Defending Your Rights
Criminal Law Attorney in Auburn, Washington
Comprehensive Criminal Defense Services
If you’re facing criminal charges in Auburn, Washington, the decisions you make now will significantly impact your future. The Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd provides aggressive criminal defense representation for individuals charged with a wide range of offenses. Our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of the criminal justice system and work diligently to protect your constitutional rights. We handle everything from misdemeanor charges to serious felony accusations, offering personalized representation tailored to your unique circumstances and goals.
Why Criminal Defense Representation Matters
Criminal charges carry serious consequences that extend far beyond potential jail time or fines. A conviction can affect your employment prospects, housing opportunities, professional licenses, and personal relationships. Having qualified legal representation during this critical period can mean the difference between life-altering consequences and a more favorable resolution. Our attorneys challenge questionable evidence, protect your rights during police interactions, and negotiate effectively with prosecutors. We ensure that the government meets its burden of proof and that your voice is heard throughout the legal process.
About the Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd
Understanding Criminal Law and Defense
Criminal law encompasses all offenses prosecuted by the government, ranging from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies. The prosecution bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, which is one of the highest standards in law. Understanding the specific charges against you, the evidence the government possesses, and the possible defenses available is essential for developing an effective strategy. Our attorneys thoroughly investigate each case, examine police reports and evidence, interview witnesses, and identify any violations of your rights that may have occurred during your arrest or investigation.
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Criminal Law Terms and Definitions
Arraignment
Your first court appearance where you’re informed of charges, advised of your rights, and asked to enter a plea. Bail or release conditions are typically determined at this proceeding.
Plea Agreement
A negotiated settlement where you agree to plead guilty to certain charges in exchange for reduced charges, lower sentences, or other concessions from the prosecution.
Discovery
The legal process where both the prosecution and defense exchange evidence, including police reports, witness statements, test results, and any materials relevant to your case.
Motion to Suppress
A request asking the court to exclude evidence obtained in violation of your constitutional rights, such as evidence from an illegal search or statements made without proper Miranda warnings.
PRO TIPS
Remain Silent and Request an Attorney
If you’re arrested, exercise your right to remain silent and clearly state that you want an attorney. Anything you say to police can be used against you, even if you think you’re helping your case. Contact the Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd immediately so we can protect your rights from the very beginning.
Preserve Evidence and Document Everything
Write down detailed notes about what happened, including date, time, location, and the names of any witnesses. Take photographs of injuries, property damage, or relevant locations if possible. Preserve all text messages, emails, and other communications related to the incident, as these can become crucial evidence.
Avoid Social Media and Public Statements
Don’t post anything about your case on social media, as prosecutors often use these statements against defendants. Avoid discussing your case with anyone except your attorney and trusted family members. Even casual comments can be misinterpreted and used to undermine your defense.
When to Seek Comprehensive Criminal Defense
Full Representation vs. Limited Approaches:
Serious Felony Charges
Felony charges carry potential prison sentences and create permanent criminal records that impact your future employment and opportunities. These cases require thorough investigation, aggressive advocacy, and skilled negotiation to minimize consequences. Full representation by experienced counsel is essential when facing charges that could result in years of incarceration.
Multiple or Repeat Charges
When facing multiple charges or prior criminal history, the complexity increases significantly and sentencing exposure grows substantially. Prosecutors may use prior offenses to enhance penalties, making comprehensive defense strategy critical. Our attorneys coordinate defenses across charges and work to minimize the overall impact on your life.
Situations for Streamlined Resolution:
First-Time Minor Offenses
Minor misdemeanor charges without prior criminal history sometimes warrant straightforward handling and quick resolution. Even in these situations, having an attorney negotiate favorable terms can result in reduced fines or dismissed charges. Your best interests are still protected through knowledgeable representation.
Certain Traffic-Related Offenses
Traffic violations that don’t involve criminal charges sometimes require less intensive representation. However, serious traffic offenses like vehicular assault or hit-and-run involve criminal penalties and warrant comprehensive defense. We evaluate each situation individually to determine the appropriate level of representation.
Common Situations Requiring Criminal Defense
Why Choose the Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd
Our attorneys bring substantial courtroom experience and deep knowledge of Auburn’s criminal justice system to every case we handle. We maintain professional relationships with prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement that allow us to navigate the system effectively on your behalf. More importantly, we treat each client with respect and dignity, taking time to understand your unique situation and concerns. Your case receives our full attention and strategic focus from start to finish.
We understand that criminal charges create stress and uncertainty in your life and your family’s life. Our approach combines aggressive advocacy with honest communication about realistic outcomes and options. We work tirelessly to investigate, challenge weak evidence, and negotiate favorable resolutions whenever possible. When trial is necessary, we’re fully prepared to present a compelling defense before the jury or judge.
Contact Our Criminal Law Team Today
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FAQS
What should I do immediately after being arrested?
Your first priority is to protect your rights. Clearly state that you want to speak with an attorney and do not answer any police questions without our presence. You have a constitutional right to remain silent, and anything you say can be used against you in court. Contact the Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd as soon as possible so we can ensure your rights are protected throughout the process. Do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney, not even family members or friends. Police sometimes use information shared through others against defendants. Focus on getting released and preparing for your first court appearance with qualified legal representation by your side.
How much does criminal defense representation cost?
