Defending Your Rights in Edmonds
Criminal Law Lawyer in Edmonds, Washington
Comprehensive Criminal Defense Services in Edmonds
When facing criminal charges in Edmonds, Washington, you need a dedicated legal advocate who understands the local court system and state criminal law. The Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd provide aggressive criminal defense representation for individuals accused of various offenses, from misdemeanors to felonies. Our legal team has extensive experience navigating the complexities of the Washington criminal justice system and protecting the rights of our clients throughout Snohomish County. We are committed to thoroughly investigating your case, challenging evidence presented by prosecutors, and pursuing the best possible resolution for your situation.
Why Criminal Defense Representation Matters
Criminal defense representation is essential when your freedom and future are at stake. An experienced criminal defense attorney can challenge improper police procedures, evaluate the strength of evidence against you, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and negotiate favorable plea agreements or dismissals. With professional legal representation, you gain someone who understands your rights under the U.S. Constitution and Washington state law, can effectively cross-examine witnesses, and develops strategic defense plans based on the specific facts of your situation. The difference between competent representation and inadequate defense can significantly impact sentencing outcomes, potential jail time, and your long-term record.
Our Firm's Criminal Law Background
Understanding Criminal Law and Your Defense
Criminal law encompasses a broad range of offenses prosecuted by federal and state authorities. In Washington, criminal charges are categorized by severity, with felonies representing the most serious offenses carrying potential prison sentences exceeding one year, while misdemeanors typically result in shorter jail sentences and fines. Understanding the specific charges against you, the evidence the prosecution intends to present, and the potential consequences is fundamental to developing an effective defense strategy. The burden of proof in criminal cases rests with the prosecution, which must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt—a high legal standard that skilled defense representation can challenge through rigorous questioning of evidence and witness testimony.
Need More Information?
Criminal Law Terms and Definitions
Misdemeanor
A misdemeanor is a criminal offense less serious than a felony, typically punishable by up to one year in county jail, fines, probation, or a combination thereof. Common misdemeanor charges include simple assault, minor drug possession, petty theft, and disorderly conduct. Misdemeanor convictions still result in a criminal record and can impact employment, housing, and professional licensing opportunities.
Arraignment
An arraignment is an initial court appearance where you are informed of the charges against you, advised of your rights, and given the opportunity to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. At arraignment, bail or release conditions may be set, and you can request appointed counsel if you cannot afford an attorney. This proceeding typically occurs within 72 hours of arrest.
Felony
A felony is a serious criminal offense punishable by imprisonment for more than one year in state prison or potential loss of life in capital cases. Felonies include violent crimes, major drug offenses, burglary, robbery, and many other serious crimes. A felony conviction carries significant long-term consequences including permanent criminal record, voting restrictions, and professional licensing limitations.
Plea Agreement
A plea agreement, or plea bargain, is a negotiated settlement between the defense and prosecution where you agree to plead guilty to certain charges in exchange for prosecutors reducing charges, dismissing other counts, or recommending lighter sentences. Plea agreements resolve many criminal cases without trial and often result in more favorable outcomes than conviction after trial.
PRO TIPS
Remain Silent and Request Your Attorney
After arrest, exercise your constitutional right to remain silent—do not answer police questions without your attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you in court, even if you believe you are innocent or that your explanation will help. Politely inform police that you wish to speak with your lawyer before any questioning occurs.
Document Everything About Your Arrest
Write down detailed notes about the circumstances of your arrest, including the time, location, officer names and badge numbers, what was said, and any physical observations you can recall. Preserve evidence such as photographs of injuries, the scene, or police conduct, and obtain contact information for any witnesses present. These details become invaluable when working with your defense attorney to challenge the charges.
Gather Your Own Evidence Early
While your attorney conducts formal discovery, collect any personal evidence supporting your defense including photographs, text messages, emails, financial records, or witness statements. Contact potential witnesses promptly while their memories are fresh and ask them to document what they witnessed. This proactive approach strengthens your defense case and provides your attorney with additional resources during case preparation.
Comparing Criminal Defense Approaches
Why Full Criminal Defense Representation Is Essential:
Serious Charges With Significant Prison Time
When facing felony charges that carry the possibility of substantial prison sentences, comprehensive legal defense is critical to protecting your future and freedom. Serious charges require thorough investigation of evidence, expert witness analysis, and sophisticated legal strategies that only experienced criminal defense representation can provide. The stakes are too high to rely on limited representation when your liberty and life trajectory hang in the balance.
