At Russell & Hill – Injury & Accident Attorneys, our criminal defense attorneys have defended thousands of Northwest residents against criminal charges. When charged with any crime or offense, it is vital that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. The outcome of your case depends greatly on the strength of your defense, and hiring a skilled lawyer will make all the difference.
We approach each case uniquely, analyzing all the evidence, witness statements, and reports, using reliable information to build a strategy. That information may include proof of faulty evidence or improper police procedures, as well as anything else that might help your case.
Our Everett criminal defense attorneys offer years of successful legal experience to every client. We are trained and equipped to defend against every form of criminal charge, including:
In Washington, a person can be arrested convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher. Drivers in this state can also be charged with DUI if they are under the influence of any intoxicating drug. Those under the age of 21 can face DUI charges if they have a BAC above .02%. (RCW 46.61.504). DUI charges are complex and require immediate consultation with us after arrest as there are steps such as the DOL Hearing that will require representation right away.
Felonies are the most serious charges that a person can face in Washington. Class A felonies are the most severe and can carry lifetime prison sentences and fines of up to $50,000. Class B Felonies can carry prison sentences of up to 10 years and fines of up to $20,000. Class C felonies carry sentences of up to five years with fines of up to 10,000 dollars. Felony charges include offenses such as murder, rape, burglary, distribution and sales of illegal drugs, and more. Felony charges can bring about a lot of collateral consequences such as supervision by the Department of Corrections, loss of firearm rights, loss of voting rights, and immigration consequences.
Misdemeanors are often regarded as relatively minor offenses, but the reality is that they can carry significant penalties. Some of the most common misdemeanor offenses in Washington are simple possession of marijuana (under age of 21), shoplifting, disorderly conduct, DUI, and more. A simple misdemeanor can carry up to 90 days in jail with fines of up to $1,000. A gross misdemeanor can carry penalties of over one year in jail and fines of up to $5,000.
Traffic violations often come with a range of penalties, including major fines, points against a person’s license, and possible jail time. Some of the most common traffic violations in Washington include speeding, negligent driving, disobeying road signs, failure to stop, failure to yield, improper lane change, improper passing, and more.
There are various types of charges related to assault in Washington, beginning with first-degree assault (the most serious and a felony) which involves assaulting another person with a firearm or deadly weapon with the intent to produce great bodily harm. Fourth-degree assault (the least serious and a misdemeanor) can still result in significant jail or prison time. (RCW 9A.36). The facts and seriousness of assault charges vary greatly and therefore each case will require a unique legal strategy.
Across the country, drug crimes account for approximately one-third of all arrests. A person can face arrest in Washington for possession, use, or sale of any illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia. A person could also face charges for the unlawful possession of legal prescription drugs. These charges can be misdemeanors or felonies.
Washington law defines various sex offenses that a person can be charged with. This ranges from rape (in a varying degrees) to indecent liberties. Rape is a serious crime in Washington, and those charged face felony offenses that are punishable with long prison sentences.
Prostitution is also illegal in Washington, and this occurs when a person agrees or offers to engage in sexual conduct somebody else in return for payment. Prostitution is a misdemeanor offense in Washington.
Robbery, theft, and a burglary all revolve around taking another person’s property, but they are separate charges. These three offenses differ in their mechanism and seriousness, but are generally considered felony offenses punishable with long prison sentences.
Child pornography charges in Washington fall under laws designed to prevent sexual exploitation of children. These are serious offenses, and a person who knowingly possesses or views child pornography will face a felony charge punishable with significant jail time (or prison time multiple counts). (9.68A RCW)
Many people in Washington may face probation in lieu of a jail or prison sentence or after they have completed their jail or prison sentence. The terms and conditions of probation are often strict, which can lead to a person inadvertently violating their probation. A probation violation can result in serious consequences, including a person being required to complete their initial sentence. In some cases, a person faces new charges due to a probation violation.
Domestic violence (DV) is taken very seriously by law enforcement and prosecution. An accusation of domestic violence will almost always trigger an investigation, regardless of whether or not there is concrete proof that a crime has been committed. One of the reasons that Domestic Violence charges are so serious is that a conviction to a DV offense means that a person would lose their ability to legally possess a firearm. At Russell & Hill – Injury & Accident Attorneys, we have extensive experience helping clients have been accused of committing domestic violence in Washington.
