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CRIMINAL LAW ATTORNEY IN OLYMPIA, WA

On Your Side.

CRIMINAL LAW ATTORNEY IN OLYMPIA, WA

On Your Side.
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Criminal Law Lawyer in Olympia, Washington

Police car cruising downtown Olympia, WA for criminal acticvity

They have a job to do, and once they have you in their sights, their job is to convict you. Get a good lawyer on your side, and you make their job harder.

At any stage of criminal proceedings, critical questions often arise with serious and long-term consequences. When you’re arrested or charged with a crime, you have important rights. These rights are so fundamental and vital that the founders of freedom included them in the Constitution, and legal requirements mandate that you be informed of them in certain circumstances. You’ve heard about these rights many times on TV cop shows, and you might be able to recite them from memory, but don’t forget them when you need them! And never waive these rights without first consulting an attorney.

If you’ve been arrested or are under suspicion, it’s usually not in your best interest to speak with law enforcement. Often, the strongest evidence the police and prosecutors have is what the accused says, which they have a constitutional right to keep silent about.

If a charge is filed against you, you could face jail or prison time, fines, restitution, professional and family consequences, loss of certain rights as a citizen, and possibly deportation if you are not a citizen. There may be witnesses to interview and an investigation to conduct. Questions might arise about whether the evidence against you was obtained lawfully. You might also need to decide whether to go to trial or accept a plea bargain from the government.

A man is being arrested on criminal charges in downtown Olympia, Washington

With all these complex and important issues facing you, and with the forces and resources of the government aligned against you, the lawyers you choose to represent you should be competent, experienced, and prepared to defend your rights.

At Morgan Hill, we offer skilled representation in all areas of criminal law, from misdemeanor offenses like domestic violence, assault, and driving with a suspended license to serious felony offenses such as controlled substances, sex abuse, and violent crimes.

We have successfully represented hundreds of criminal clients in the South Puget Sound area. We also handle juvenile delinquency cases and post-conviction matters, including vacating convictions, restoring firearm rights, and petitions to terminate sex offender registration.

With a client-centered approach, we protect your rights during every stage of the legal process. Call (360) 357-5700 or click here to book online and set up a consultation today.

Overview of Criminal Law

At Morgan Hill P.C. in Olympia, WA, our criminal law attorneys defend clients against a variety of charges, from minor infractions to serious felonies that threaten your freedom and future. Criminal law encompasses offenses against the state, prosecuted under RCW Title 9A, and includes a broad spectrum of cases beyond the highlighted types.

We serve Thurston County with a commitment to safeguarding your rights, offering representation for first-time offenders, repeat charges, or complex legal battles. Our goal is to provide clarity and strength during uncertain times, ensuring you understand your options.

Types of Criminal Cases

Morgan Hill P.C. specializes in several prevalent criminal cases in Olympia, WA, while also handling a wide array of other charges.

  • DUI cases, governed by RCW 46.61.502, involve driving under the influence and are common due to the city’s traffic volume and enforcement efforts.
  • Theft and property crimes, including burglary, shoplifting, and larceny, fall under RCW 9A.56, reflecting Thurston County’s elevated property crime rates, with over 1,473 larceny-theft incidents reported in 2019.
  • Violent crimes, such as assault and domestic violence, are prosecuted under RCW 9A.36, often requiring a sensitive and strategic defense given the emotional stakes.
  • Drug-related offenses, covered by RCW 69.50, include possession, distribution, and manufacturing charges, which are frequent in urban areas like Olympia.
  • Additionally, we offer expungement services to clear eligible records, providing a path to rehabilitation under RCW 9.94A.640. Our expertise extends to other offenses, such as fraud or weapons charges, ensuring comprehensive support for all clients.

Defense Strategies

Our criminal defense lawyers in Olympia, WA, develop tailored strategies to protect your rights in cases involving various charges.

  • For DUI cases, we may challenge the accuracy of breathalyzer tests, question the legality of traffic stops under RCW 46.61.506, or negotiate plea deals for reduced penalties like deferred prosecution.
  • In theft cases, we investigate evidence integrity, explore lack of intent defenses, or seek diversion programs to avoid convictions. Violent crime defenses may involve self-defense arguments under RCW 9A.16, witness credibility challenges, or mitigating factors such as provocation.
  • For drug charges, we scrutinize search and seizure legality per RCW 10.79 or defend medical marijuana use under RCW 69.51A.
  • Expungement requires demonstrating rehabilitation and meeting eligibility criteria, which we navigate with precision. Each case is unique, and we craft a defense to maximize your chances of a favorable outcome, whether through dismissal, acquittal, or reduced sentencing.

Recommendations

Washington criminal laws update frequently, with 2024 changes to DUI sentencing affecting mandatory minimums. Review your case or legal options annually, or after new legislation is enacted.

Local Insights

Serving Thurston County courts, Morgan Hill P.C. has in-depth knowledge of Olympia’s criminal justice system. We regularly appear before the Thurston County Superior Court, handling cases from DUI arrests near downtown to violent crime disputes in residential areas. Our understanding of local policing practices, such as those by the Olympia Police Department, and community dynamics, including crime hotspots like Bigelow Neighborhood, informs our defense strategies. Our office is strategically positioned to serve Olympia residents effectively, ensuring timely responses to legal challenges.

Why Choose Morgan Hill P.C.?

With a 4.6 Google rating from over 230 reviews, Morgan Hill P.C. is a trusted criminal law firm in Olympia, WA. Our attorneys bring extensive experience, defending clients against felonies, misdemeanors, and expungement cases with proven results. We offer personalized representation, staying accessible 24/7 during stressful times, and our proximity to Thurston County courts ensures efficient case management.

Our team has successfully reduced charges, secured dismissals, and obtained expungements, earning the trust of our clients through dedication. Whether you face a minor infraction or a serious felony, Morgan Hill P.C. is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is criminal law?

A: Criminal law involves offenses against the state, prosecuted under Washington law. It includes various charges, from DUI to expungement cases.

Q: What are the penalties for DUI in Washington?

A: Penalties include fines up to $5,000, license suspension for 90 days to a year, and jail time up to 364 days, per RCW 46.61.5055. Contact us for defense options.

Q: How can I defend against a theft charge?

A: Defenses include proving lack of intent, challenging evidence, or showing mistaken identity. Our attorneys can assess your case.

Q: What is expungement?

A: Expungement clears eligible criminal records. We guide you through the process under RCW 9.94A.640.

Q: Do I need a lawyer for a criminal case?

A: A lawyer is not required, but it is recommended to navigate legal complexities. Call (360) 357-5700 for help.

Q: How long does a criminal case take?

A: Duration varies from a few weeks for minor charges to over a year for felonies, depending on court schedules. We can provide an estimate.

Q: Can I appeal a conviction?

A: Appeals are possible with valid grounds, such as legal errors. Our team can evaluate your case.

Q: What are the penalties for drug possession?

A: Penalties range from fines to jail time, per RCW 69.50.401, depending on quantity and intent. We offer defense options.

Q: Does Morgan Hill P.C. serve Thurston County?

A: Yes, we proudly serve Olympia and Thurston County with criminal defense services.

Q: What if I’m arrested?

A: Contact us immediately. We can advise on bail, rights, and next steps after an arrest.

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