Have you been arrested or are you under investigation for criminal activity in Seattle or the counties of King, Pierce, or Snohomish? Any criminal allegation can lead to fines, jail, prison, probation, community service, driver's license suspension, and other forms of punishment if convicted. At the Law Office of Vinny Randhawa, we will help you fight the charges by pursuing a dismissal of the charges or an acquittal at trial. In many cases, we will negotiate with the prosecutor for a plea deal that works to your benefit.
In all the cases we represent, we review the facts and circumstances and will be direct yet compassionate about the potential outcomes and options you have. Here, we provide an overview of the criminal process and what you should know if you have been charged with a crime.
Common Crimes Charged in King, Pierce, or Snohomish Counties
Some of the most common crimes committed in Seattle and the counties of King, Pierce, and Snohomish are non-violent crimes, like:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- Moving violations & other driving-related offenses, like
- Negligent Driving
- Reckless Driving
- Hit and Runs
- Theft crimes
- Property crimes.
Violent crimes, like assault, however, are carried out, too.
The Classification of Criminal Offenses in Washington State
The Revised Code of Washington defines what criminal offenses are in Washington State. In many situations, it also provides sentencing guidelines for punishment if convicted of the offense. Crimes are divided into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies.
Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors are the least serious of offenses in Washington State, and the penalties associated with them reflect the same. Misdemeanor cases are heard in the District and Municipal Courts. Misdemeanor crimes are divided into two categories:
- simple misdemeanor, which is the least serious of offenses; and
- gross misdemeanor, which is the more serious of misdemeanor crimes.
Simple misdemeanor crimes include offenses like shoplifting and disorderly conduct. A conviction can result in:
- up to 90 days in jail; and
- up to $1,000 in fines.
Gross misdemeanor crimes include offenses like a first-offense DUI. A conviction can result in:
- up to one year in jail; and
- up to $5,000 in fines.
Felonies
Felonies are the most serious of all offenses in Washington State. These cases are heard in the Superior Court. Felonies include offenses like rape, burglary, trafficking drugs. Felonies are divided into three categories:
- Class A;
- Class B; and
- Class C.
Class A felonies are the most serious and can result in:
- up to life in prison; and
- up to $50,000 in fines.
Class B felonies can result in:
- up to ten years in prison; and
- up to $20,000 in fines.
Class C felonies are the least serious of felony offenses and can result in:
- up to five years in prison; and
- up to $10,000 in fines.
Felony offenses are further classified according to the seriousness in the sentencing guidelines. There are fifteen levels of seriousness ranging from Level I to Level XV. The specific sentence ordered on anyone is dependent on the sentencing guidelines.
Contact an Aggressive Criminal Defense Attorney with Offices in Seattle & Kent WA
A criminal charge, even if it is a simple misdemeanor, is not something to joke about. If convicted, you have a criminal record, and a criminal record can negatively impact your quality of life even after you have successfully fulfilled your sentence. Contact Vinny Randhawa at (425) 228-2202 today to schedule a consultation. He will review your case and answer your questions so you can make an informed decision about what you want to do.
Time is of the essence, though. The State has already started its case against you, so you should start your defense now.