Trusted Legal Representation
Des Moines, Washington Lawyer | Criminal Defense & Personal Injury Law
Legal Services for Des Moines Residents
Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd provides comprehensive legal representation to Des Moines, Washington residents facing criminal charges or personal injury claims. With extensive experience across both criminal and civil matters, our firm understands the unique challenges facing individuals throughout King County. Whether you’re dealing with a serious criminal matter or pursuing compensation for injuries sustained through no fault of your own, our team is committed to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcomes. We handle cases with professionalism, diligence, and a client-focused approach.
Why Legal Representation Matters in Des Moines
Facing criminal charges or pursuing a personal injury claim without proper legal representation puts you at significant disadvantage. The legal system is complex, with strict procedural rules, tight deadlines, and substantial consequences for missteps. Our attorneys navigate these complexities on behalf of our clients, ensuring all filings are timely and accurate. We handle negotiations with prosecutors, insurance companies, and opposing counsel, allowing you to focus on recovery and moving forward. Professional representation significantly improves your chances of achieving favorable resolutions.
Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd's Commitment to Des Moines
Understanding Criminal Defense and Personal Injury Claims
Criminal defense representation protects individuals accused of crimes ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. Our attorneys challenge evidence, examine police procedures, negotiate with prosecutors, and build compelling defenses. We handle DUI and DWI charges, drug offenses, violent crime allegations, white-collar crimes, juvenile matters, theft, sex crimes, federal charges, and many other criminal matters. Each case requires thorough investigation, legal research, and strategic planning. We work tirelessly to protect your constitutional rights and achieve the most favorable resolution possible.
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Key Terms and Definitions
Arraignment
An arraignment is an initial court appearance where a defendant learns of charges, is informed of rights, and enters a plea. This is typically one of the first hearings in a criminal case and establishes the foundation for subsequent proceedings.
Negligence
Negligence occurs when someone fails to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person. In personal injury law, proving negligence is essential for establishing liability and securing compensation for damages.
Contingency Fee
A contingency fee arrangement means the attorney receives payment only if the case is won or settled. The attorney’s fee is typically a percentage of the recovery, making legal representation accessible without upfront costs.
Discovery
Discovery is the process where both sides in a lawsuit exchange evidence, documents, and witness information. This phase is critical for understanding the opposing party’s case and developing effective legal strategies.
PRO TIPS
Document Everything
If you’re injured or arrested, document everything immediately while memories are fresh. Gather contact information from witnesses, photograph injury sites or accident scenes, and preserve medical records and police reports. This documentation becomes invaluable when pursuing your case and ensures important details aren’t lost over time.
Don't Discuss Your Case
Avoid discussing your case on social media, with acquaintances, or with anyone except your attorney and immediate family. Statements made casually can be used against you and may complicate your legal position. Your attorney can advise you on appropriate communication while your case proceeds.
Seek Legal Counsel Promptly
Contact an attorney as soon as possible after an arrest or serious injury. Early legal intervention protects your rights, preserves evidence, and allows your attorney to begin strategic planning immediately. Delays can result in missed deadlines and lost opportunities for favorable resolution.
Comprehensive vs. Limited Legal Approaches
When Full Legal Representation is Essential:
Serious Felony Charges
Felony charges carry severe penalties including substantial prison time and permanent criminal records. Comprehensive legal representation includes extensive investigation, expert witness consultation, jury trial preparation, and appellate options if necessary. The stakes are too high to rely on anything less than thorough, dedicated representation.
Significant Personal Injury Claims
Major injuries resulting in substantial medical expenses, permanent disability, or lost earning capacity require comprehensive legal strategies. Insurance companies deploy teams of adjusters and attorneys to minimize payouts, necessitating equally thorough representation on your behalf. Full legal services ensure all damages are properly valued and pursued.
When Streamlined Representation May Be Appropriate:
Minor Misdemeanor Charges
Some misdemeanor cases involving first-time offenders with minimal sentences may be resolved through straightforward negotiation. Limited representation focused on plea negotiation rather than trial preparation might achieve satisfactory outcomes in appropriate circumstances.