Vacating a conviction typically means that somebody who committed a crime sometime in the past could get the charges dismissed as if they never existed, so long as certain requirements are met by the offender. Expungement, on the other hand, means that data from a non-conviction will be deleted from court and law enforcement records. An arrest or charge that did not result in a conviction could be eligible for expungement.
Anyone convicted of a felony or any crime of domestic violence in Washington will lose their right to own a firearm for the remainder of their life, unless that right is restored by the court of record. Unlawful possession of a firearm is a felony under Washington law. There are certain situations in which a person may be able to restore their firearm rights, but this will depend on the severity and nature of the underlying conviction, As well as the length of time that a person has been crime-free since their release from custody.
Washington law classifies reckless driving as a gross misdemeanor this punishable by up to one year in jail or a $5,000 fine. A conviction to Reckless Driving also means a suspension of a person’s license for at least 30 days and three years of SR-22 insurance. Reckless driving can be committed in various ways in this state, including driving while impaired by alcohol drugs, operating a vehicle at a high speed, weaving in and out of traffic, and racing.
Negligent driving in Washington is a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. There are various ways that a person could be charged with negligent driving, including consuming any amount of alcohol or drugs, even if a DUI charge does not apply. Negligent driving charges are often applied when law enforcement officials do not have enough evidence to support a DUI charge.
Anybody arrested for DUI in Washington will be charged criminally, and they may also be subject to an administrative driver’s license suspension by the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL). However, there are various circumstances aside from DUI charges in which a person may need to request a DOL hearing in order to keep their license. This can include someone who is considered a habitual traffic offender. A DOL procedure is entirely separate from criminal procedures, but an attorney will be able to assist with this process.
There are various reasons that a person’s driver’s license may be suspended in the state of Washington. This can include not paying fines or fees associated with traffic tickets, procrastination or forgetfulness, DUI charges, and more. Getting stopped by the police while driving when you have a suspended license can result in misdemeanor charges punishable by jail and significant fines, as well as additional conditions regarding a driver’s license.
Violation of a “no contact” order in Washington is usually going to be a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. However, a violation could be considered a class C felony if the violation occurred during an assault or an act of reckless endangerment. Whether you have violated a no contact order or exploring ways to get a no contact order dismissed, you need to speak to an attorney before proceeding.
The Washington Juvenile Court System is designed to handle matters associated only with juvenile law (juvenile delinquency cases). These charges are considered when a criminal violation is committed by a person under the age of 18. However, just because the alleged perpetrator is a minor does not mean that the consequences are not serious. A conviction of a crime as a juvenile could result in a cascade of events that affect that person for the rest of their life. A juvenile crimes attorney in Washington should be consulted by the family of the person accused to ensure the best possible outcome of their case.
Violent crimes in Washington are going to be taken seriously and charged as felony offenses. Some of the most common violent crimes that our attorneys help clients with include burglary, assault, robbery, vehicular assault, and vehicular homicide. Violent crimes are those involving some sort of physical aggression, whether that is an assault and battery, robbery committed with a weapon, murder, etc. A conviction of a violent offense can result in lengthy prison sentences.
Leaving the scene of an accident, or hit and run offenses, in Washington can be defined as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the facts of each particular case. Hit & Run offenses of the misdemeanor variety carry with them a maximum sentence of 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine, and depending on the facts, can also cause a 1 year license suspension. However, if a person is injured or killed in a hit and run accident, the perpetrator could face various classes of felony charges that result in possible prison sentences of five years to life. There are many possible legal opitons for defending a Hit & Run charge, so please contact us today to discuss your options.
Harassment charges arise in various ways, including when a person allegedly threatens to cause somebody harm or threatens to destroy the property of another person. Criminally, harassment can be considered a misdemeanor or a felony in Washington, depending on the nature of the case. Additionally, a person could face a non-criminal “no contact” order if it is believed they have been harassing somebody else. Regardless of whether you are facing criminal or civil harassment charges or orders, you need to speak to an attorney about your case as soon as possible.
When you hire one of our criminal defense attorneys, you are guaranteed to receive clear communication from our team. We will work closely with you in order to understand your vision for the case and your desired results. After determining the right course of action, we will manage your case with expert training and skill.
