Defending Your Rights
Criminal Law Lawyer in Moses Lake, Washington
Understanding Criminal Defense in Moses Lake
Facing criminal charges is one of the most stressful experiences a person can encounter. Whether you’re accused of a misdemeanor or felony, the decisions you make in the early stages of your case can significantly impact your future. At Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd, we understand the gravity of your situation and provide comprehensive criminal defense representation to residents and businesses throughout Moses Lake and Grant County. Our approach focuses on protecting your constitutional rights while pursuing the most favorable resolution available under your circumstances.
Why Criminal Defense Representation Is Essential
Criminal charges carry consequences that extend far beyond potential jail time or fines. A conviction can affect your employment prospects, housing options, professional licenses, and personal relationships. Having skilled legal representation helps protect you from decisions that could have lasting repercussions. We work to minimize penalties, explore plea alternatives when appropriate, and pursue complete dismissals when the evidence supports such outcomes. Our representation ensures you’re not navigating the justice system alone and that your voice is heard throughout the process.
Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd Criminal Defense Team
How Criminal Defense Works
Criminal defense involves protecting your rights at every stage of the legal process, starting from arrest or initial investigation through trial and potential appeal. When you’re arrested, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney—rights we help you exercise immediately. We investigate the charges, review police reports and evidence, file motions challenging unlawful searches or confessions, and build a comprehensive defense. Whether negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges or preparing for trial, we ensure your interests are represented with dedication.
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Criminal Law Glossary
Arraignment
Your initial court appearance where you’re informed of charges, advised of your rights, and asked to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. This is a critical moment where bail or release conditions are determined.
Discovery
The legal process where both the prosecution and defense share evidence relevant to the case, including police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence. Proper discovery is essential to building an effective defense strategy.
Plea Bargain
An agreement between the defense and prosecution where you plead guilty to reduced charges or fewer counts in exchange for a lighter sentence or dropped charges. This resolves your case without going to trial.
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
The standard of proof required for criminal conviction—the prosecution must prove guilt so thoroughly that no reasonable person could doubt it. This is a high bar that protects innocent people from wrongful conviction.
PRO TIPS
Invoke Your Right to an Attorney Immediately
If you’re arrested or contacted by police regarding a criminal investigation, exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney before answering any questions. Police are trained in interrogation techniques that can lead innocent people to incriminate themselves. Contact Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd immediately so we can protect your interests from the very beginning of your case.
Preserve All Evidence and Communications
Save any messages, emails, receipts, or other documentation that might support your defense or contradict the charges against you. Avoid destroying or tampering with evidence, as doing so can result in additional charges. Provide all relevant information to your attorney so we can incorporate it into our defense strategy.
Avoid Discussing Your Case with Others
Don’t discuss details of your case with friends, family, or social media, as these conversations can be used against you. Anything you say outside the attorney-client relationship isn’t protected by confidentiality. Keep your case details private and communicate only with your legal team about your defense.
Understanding Your Defense Choices
When Full Criminal Defense Representation Is Important:
Serious Charges and Significant Penalties
Felony charges, violent crime allegations, drug manufacturing, and other serious offenses carry potential prison sentences and severe consequences that demand comprehensive legal representation. These cases require extensive investigation, expert witnesses, and skilled trial advocacy to mount an effective defense. The stakes are too high to rely on limited representation or public defenders overwhelmed with excessive caseloads.
Complex Factual or Legal Issues
Cases involving forensic evidence, constitutional violations, or emerging legal questions benefit from attorneys who thoroughly research the law and challenge improper procedures. When multiple charges are involved or the case requires understanding of specialized areas like DUI science or federal regulations, comprehensive representation ensures no angle is overlooked. Our team has the resources and knowledge to tackle even the most complex criminal matters.
When Straightforward Cases May Require Less Intensive Effort:
Minor Infractions and Misdemeanors
Some minor offenses with limited penalties might be handled through straightforward negotiations or traffic court procedures. However, even misdemeanors can affect employment and housing, so careful consideration of your options is always warranted. We evaluate every case individually to determine the best approach.
Cases with Clear Evidence and Strong Plea Opportunities
When prosecution evidence is strong and negotiated resolutions offer significant benefits, a focused approach toward favorable plea terms might be appropriate. We still conduct thorough analysis before recommending this path. Even in these situations, we ensure you fully understand the consequences before accepting any plea agreement.
Common Criminal Charges We Address
Why Choose Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd for Criminal Defense
We understand that facing criminal charges is frightening, and you need representation from attorneys who take your case seriously and fight for the best possible outcome. Our team combines deep knowledge of Washington criminal law with practical trial experience and a commitment to personalized service. We don’t view cases as files to move through the system—we view them as opportunities to protect real people’s lives and futures. We’re available to answer your questions, explain your options, and provide the aggressive advocacy you deserve.
From our first conversation, we focus on understanding your perspective, gathering evidence supporting your innocence or mitigation, and developing a defense strategy tailored to your specific situation. We maintain open communication throughout your case, keeping you informed of developments and ensuring you understand the implications of every decision. Whether pursuing dismissal, negotiating favorable terms, or taking your case to trial, we bring the same level of commitment and skill to every representation.
Contact us for a confidential case consultation
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FAQS
What should I do if I'm arrested?
If you’re arrested, remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Do not answer police questions, sign documents, or consent to searches without your lawyer present. Police are trained to use interrogation techniques that can lead you to incriminate yourself, even if you believe you have nothing to hide. Contact Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd right away so we can protect your rights from the earliest moment of your case. Your first appearance will typically occur within 72 hours of arrest. This is when a judge determines bail or release conditions. Having an attorney present at this hearing is crucial to argue for your release or reasonable bail amounts. We immediately begin investigating your case, reviewing police reports, and identifying potential defense strategies while protecting your immediate interests in court.
