Western Washington Violent Crime Attorney
Understanding Violent Crimes in Port Orchard
In Washington, violent crimes are those committed against a person by the use or threatened use of force. As such, accusations are taken very seriously, and the state will work hard to prove that you are guilty. Because of this, if you were charged with a violent crime, it's best to speak with a skilled attorney right away. A conviction can have severe consequences and can affect you for the rest of your life. If you try to handle your case on your own or rely on an incompetent lawyer to handle the matter, mistakes made at any time during the process could be costly.
From the moment you're arrested for an offense, you have rights. You can invoke your Fifth Amendment protection to remain silent and politely let law enforcement officers know you will not be answering their questions. Additionally, you have the right to have an attorney on your side.
At Glisson & Morris, our attorneys serve Port Orchard and the surrounding areas, and we are committed to ensuring you are given a fair trial and any violations of your rights are addressed. When you hire us, we'll listen to you and learn about the situation from your perspective. From there, we will collect evidence and review the prosecutor's allegations against you to spot weaknesses and build a solid legal strategy.
We will work toward a favorable outcome on your behalf. Call us at (360) 526-8191 or contact us online for your free case consultation.
Common Violent Crime Charges
Any offense in which bodily injury is threatened or caused is considered a violent crime.
In Washington, several different offenses meet this definition, including, but not limited to:
- Robbery: This occurs when someone uses force or threat of injury against another to obtain their property.
- Assault: A person commits assault when they engage in behavior that causes bodily harm to someone else.
- Manslaughter: If a person recklessly causes someone else's death, they could be charged with this offense.
- Kidnapping: This type of offense occurs when a person intentionally and forcibly abducts someone else.
- Arson: Intentionally and maliciously setting a fire that could harm others or damage property is a violent offense.
What are the Penalties for Violent Crimes in Washington?
Generally, violent crimes are felonies. That means a conviction could result in prison (as opposed to jail) time. The length of the sentence depends on the type of offense committed and the circumstances of the particular case. However, in Washington, all classes of felonies have long incarceration terms. For instance:
- a class C felony (considered the least serious classification) carries a 5-year prison term.
- A class A felony (the most serious) can be punished by up to life imprisonment.
