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Lakewood, Washington Lawyer | Criminal Defense & Personal Injury
Criminal Defense and Personal Injury Attorneys Serving Lakewood
Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd provides comprehensive legal representation to residents and businesses throughout Lakewood, Washington. With extensive experience handling criminal defense cases and personal injury claims, our attorneys understand the complexities of local courts and work diligently to protect your rights. Whether you face criminal charges or have suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence, we offer personalized strategies tailored to your unique circumstances and objectives.
Why Quality Legal Representation Protects Your Future
Whether facing criminal charges or pursuing a personal injury claim, having an experienced attorney by your side makes a substantial difference in outcomes. Criminal charges can result in jail time, fines, and permanent records that affect employment and housing opportunities. Personal injury claims require navigating insurance companies and complex liability issues. Our firm works to minimize consequences in criminal matters and maximize compensation in injury cases, ensuring your voice is heard throughout the process.
Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd Experience and Background
Understanding Criminal Defense and Personal Injury Law
Criminal defense protects your constitutional rights when facing charges from misdemeanor offenses to serious felonies. The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and you have the right to legal representation, evidence examination, and a fair trial. Our attorneys investigate charges thoroughly, challenge questionable evidence, and explore possible defenses such as mistaken identity, procedural violations, or self-defense. We also handle appeals and post-conviction relief for those already convicted.
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Key Legal Terms and Definitions
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
The highest standard of proof in criminal cases, requiring prosecutors to present evidence so convincing that no reasonable person would question the defendant’s guilt. This protects innocent people from wrongful conviction and is fundamental to the American justice system.
Negligence
The failure to exercise reasonable care that results in harm to another person. In personal injury cases, proving negligence requires showing the defendant had a duty, breached that duty, and caused your injuries and damages as a direct result.
Bail and Bond
Bail is money paid to the court to secure release while awaiting trial, while a bond is a guarantee from a bail agent or company. Both allow defendants to remain free during proceedings rather than remaining in custody.
Damages
Money awarded in a lawsuit to compensate an injured person for losses, including medical bills, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. Damages can be economic (tangible costs) or non-economic (pain and suffering).
PRO TIPS
Protect Your Rights After an Arrest
If arrested or questioned by police, exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Anything you say can be used against you in court, making legal representation crucial from the outset. Contact our office as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected from the beginning of your case.
Document Everything for Injury Claims
After an injury-causing accident, photograph the scene, gather witness contact information, and keep detailed records of medical treatment and expenses. Document how the injury affects your daily life, work, and relationships. This documentation strengthens your claim and helps us negotiate better settlements with insurance companies.
Avoid Social Media During Legal Proceedings
Posts on social media can be used as evidence against you in both criminal and civil cases. Insurance companies and opposing counsel monitor online activity to dispute injury claims or undermine your credibility. Exercise caution with what you share publicly while your case is pending.
Comprehensive Representation vs. Limited Approaches
When Full Legal Support Makes the Difference:
Serious Criminal Charges
Felony charges, violent crimes, and drug offenses carry severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences and permanent criminal records. These cases require thorough investigation, expert witness coordination, and aggressive courtroom defense. Comprehensive legal representation maximizes your chances of acquittal, charge reduction, or favorable sentencing.
Substantial Injury Claims
Major injuries from accidents, medical malpractice, or negligence often result in significant medical expenses and lost income requiring substantial compensation. Insurance companies use their own attorneys and adjusters to minimize payouts, making professional representation essential. Full legal support includes investigation, medical expert consultation, and litigation readiness to secure fair settlement amounts.
When Simpler Solutions May Apply:
Minor Traffic Violations
Some traffic infractions like minor speeding tickets may be resolved through traffic school or simple court appearances without extensive legal involvement. However, even minor violations can impact insurance rates and driving records. Consulting with an attorney helps determine whether fighting the citation makes financial sense.
Clear Liability Claims
When liability is obvious and injuries are minor with clear medical documentation and costs, insurance companies often settle quickly without litigation. However, having legal representation ensures you receive fair compensation rather than the company’s initial offer. Even straightforward claims benefit from attorney review and negotiation.
Common Situations When You Need Our Help
Why Choose Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd
Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd provides dedicated representation combining criminal defense and personal injury services under one roof. Our attorneys bring years of experience in Pierce County courts, understanding local procedures and developing strategies that work. We maintain close relationships with judges, prosecutors, and court staff, allowing us to navigate the system effectively on your behalf.
We prioritize communication, keeping you informed of case developments and listening to your concerns throughout the process. Our firm takes cases seriously, conducting thorough investigations and preparing meticulously for trial or settlement negotiations. With Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd, you receive personalized attention and aggressive advocacy designed to achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.