Complex Evidence or Multiple Charges
Cases involving complex forensic evidence, digital data, financial records, or multiple related charges demand comprehensive legal analysis to navigate effectively. A full-service defense team can retain forensic experts, challenge scientific evidence, coordinate discovery across multiple charges, and develop integrated defense strategies. Attempting to handle complex cases with minimal representation often results in missed opportunities and weaker defense positions.
When More Limited Legal Assistance May Apply:
Minor Traffic or Infraction Violations
Simple traffic citations or minor infractions with minimal consequences may require only basic legal guidance or representation. These matters typically involve straightforward procedures and limited potential penalties that do not justify extensive legal investment. However, even traffic matters can affect insurance rates and driving records, so competent representation is still valuable.
First-Time Misdemeanor With Clear Plea Options
A first-time minor misdemeanor charge where the facts are straightforward and acceptable plea agreements are available may require less intensive representation. These cases typically resolve through negotiated plea deals rather than trials and involve lower-level charges with predictable outcomes. Even so, having an attorney review plea terms ensures you understand the full implications before accepting any agreement.
Common Criminal Charges We Defend
Why Choose the Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd
The Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd has established a strong reputation throughout Snohomish County and the Edmonds community for providing vigorous, results-oriented criminal defense representation. Our attorneys understand the local court system, maintain productive relationships with prosecutors and judges, and bring extensive courtroom experience to every case. We combine aggressive advocacy with strategic thinking, carefully evaluating each case to determine whether negotiated resolution or trial presentation best serves your interests. Your defense begins with a thorough consultation where we listen to your account, explain your options, and outline our recommended strategy.
We recognize that criminal charges create stress, uncertainty, and fear about your future—we are here to guide you through this challenging process with competent legal counsel and steadfast advocacy. Our fee arrangements are flexible and transparent, with no hidden charges or surprise billing. We remain available to answer your questions, update you on case developments, and ensure you understand every decision in your defense. From initial arrest through trial or sentencing, you can rely on the Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd to fight for your rights and pursue the best possible outcome.
Contact Us Today for Your Defense
People Also Search For
DUI/DWI defense attorney
Drug offense lawyer
Violent crime defense
White-collar crime attorney
Theft and burglary defense
Weapons charge attorney
Misdemeanor defense lawyer
Felony defense attorney Edmonds
Related Services
FAQS
What should I do immediately after being arrested in Edmonds?
Immediately after arrest, your priority is to exercise your constitutional rights. Remain calm, do not resist police, and clearly state that you wish to speak with an attorney before answering any questions. Police may continue asking questions, but your consistent request for counsel should end the interrogation. Ask to make a phone call and contact the Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd as soon as possible. Document everything you remember about the arrest, including officer names, badge numbers, the time, location, and what was said. If there were any physical altercations or unusual circumstances, note these details carefully. Within 72 hours of arrest, you must be brought before a judge for an initial appearance where you will hear the charges and have bail or release conditions set. Having an attorney represent you at this critical hearing can significantly impact your release terms and the course of your case.
How long does a criminal case typically take to resolve?
The timeline for resolving criminal charges varies significantly depending on the complexity of the case, the seriousness of charges, and whether the matter is resolved through plea negotiation or trial. Misdemeanor cases may resolve within weeks to a few months, while felony cases typically take several months to over a year from arrest to final resolution. Prosecution discovery, defense investigation, possible suppression motions, and negotiations with prosecutors all affect the timeline. Once charges are filed, we move quickly to obtain discovery materials from the prosecution, review evidence, and assess your case for negotiation opportunities or trial preparation. Communication with the prosecutor’s office and court scheduling also influence how long your case progresses toward resolution.
Can charges be dismissed before trial?
Yes, charges can be dismissed before trial through several legal mechanisms. Suppression motions challenging illegally obtained evidence, constitutional violations, or improper police procedures may result in evidence being excluded and charges dismissed if the prosecution cannot proceed without that evidence. Prosecutorial discretion also allows prosecutors to decline or dismiss charges if they determine they cannot meet their burden of proof or if mitigating circumstances suggest dismissal is appropriate. We aggressively pursue dismissal opportunities through pretrial motions, legal arguments, and negotiations with the prosecution. Many cases are resolved through plea agreements where some charges are dismissed in exchange for guilty pleas on remaining counts. Our approach focuses on achieving the best possible outcome, which sometimes means securing charge dismissals before your case reaches trial.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
The primary distinction between misdemeanor and felony charges is the severity of the offense and the potential punishment. Misdemeanor charges are less serious offenses typically punishable by up to one year in county jail, fines, probation, or combinations thereof. Felonies are more serious crimes punishable by imprisonment in state prison for more than one year or, in capital cases, potentially death. Examples of misdemeanors include minor assault, petty theft, simple drug possession, and disorderly conduct. Felonies include violent crimes like robbery and assault, serious drug offenses, burglary, and other major criminal offenses. Both misdemeanor and felony convictions result in permanent criminal records affecting employment, housing, licensing, and other opportunities. However, the long-term consequences of felony convictions are far more severe, making aggressive felony defense particularly important.