Our fees depend on the complexity of your case, the charges involved, and whether your case goes to trial. We offer flexible fee arrangements and discuss costs openly with clients before beginning representation. We believe quality legal defense is an investment in your future and your family’s stability. During your initial consultation, we provide a detailed explanation of what representation will cost and what services are included. We understand that criminal charges create financial stress, which is why we work with clients to develop payment plans that fit their circumstances. Some clients qualify for public defender services if they cannot afford private representation. We’re happy to discuss all available options during your consultation.
Can charges be dismissed before trial?
Yes, charges can be dismissed in several ways. If evidence was obtained illegally, we file motions to suppress that evidence, which can lead to dismissal. If the prosecution cannot prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, we can file motions asking the judge to dismiss the case. Additionally, we often negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges in exchange for guilty pleas to lesser offenses. Each case is different, and we evaluate all available options. Our goal is always to achieve the best possible outcome for you. Sometimes this means securing a complete dismissal, sometimes it means negotiating reduced charges, and sometimes it means taking your case to trial. We present our honest assessment of your case and recommendations based on the specific facts and circumstances involved.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
Misdemeanors are less serious crimes typically punishable by up to one year in county jail and fines up to $5,000. Felonies are more serious crimes that can result in imprisonment in state prison for more than one year. Felonies also result in the loss of certain rights, including voting and firearm ownership, and create a permanent criminal record that affects employment and housing. The distinction significantly impacts the potential consequences you face. Both misdemeanor and felony charges require skilled legal representation to minimize consequences. Even misdemeanor convictions can affect your future, so we fight aggressively on charges at any level. We evaluate whether charges were properly filed and whether prosecutors can prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
How does the plea negotiation process work?
Plea negotiations involve discussions between our attorneys and prosecutors where we explore whether a settlement is possible. We gather evidence, evaluate the prosecution’s case strength, and determine what outcome might be achievable through negotiation. If discussions show potential for a favorable agreement, we negotiate terms that reduce charges, minimize prison exposure, or achieve other benefits. We only recommend accepting a plea agreement if it’s in your best interest. You always have the final decision about whether to accept any plea offer or proceed to trial. We provide honest assessment of your options and the likely consequences of each choice. If the prosecution’s offer is unreasonable or if we believe we can achieve a better outcome at trial, we’re prepared to take your case all the way to trial.
Will my criminal case go to trial?
Many criminal cases are resolved through plea agreements without going to trial, but some do proceed to trial. Whether your case goes to trial depends on several factors including the strength of the evidence against you, what plea offers are available, and your preferences. We fully prepare every case as if it will go to trial, ensuring we’re ready to present a compelling defense before a judge or jury. Trial provides an opportunity to challenge the prosecution’s evidence directly and force them to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If we believe trial offers a better outcome than available plea offers, we recommend proceeding to trial and are fully prepared to do so. The decision is ultimately yours, made with our guidance about realistic outcomes.
What happens at the arraignment?
The arraignment is your first court appearance where the judge informs you of the charges, explains your rights, and asks how you plead. At this stage, bail or release conditions are determined based on factors like ties to the community, employment, and criminal history. You have the right to have an attorney present at this proceeding, and having representation from the beginning protects your interests. We address bail issues and ensure your rights are explained thoroughly. The arraignment is not the time to plead guilty unless we’ve negotiated a favorable plea agreement. We generally recommend entering a not guilty plea at arraignment to preserve your options. This allows time for thorough investigation and negotiation. The judge may impose bail, release you on your own recognizance, or in serious cases, deny bail entirely.
Can I appeal a conviction?
Yes, you have the right to appeal a conviction to a higher court. Appeals focus on whether errors occurred during trial that violated your rights or affected the fairness of the proceedings. We carefully preserve issues for appeal throughout the trial process by making appropriate objections. If a conviction does occur, we evaluate whether appealable issues exist and can represent you in the appeals process. Our firm handles appeals and post-conviction relief matters. Appeal options include direct appeals to the Washington Court of Appeals and potentially further appeals to the Washington Supreme Court or U.S. Supreme Court. We evaluate the strength of potential appellate arguments based on the trial record and applicable law. Post-conviction relief proceedings can also address issues that may not be appropriate for direct appeal.
How do I expunge or seal my criminal record?
Washington law allows certain convictions and arrests to be vacated or expunged under specific circumstances. Misdemeanor convictions can generally be vacated after three years, and felony convictions after five years, if you’ve met other requirements. Dismissed charges and arrests not resulting in conviction can often be expunged immediately. Having your record cleared significantly improves employment and housing prospects. We help clients navigate the expungement process. Eligibility for expungement depends on the specific charges and circumstances of your case. We evaluate your situation and file expungement motions when appropriate. Even if your conviction occurred years ago, you may still be eligible for relief. Contact us to discuss whether your record can be cleared.
What types of criminal charges do you handle?
We handle a comprehensive range of criminal charges including DUI/DWI, drug offenses, violent crimes, theft, fraud, white-collar crimes, sex crimes, federal crimes, and juvenile matters. We also represent clients in probation and parole violation proceedings, sentencing advocacy, and appeals. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges, we provide knowledgeable representation tailored to your specific circumstances. Our experience across multiple practice areas allows us to handle complex and serious cases effectively. Regardless of the charges you face, our approach is thorough investigation, aggressive advocacy, and honest communication about realistic options. We evaluate the prosecution’s evidence, identify weaknesses in their case, and develop strategic defenses. Your rights and best interests drive every decision we make on your behalf.