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FAQS
What should I do immediately after being arrested?
If arrested, invoke your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Do not answer questions without legal representation present, as anything you say can be used against you. Contact Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd as soon as possible to protect your rights from the outset. Once we’re involved, we’ll handle all communications with police and prosecutors on your behalf. We’ll review your arrest details, investigate potential violations, and advise you of your options including bail hearings and preliminary appearances.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim?
Washington has a three-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, meaning you must file within three years of the injury date. However, exceptions exist for certain circumstances, and evidence degrades over time making early action important. Contacting our office promptly ensures we preserve evidence and meet all deadlines. For wrongful death claims, the statute of limitations typically runs three years from the date of death. Medical malpractice claims have different timelines, often requiring notice within one year. We recommend consulting an attorney immediately after injury to understand your specific deadlines.
Can charges be dismissed or reduced?
Yes, charges can be dismissed or reduced through various legal mechanisms including challenging evidence admissibility, filing motions to suppress, or demonstrating procedural violations by police. Weak prosecution cases may be resolved through motion practice before trial. Additionally, plea agreements often result in reduced charges in exchange for guilty pleas. Our attorneys evaluate every case for viable defenses and negotiation opportunities. We investigate thoroughly to identify evidence weaknesses and constitutional violations that could result in dismissal or favorable plea arrangements.
What damages can I recover in a personal injury case?
Personal injury damages include economic losses like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, plus non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and lost quality of life. In severe injury cases involving permanent disability or disfigurement, damages can be substantial. Catastrophic injuries often justify six or seven-figure settlements. Our attorneys calculate damages thoroughly, including future medical costs and lifetime wage loss for permanently disabled individuals. We present compelling evidence to juries and insurance companies demonstrating the full extent of your losses and why substantial compensation is appropriate.
How much does legal representation cost?
Criminal defense fees vary based on case complexity and severity. Some matters are handled on hourly rates while others use flat fees or payment plans. We discuss costs upfront and work within your budget constraints. During initial consultations, we provide transparent fee information and payment options. For personal injury cases, we typically work on contingency fees, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation. We advance costs for investigation and expert witnesses, recovered from settlements. This arrangement aligns our interests with yours and removes financial barriers to representation.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and felony?
Misdemeanors are less serious crimes punishable by up to one year in jail and fines, while felonies carry more severe penalties including imprisonment over one year and substantial fines. Felonies result in permanent criminal records affecting employment, housing, and voting rights. Both require aggressive defense but felonies demand more comprehensive legal strategy. Our attorneys handle both misdemeanor and felony charges, understanding the distinct consequences and crafting appropriate defenses for each level. We work to minimize penalties in misdemeanor cases and pursue dismissal or acquittal in felony matters whenever possible.
What happens at a bail hearing?
At a bail hearing, the judge determines whether you’re released before trial and under what conditions. The prosecutor argues for high bail or detention while your attorney advocates for release on personal recognizance or reduced bail. Factors considered include criminal history, ties to the community, employment, and flight risk. Skilled representation significantly influences bail outcomes. Our attorneys prepare compelling arguments demonstrating you’re not a flight risk and should be released. We gather character references, employment verification, and community ties to present to the judge. Quick legal assistance after arrest is crucial, as bail hearings occur within 72 hours of arrest.
How is fault determined in auto accidents?
Fault is established through accident reconstruction, witness testimony, police reports, and physical evidence. Insurance adjusters and courts examine traffic laws, driver actions, and circumstances leading to the collision. Comparative fault rules in Washington allow recovery even if you’re partially at fault, as long as you’re less than 50% responsible. Our investigators reconstruct accidents, interview witnesses, and obtain vehicle data to prove the other driver’s fault. We challenge unfair fault determinations by insurers and present evidence demonstrating the other driver’s negligence was the primary cause of your injuries.
Can records be expunged after conviction?
Washington allows expungement in certain circumstances, removing conviction records from public access. Eligibility depends on conviction type, sentence completion, and waiting periods. Successful expungement allows you to answer honestly that you have no criminal record in most employment and housing situations. Our firm handles expungement petitions, preparing documentation and arguments for courts. We also assist with appeals and post-conviction relief for those impacted by previous convictions, offering paths forward even years after sentencing.
What evidence is needed for a slip and fall claim?
Slip and fall claims require proving the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to remedy it or warn you. Evidence includes photos of the dangerous condition, witness statements, maintenance records, and medical documentation of injuries. Security footage, if available, powerfully demonstrates how the accident occurred and the hazard’s obviousness. Our team thoroughly investigates premises liability claims, obtaining evidence before it’s destroyed or altered. We work with accident reconstruction and medical experts to establish the property owner’s negligence and the extent of your injuries, building strong cases for substantial settlements.