What happens at my arraignment?
Your arraignment is an initial court appearance that typically occurs within 72 hours of arrest. At this proceeding, the judge informs you of the specific charges against you, explains your rights including the right to counsel and the right to remain silent, and asks how you wish to plead. You will also be advised of bail or release conditions, and the court determines whether you will be released on your own recognizance, released with bail, or held without bail pending trial. It is crucial to have an attorney present at your arraignment to advocate for reasonable release conditions, challenge bail amounts if necessary, and ensure your rights are protected. Your attorney can also request more time to review discovery materials and prepare a defense. The arraignment sets the stage for your entire case, making skilled representation at this early stage essential to protecting your interests.
Should I take a plea agreement or go to trial?
The decision to accept a plea agreement or proceed to trial depends on numerous factors specific to your case. We carefully evaluate the strength of the prosecution’s evidence, the reliability of witnesses, the validity of police procedures, and potential legal defenses before recommending trial or negotiation. A reasonable plea agreement that significantly reduces potential penalties may be preferable to the uncertainty and risks of trial, while a weak prosecution case or questionable evidence might justify trial presentation. Plea agreements offer certainty—you know your sentence in advance—while trials carry risk but also the possibility of acquittal. We discuss all options thoroughly, explaining the potential outcomes and risks of each approach. Ultimately, the decision is yours, but we provide honest counsel about the strength of your defense and the likely outcomes under different scenarios.
What is discovery in a criminal case?
Discovery is the process by which the prosecution provides the defense with evidence and information they intend to use in the case. This includes police reports, witness statements, photographs, forensic test results, recordings, and other materials relevant to the charges. Washington law requires prosecutors to disclose exculpatory evidence—evidence favorable to the defense—and evidence of police misconduct. We carefully review all discovery materials to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, inconsistencies in witness testimony, and procedural violations. This analysis forms the foundation of our defense strategy and helps determine whether suppression motions, plea negotiations, or trial preparation are most appropriate. Complete discovery review ensures we understand the full scope of evidence against you and can develop effective counter-arguments.
Can I get my criminal record expunged or sealed?
Washington law provides opportunities to have criminal records expunged or sealed in certain circumstances. Misdemeanor convictions, arrest records that do not result in conviction, and some felony convictions may be eligible for expungement. The eligibility depends on the type of charge, the outcome of your case, and how much time has passed since conviction. Successful expungement removes the conviction from your public record, allowing you to legally answer that you have not been convicted when applying for employment, housing, or professional licenses. Expungement proceedings require filing a petition with the court and sometimes demonstrating rehabilitation or other legal grounds. We assist clients in pursuing expungement opportunities after case resolution, helping restore your record and improving your future opportunities.
What are my rights during a police stop or search?
You have constitutional rights during police stops and searches that protect you from unreasonable government intrusion. Police generally require reasonable suspicion to stop you and probable cause to search your person, vehicle, or home. You have the right to refuse searches of your person or vehicle unless police have a warrant or meet specific exceptions. You have the right to remain silent during police questioning—you are not required to answer questions beyond providing your name and identification. Police must read Miranda rights before custodial questioning, and anything you say without proper warnings may be inadmissible in court. However, many people waive these rights without fully understanding the consequences. We investigate whether police followed proper procedures in your case and challenge any violations through suppression motions.
How can I get the best outcome in my criminal case?
Achieving the best outcome in your criminal case requires immediate action, thorough investigation, strategic analysis, and skilled advocacy. Contact an attorney as soon as possible after arrest to ensure your rights are protected from the beginning. We conduct our own investigation, obtain all relevant evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with needed experts to build the strongest defense. We evaluate every legal option including suppression motions, discovery challenges, plea negotiations, and trial preparation. Communication and collaboration between you and your attorney are essential—we keep you informed, listen to your input, and ensure you understand the strategy and decision-making process. Our goal is always to minimize penalties, protect your rights, and achieve resolution that protects your future as much as possible given the circumstances.