Clearly Documented Minor Injuries
Personal injury cases involving clear liability, straightforward damages, and cooperative insurance companies may resolve efficiently with streamlined representation. When liability is undisputed and damages are readily calculable, simplified legal processes can achieve fair settlements.
Common Situations Requiring Legal Assistance
Why Choose Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd
Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd combines decades of legal experience with genuine commitment to client success. Our attorneys understand the local court system, maintain professional relationships with judges and prosecutors, and know what strategies work in Des Moines courtrooms. We handle your case personally rather than delegating to inexperienced staff. We’re available to answer questions, address concerns, and keep you informed throughout your case progression.
We take pride in our track record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients facing criminal charges and pursuing personal injury claims. Our approach combines aggressive advocacy with practical negotiation skills, allowing us to resolve cases efficiently when possible or fight vigorously at trial when necessary. We work on contingency for personal injury cases, meaning your financial interests align with ours. Contact us today to discuss your situation with an attorney who genuinely cares about your outcome.
Contact Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd Today
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FAQS
What should I do immediately after a DUI arrest in Des Moines?
After a DUI arrest, your immediate priority should be contacting a criminal defense attorney before answering questions from police. You have the right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel—exercise both immediately. Do not submit to field sobriety tests or blow into a breathalyzer, as these results can be challenged in court. Request a chemical test refusal hearing, as this protects your driving privileges and provides evidence our attorneys can use. Additionally, obtain the police report, dashcam footage, and witness information as soon as possible. Contact Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd immediately to discuss your situation. We will investigate the arrest circumstances, examine whether police followed proper procedures, and determine if breathalyzer equipment was properly calibrated. Early intervention is critical for protecting your license and building an effective defense strategy. DUI cases are defensible, and we’ve successfully challenged countless cases through thorough investigation and aggressive advocacy.
How long do personal injury cases typically take to resolve?
Personal injury case timelines vary significantly depending on injury severity, liability clarity, and insurance company cooperation. Simple cases involving clear liability and documented injuries may settle in three to six months. More complex cases requiring medical expert testimony, ongoing treatment documentation, and intensive negotiation may take one to three years. Our approach prioritizes fair compensation over speed—we never rush settlements to lower figures. We thoroughly investigate incidents, document all damages, and pursue maximum compensation before accepting any offers. Most importantly, we don’t settle until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement and we fully understand your long-term needs. When insurance companies refuse reasonable settlement offers, we’re prepared to litigate aggressively. Your compensation should reflect the true extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for my injury?
Washington follows modified comparative negligence rules, meaning you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for your injury. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still receive compensation if you were less than 50% responsible. For example, if you were 20% at fault for an accident that caused $100,000 in damages, you could recover $80,000. The insurance company will argue your percentage of fault is higher than it actually is to minimize their payout. This is where experienced representation becomes essential. We thoroughly investigate incidents, gather evidence, and present compelling arguments about your minimal role in the accident. Our attorneys handle comparative negligence arguments effectively, ensuring your responsibility isn’t overstated.
What penalties might I face for drug possession charges?
Drug possession penalties in Washington vary dramatically based on drug type, quantity, and whether charges are filed as felonies or misdemeanors. Possession of small amounts of personal-use drugs may result in misdemeanor charges carrying up to 90 days in jail and $1,000 fines. Larger quantities or possession with intent to distribute trigger felony charges with 2-5 year prison sentences. Controlled substances like methamphetamine and cocaine carry significantly harsher penalties than marijuana possession. Prior criminal history substantially increases sentencing severity. Our attorneys challenge drug charges by examining police search procedures, questioning evidence handling, and identifying constitutional violations. We negotiate aggressively for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options. Every drug case deserves thorough investigation and defense. Contact us immediately if you’re facing drug charges—early intervention protects your options.
How do you handle cases on contingency for personal injury claims?