If necessary, our defense attorneys will work with investigators that can analyze the crime and any witnesses that may testify. We are also in contact with expert witnesses that may have access to evidence beneficial to your case. In some cases, this additional evidence may disprove the evidence given by the prosecution or even prove your innocence in court.
The attorneys at Russell & Hill – Injury & Accident Attorneys are excellent at negotiating a plea bargain that works in your favor, as well as eliminating some of the charges set against you. We know exactly how to negotiate with the prosecution, and we understand the process well enough to advise you whether to accept the offer or head to trial. If it is in the best interest of your case, we will not hesitate to move towards trial.
Our Everett criminal defense attorneys are ready to serve you today. For more information or to arrange a free consultation, fill out our case evaluation form. The defense you deserve is just a phone call away.
If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime in Everett, WA, there’s a chance that your freedom, your reputation and your future are at stake. Prosecutors in Snohomish County are moving fast; and even a simple misdemeanor can have consequences like jail time, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record.
I am Matthew Russell, and I represent individuals throughout the State of Washington who are facing serious accusations of crimes, including DUI, assault, battery, theft, drug charges or felonies. Most clients who come to see us feel overwhelmed by their arrest, frustrated by the law enforcement’s presumptions or scared, worried that they have already been found guilty by the criminal justice system.
At Russell & Hill Law Firm, we treat each criminal defense case with great care, starting on day one. We will conduct an in-depth investigation of the facts; we will challenge illegal searches or the lack of evidence; we will search for every possible defense to be used under Washington state law in an effort to protect your rights and fight for the best outcome possible, allowing you to get on with living your life physically, mentally and financially whole.
Although you may feel compelled to simply “tell your side of the story”, you should know that prosecutors in Snohomish County don’t build cases on the concept of fair play – but rather evidence, statements and who can use leverage to gain control over the situation.
An “minor” conviction can still carry a:
Washington state enforces their laws strictly and do not have a history of being lenient when enforcing those laws. Therefore, having a criminal defense attorney, trusted by those citizens of Everett is not optional, it is protection.
Prosecutors in Snohomish County aggressively prosecute cases with major attention to:
The sooner you get your defense team involved, the better prepared they will be to go up against the aggressive prosecutorial tactics utilized by the State of Washington.
If you searched for any of the following terms on Google, you are not alone:
Most people don’t intend to hire an attorney, but when something major happens, they search for a lawyer. Selecting an attorney who works near you is critical to your success. When retaining a local attorney, your attorney needs to be familiar with the following:
Russell & Hill Law Firm, located in Washington State, has represented thousands of clients in Everett.
Our firm is capable of handling any criminal charge including first-time misdemeanors and serious felony trials. The following are examples of the types of charges we handle on a regular basis.
Due to the impact on your life that a DUI Defense (RCW 46.61.502) arrest can cause overnight, and the circumstances of most people making their search for DUI attorneys near me, the common issues they encounter when looking for an attorney include:
Washington state has very strict DUI penalties
| Offense Level | Jail Time Range | Fines | License Impact |
| First DUI | 24 hrs – 364 days | $990+ | Suspension up to 90+ days |
| Repeat DUI | Weeks to months | $2,000+ | Multi-year revocation |
So, an experienced criminal defense lawyer from Everett can challenge:
We have successfully reduced DUI charges to a lesser offense and/or had the charges dismissed altogether.
Many criminal charges involve assault. Unfortunately, these charges are not really understood. People look for:
Washington assault charges fall under RCW 9A.36
| Assault Level | Typical Example | Potential Penalty |
| 4th Degree | Minor physical contact | Up to 364 days jail |
| 3rd Degree | Assault against protected worker | Felony exposure |
| 2nd Degree | Weapon or serious harm | Class B Felony |
| 1st Degree | Extreme harm intent | Class A Felony |
The lawyers at Russell & Hill Law Firm can assist you with your criminal defense if you have been arrested for a crime such as assault or battery in Everett. We have experience defending people against assault or battery charges by constructing a defense based on:
A felony conviction can alter one’s life permanently. A felony conviction can send you to prison as opposed to jail.
Many people are searching for “felony attorneys” including “felony attorney near me”, “felony attorneys near me”, and “felony defense attorney near me”.
