Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Bellevue

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Bellevue, Washington?

  The non-emergency contact number for the Bellevue Police Department is 425-577-5656.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Bellevue, Washington?

  You can obtain a copy of a police report related to your case from the City of Bellevue’s Online Public Records Center at https://bellevuewa.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(5nfb5zprdaw5u1150aqmfv0m))/SupportHome.aspx. You can also send your public records request via mail addressed to: Bellevue Police Department Public Records Request P.O. Box 90012 Bellevue, WA 98009

• What happens if you are charged with domestic violence in Bellevue?

  If you have been charged with domestic violence in Bellevue, you are mandated by law to appear in court. You are also legally prohibited from contacting the alleged victim while your case is being tried. Violating the no-contact order, even when the victim regrets filing the domestic violence charge against you, can result in up to five years in prison.

• Which court will your case be filed in if you are convicted of a criminal offense in Bellevue?

  If you are convicted of a criminal offense in Bellevue, your case will be filed in the King County District Court, Bellevue Courthouse. The court is located at 1309 114th Avenue SE, Suite 100. All criminal cases are heard or tried in Courtrooms 1 and 2 and prosecuted by the Bellevue City Attorney’s Office.

• How long do you have to request a hearing if you have been arrested for DUI in Bellevue?

  If you have been arrested for DUI in Bellevue, you only have seven days from the date of your arrest to request a hearing with the Washington Department of Licensing, as mandated by state law. If you fail to request a hearing within the given timeframe, your driving privileges will automatically be suspended.

• What are the possible penalties for theft charges in Bellevue?

  Individuals charged with theft in Bellevue may face a variety of penalties. The accused must pay a penalty to the business, which is generally proportional to the value of the stolen item. First-time offenders may be given a suspended sentence or no jail time but must pay a fine. Meanwhile, repeat offenders may face harsher penalties, including jail time, counseling, community service, or restitution to the victim.

• How much does it cost to hire a criminal defense lawyer in Bellevue?

  Each criminal defense lawyer in Bellevue charges a different rate for their legal services depending on the severity of a case. However, criminal defense attorneys usually charge between $100 and $500 per hour per consultation.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.