PRE-CHARGE INVESTIGATIONS
CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYERS ADVOCATING FOR SEATTLE RESIDENTS
We protect the rights of people who have been charged with a wide range of offenses and our defense lawyers actively investigate cases before any charges are made. We understand the stress and uncertainty that comes with facing any type of prosecution, both for the person charged and for their family. Our attorneys fight these cases head-on, building an aggressive strategy as early in the process as possible. We also give clients an open and honest assessment of their cases, neither underselling nor overselling their prospects, so that they have all of the information to weigh their options at every step of the way. Black Law can represent Washington residents who need a drug crime attorney or representation in fighting other types of state or federal charges.
PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS DURING A PRE-CHARGE INVESTIGATION
It is important to understand that you do not need to wait until you are formally charged with a crime to seek the advice and counsel of an experienced criminal attorney. In many federal and other criminal cases, a person may become aware that they are being investigated by law enforcement authorities before the person is arrested or charged with a crime. This may be because police officers ask them to come in for questioning, or they may be talking to their friends, co-workers, and others.
You should not speak to police officers without legal representation. You have the right to an attorney throughout the pre-charge process. You also have the right not to talk to the police if your lawyer is not present. Since these conversations may be used in the investigation against you and possibly later in court, it is important to have an attorney at your side at any time that law enforcement officers want to question you.
It is not until you are in custody and the police want to question you that they need to read you your Miranda rights, which include the right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel. By that point, however, it might be too late. A seasoned criminal lawyer can help you fight the case immediately after you become a suspect by performing an independent investigation, gathering evidence, and talking to potential witnesses. This may help reduce the charges against you or even avoid them altogether.
CONTACT A KNOWLEDGEABLE CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY IN THE SEATTLE AREA
At Black Law, our Seattle criminal defense lawyers have been representing clients in a wide range of cases for nearly 20 years. We understand how to start crafting a defense in the pre-charge stage, and we know how to present persuasive arguments at trial or in the plea bargaining process. We are committed to providing comprehensive and professional legal services to the people whom we represent. Black Law assists defendants throughout the Seattle area, as well as in Tacoma, Everett, Kent, Bellevue, and other cities in King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties. We can also arrange translation services for clients who speak Amharic, Arabic, French, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Tigrinya, Somali, Vietnamese, and many other languages. Call (206) 623-1604 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys. We can advocate for people who need a white collar crime attorney or assistance in fighting charges of theft offenses, drug offenses, violent crimes, sex crimes, and more.