime can be a stressful, even traumatic, experience. Finding an experienced criminal defense attorney to guide you through the process and advise on the best way to proceed in their case is essential. When looking for a lawyer, look for one that you feel comfortable with, so that you can trust that they will aggressively defend you against the allegations.
With over thirty years of combined experience, the defense team at Beschen Law PLLC is experienced in representing people accused of all types of charges, from serious felonies to simple misdemeanors. Each member of our firm has been carefully selected to ensure that we provide our clients with a knowledgeable team, zealous advocacy, and superb service. We custom tailor our strategy for each individual case in order to obtain the best possible outcome.
Where we practice: Serving clients in need of criminal attorneys throughout Washington State. We represent clients who are accused of committing crimes in Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Custer, Blaine, Sumas, Granite Falls, Mukilteo, Lynnwood, Edmonds, Stanwood, Arlington, Burlington, Sedro Woolley, Lake Stevens, Mt. Vernon, Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, Coupeville, Freeland, Camano Island, Snohomish County, Island County, King County, Whatcom County and Skagit County.
As Bellingham criminal attorneys we take cases in: Federal Court Western District (Seattle); Federal Court Eastern District (Spokane); Whatcom County Superior Court; Whatcom County District Court and all Whatcom County Municipal Courts.
Things to Know When Looking for a Criminal Defense Attorney
Fee agreements: Criminal representation can be expensive. Most attorneys set legal fees based on experience handling similar cases in the past and based on the projected number of hours anticipated to handle the case. It is important to get the fee agreement in writing. Washington State does not permit criminal defense attorneys to be paid on a contingent basis and most firms will want the fee paid up front.
Criminal procedure: In general, criminal cases follow a standard routine following the arrest. Once the case has been brought, there will be an arraignment. This is the time for the client to enter a plea of not guilty. If the client is in custody (jail), a bail hearing will be held to establish the terms and conditions for release pre-trial. A trial date is then assigned, usually for a date a few months following the arrest, and the discovery process begins. Discovery is the period of time when the State turns over to the defense (the client’s attorney) all the evidence and information it plans on using in trial against the accused. This is the time the defense attorney will secure witnesses, review the evidence and possibly bring pre-trial motions to suppress some evidence or statements or dismiss the case, etc. Plea Bargaining can also take place during this discovery phase. Plea Bargaining is a necessary and very important function that the defense attorney performs for the client. Plea bargaining can change either the charges or the sentencing recommendations–including treatment, jail alternatives or community service in lieu of jail time. The final stage is either the entry of a plea bargain or going to trial. Often, a continuance (an order which resets the original trial date to a later date) will be sought to allow more time for trial preparation or plea bargaining to resolve the case.
Terms:
Federal case: A federal case is nothing more than a charge that is brought in federal court. Even traffic tickets can be federal cases if the offense was committed on federal property such as military bases. Most common for Whatcom County would be a drug bust at the border that is charged in Federal Court.
Felony: A felony, in simple terms, is a crime the legislature has determined carries a sentence of more than one year in prison. Felonies are classed generally in three categories, “A,” “B” & “C,” with “A felonies” being the most serious and carrying the highest level of punishment, including life in prison. Felonies will only be handled in Superior Court.
Misdemeanors: A misdemeanor, in simple terms, is a crime punishable by one year or less in jail. Misdemeanors can be filed in either a Municipal Court or a District Court. Common misdemeanors include Domestic Violence and driving offenses, such as DUI. Many misdemeanor offenses carry with them penalties that exceed those of felonies when auto licensing considerations, automatic restraining orders and gun restrictions are taken into account.