Contingency fee arrangements mean Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd receives payment only when we win your case through settlement or verdict. Our fee is typically 33-40% of your recovery, depending on case complexity and whether litigation becomes necessary. This arrangement aligns our interests with yours—we only profit if you recover money. You pay nothing upfront, making quality legal representation accessible regardless of your financial situation. We handle all case expenses including investigation, expert witnesses, and filing fees, recovering these costs from your settlement. Our contingency model motivates us to maximize your compensation, as larger recoveries mean larger fees for our firm. We never pressure clients to accept low settlement offers because we only benefit when you’re properly compensated. This structure removes financial barriers to obtaining quality representation.
What is the difference between assault and battery charges?
Assault and battery are often confused but represent distinct charges under Washington law. Assault is intentionally attempting to touch someone in an offensive manner or threatening imminent harmful contact with apparent ability to carry out that threat. Battery involves intentionally touching someone in an offensive manner or causing actual bodily harm. Simple assault is typically charged as a misdemeanor carrying 90 days to one year jail time. Aggravated assault, involving weapons or serious injuries, is a felony with 5-10 year prison sentences. Battery carries similar penalties. These charges require aggressive defense because they profoundly impact employment, housing, and professional licensing. Our attorneys examine witness credibility, challenge alleged victim accounts, and investigate self-defense claims. We’ve successfully defended numerous assault and battery cases through thorough investigation and compelling courtroom presentation.
Should I accept an insurance settlement offer after my accident?
Never accept an insurance settlement offer without legal counsel, as initial offers are typically significantly lower than your claim’s actual value. Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators working for companies motivated to minimize payouts. Settlement offers are often made before you’ve received full medical treatment or understand your long-term needs. Accepting early settlement means you forfeit rights to additional compensation if your injuries prove more severe than initially apparent. Our attorneys evaluate settlement offers objectively, considering your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term impacts. We negotiate aggressively for higher amounts and reject unreasonable offers. We only recommend accepting settlement when compensation fairly reflects your damages. Having legal representation significantly increases average settlement values compared to unrepresented individuals.
Can criminal charges be dismissed before trial?
Criminal charges can be dismissed before trial through several mechanisms. Charges may be dismissed if police violated constitutional rights during arrest or evidence gathering, making evidence inadmissible. Prosecutors sometimes dismiss charges when investigating detectives discover exculpatory evidence proving innocence. Defense attorneys file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, potentially eliminating prosecutors’ cases entirely. Charges may also be dismissed through plea agreements where prosecutors agree to drop charges in exchange for guilty pleas to lesser offenses. Grand jury proceedings sometimes result in no-bill determinations, dismissing charges before trial. Our attorneys file aggressive motions challenging police procedures and evidence admissibility. We investigate thoroughly, searching for exculpatory evidence that might convince prosecutors to dismiss. Early intervention and skilled advocacy often result in charges being dismissed before trial proceedings begin.
What damages can I recover in a personal injury lawsuit?
Personal injury damages include economic damages covering quantifiable financial losses and non-economic damages covering pain and suffering. Economic damages include medical treatment costs, surgical expenses, prescription medications, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and future medical care. Lost wages cover income you lost while recovering, and diminished earning capacity applies if injuries prevent full return to work. Property damage compensation covers vehicle repairs or replacement in auto accident cases. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, permanent scarring, and loss of enjoyment of life. Wrongful death cases include damages for family members’ emotional suffering and loss of companionship. Punitive damages, designed to punish wrongful conduct, apply in cases involving deliberate or reckless behavior. Our attorneys calculate damages comprehensively, ensuring no losses are overlooked. We fight for full compensation covering both current and future impacts.
How much does criminal defense representation cost?
Criminal defense representation costs vary based on charge severity, case complexity, and whether your case requires trial. Misdemeanor charges might cost $1,500-$5,000, while felony representation typically ranges from $5,000-$25,000 or more. Cases going to trial cost substantially more than those resolved through plea agreements. Some attorneys charge hourly rates ($150-$400 per hour), while others charge flat fees for specific case types. Payment plans and financing options are often available for clients unable to pay upfront. Public defenders are available at no cost for those unable to afford private representation, though they handle significantly larger caseloads. Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd offers flexible payment arrangements and transparent fee discussions. Contact us to discuss costs for your specific situation—we’ll provide clear estimates and payment options.