Will I have to go to trial?
Not all criminal cases go to trial. Many are resolved through plea agreements where you plead guilty to reduced charges or fewer counts in exchange for lighter sentences or dropped charges. Whether you should go to trial depends on the strength of the prosecution’s case, the quality of evidence, and your specific circumstances. We thoroughly evaluate these factors and present you with honest advice about your options. If trial is in your best interest, we prepare aggressively for courtroom presentation. This includes investigating witnesses, challenging evidence, and developing compelling arguments supporting your defense. We handle all aspects of trial preparation and representation, ensuring you’re ready for whatever comes in the courtroom.
How much does criminal defense cost?
Criminal defense costs vary depending on case complexity, the charges you face, and whether your case goes to trial or is resolved through negotiation. We offer transparent fee arrangements and discuss costs upfront so there are no surprises. Some cases can be handled with a flat fee, while complex matters may require hourly billing or alternative arrangements. We also work with clients facing financial constraints to find solutions that provide them with quality representation. Investing in strong criminal defense protects your future. A conviction can affect employment, housing, and professional opportunities for years to come. The cost of not having adequate representation often far exceeds attorney fees. We encourage you to call us for a consultation where we can discuss your specific situation and fee options.
Can you get charges dismissed?
Charges can be dismissed for various reasons, including insufficient evidence, procedural violations, lack of probable cause for arrest, or illegal searches. If police violated your constitutional rights in gathering evidence, we move to suppress that evidence, which can result in case dismissal when key evidence is excluded. We also investigate thoroughly to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case that might support dismissal motions. While not all cases result in dismissal, we pursue this outcome when the evidence and law support it. Even when complete dismissal isn’t possible, we work toward reducing charges or negotiating favorable resolutions that minimize consequences. Every defense strategy focuses on achieving the best possible outcome for your specific situation.
What is a plea bargain?
A plea bargain is an agreement between you and the prosecution where you plead guilty to reduced charges, fewer counts, or lesser included offenses in exchange for lighter sentences or dropped charges. This avoids trial and provides certainty about your outcome, though it requires accepting responsibility for the crimes you plead to. We carefully evaluate whether plea offers are in your interest or whether better results might be achieved through trial. Before accepting any plea agreement, we ensure you fully understand the consequences, including how it affects your record, future employment prospects, and any collateral consequences like driver’s license suspension or professional license impacts. A plea decision is serious and should only be made with full information and competent legal advice.
How long does a criminal case take?
Criminal case timelines vary significantly based on complexity, whether the case goes to trial, and the specific procedures involved. Simple misdemeanors might be resolved in weeks or months, while serious felonies can take a year or more to reach trial. The prosecution has an obligation to provide a speedy trial, but cases often take longer than expected due to discovery disputes, pretrial motions, and scheduling issues. We manage your case efficiently while never compromising the thoroughness required for strong representation. We keep you informed about timeline expectations and work to resolve your case on the best terms available within a reasonable timeframe. Some cases benefit from taking additional time to investigate thoroughly, while others should be resolved quickly through favorable plea agreements.
Can I appeal a conviction?
Criminal convictions can be appealed based on legal errors that occurred at trial or during sentencing. Appeals don’t involve retrying your case or presenting new evidence—instead, they focus on whether the court properly applied the law and protected your rights. Grounds for appeal include trial errors, insufficient evidence, improper jury instructions, or sentencing violations. You must file appeals within strict deadlines, making immediate action important if conviction occurs. We handle post-conviction relief and appeals for clients who’ve been convicted, reviewing trial records for errors and developing arguments for higher court review. While not all convictions are overturned on appeal, those with significant legal errors may be reversed or remanded for new trials. Having experienced appellate attorneys is essential when pursuing this type of relief.
What are my rights during police interrogation?
You have the constitutional right to remain silent during police questioning and to have an attorney present during any interrogation. Police must inform you of these rights (Miranda rights) when you’re in custody and about to be questioned. Exercising these rights is not an admission of guilt—it’s a protection against self-incrimination that applies to everyone, guilty or innocent. If you request an attorney, all questioning must stop until your lawyer arrives. You should not answer questions or try to explain your situation without legal counsel present. Even if you believe you’re innocent, what you say without a lawyer can be misinterpreted or used against you. Contact us immediately if police want to question you, and we’ll ensure your rights are protected.
Can evidence be suppressed?
Evidence can be suppressed (excluded from trial) if it was obtained in violation of your constitutional rights, such as through unlawful search and seizure without a warrant or probable cause. We file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, which can significantly weaken or destroy the prosecution’s case. If key evidence is excluded, charges may be dismissed or dramatically weakened. Proper police procedure is critical to any criminal case. When officers fail to follow legal requirements, we challenge their actions in court. This protection against illegal searches and seizures is fundamental to your rights. We investigate how evidence was obtained and file appropriate legal challenges when violations occurred.
What happens at sentencing?
Sentencing is when the judge imposes penalties following a conviction or guilty plea, including prison time, fines, probation, and other conditions. Sentencing guidelines provide ranges based on offense severity and criminal history, though judges have discretion within these ranges. We present mitigation evidence and arguments at sentencing to encourage lighter penalties, including information about your background, character, employment, and other factors supporting reduced consequences. Sentencing advocacy is crucial because it directly affects how much time you spend in prison or under court supervision. Even with conviction, skilled sentencing representation can significantly reduce the penalty you face. We prepare thoroughly for sentencing hearings and fight for the most favorable outcome possible within the law.