The most common types of felonies in Everett are:
Russell & Hill Law Firm has been trial-ready since our firm opened its doors. We approach each client with a sense of urgency to provide you with the best possible outcome regarding your felony charge.
While most people consider misdemeanors as “not as serious” as felonies, the penalties for committing a misdemeanor may be:
If you are looking for a misdemeanor attorney or misdemeanor defense attorney, we would like to provide the means necessary to defend against criminal charges for misdemeanours like:
Drug-related offenses are still a common issue in Everett, even with the change in drug possession laws in Washington state. People searching for drug attorneys usually use the following terms to find drug attorneys in Everett:
The most common drug charges we assist our clients with are:
Defenses to drug charges often involve challenging the legality of the search, suppression of evidence, and filing for a treatment resolution. Additionally, we often offer diversion programs.
Depending on the value and previous criminal record of the suspected offense, theft can come with a lot of serious consequences. Clients often look for theft lawyers in Everett, Washington when they have been accused of:
Theft thresholds are important, and our firm has a clear understanding of how local prosecutors handle theft charges in the state of Washington.
Many people have never been arrested before and consequently have no knowledge of the process, so here’s what to expect:
After an arrest you could be:
Your first court appearance is called an ‘arraignment.’ You may be required to enter a plea, and the court will likely impose conditions of release at that time.
This is where an experienced attorney is extremely important as a part of your criminal defense strategy, including:
Not every case is appropriate for trial, however, all cases must be prepared for trial so it can serve as leverage for a possible plea bargain. Your defense attorney will ensure that you receive an appropriate defense.
By a Criminal Defense Attorney at Russell & Hill Law Firm
An Everett man was charged with fourth degree assault after he was arrested following a dispute at an Everett area bar. Even though there were differing statements given on the incident, police relied heavily upon the statement of one witness to move forward with a case against him that could potentially lead to jail, probation, and years of having to live with a permanent criminal record. When the client spoke with Russell & Hill Law Firm, he expressed that he was frustrated and felt like the justice system had already made up its mind about him before they knew what happened.
Our attorneys began an extensive investigation into the defense of this client immediately. They obtained video surveillance recordings, obtained body camera footage, and interviewed independent witnesses, all of whom all indicated that the client acted in self-defense. They also drafted legal motions that pointed out the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and the missing elements from the original police report. The attorneys were prepared to present this evidence to a jury in Snohomish County if necessary.
After the prosecutors reviewed the results of Russell and Hill Law Firm’s investigation, they agreed to dismiss the assault charge in its entirety. The client was able to avoid jail, avoid a criminal conviction, and avoid the long-term repercussions that come from having a permanent criminal record, allowing him to move forward with his life without any negative effect.
Since 1990, the Russell & Hill Law Firm has delivered reliable legal representation for those accused of criminal actions in Washington State. Our knowledgeable team will ensure your rights are upheld during the criminal process, dispute any evidentiary basis for your arrest, and compel the best possible outcome on your behalf if you have been charged with DUI, assault, felony offenses, or misdemeanors in Everett.
If you would like to schedule a free consultation with an attorney from our Everett criminal defense law firm, please call us at 800-529-0842.
The cost of hiring an attorney to represent you will vary, based on several factors. At Russell & Hill Law Firm, we are transparent about fees and timelines, so that you as the client are aware that there will be no unexpected costs.
Yes. Depending on the evidence against you and/or the nature of the rights violations that may have occurred, it is possible for your charges to be resolved prior to your first court date, provided you have a successful defense strategy in place.
No. If you make any incriminating statements to anyone, those statements can be used against you at trial, even if you think you are helping yourself by being cooperative. You should politely decline to answer questions until you have consulted an attorney.
Some misdemeanor cases can be resolved in less than one month; whereas, a felony may take a number of months to resolve. The length of your case will depend on the time required to respond to evidence, court calendars, and negotiation processes.
Criminal defense attorneys at the law firm can sometimes hold degrees in criminal justice, political science, or philosophy but the major itself matters less than trial training and real courtroom experience.
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If you would like more information or would like to talk to us about how we could help you.
Have questions or need personalized legal assistance? Reach out to us at [email protected], and we’ll discuss how we can support you every step of the way.
9212 E Montgomery Ave Suite 401-5, Spokane Valley, WA 99206
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