When facing the challenge of a criminal allegation, you need the confidence that comes with a dedicated seattle criminal defense lawyer.
The attorneys of Robertson Law have a proven track record of creative and effective advocacy for clients throughout the state of Washington. The firm handles a full spectrum of criminal matters, including felonies, misdemeanors, driving-related charges (such as DUI, vehicular assault, and vehicular homicide), as well as criminal appeals, DOL appeals, civil forfeitures, vacates, expungements, and sealing of past court records. If you are being contacted by a law enforcement officer regarding your involvement in a crime, or you are stopped and questioned in association with a driving offense, you have the right to remain silent and request an attorney. Despite any officer’s threats or advice, it is almost always advisable to request access to an attorney to determine your best course of action.
Pulled Over for DUI (Driving under the Influence)
If you are taken into custody for suspicion of a crime, you have the right to demand access to an attorney prior to being questioned. If you are suspected of (DUI) driving under the influence or a related charge, and you are given the option of taking or refusing a breath or blood test, you must be provided access to an attorney upon your request to advise you about this decision. You are not guaranteed access to the a Seattle criminal attorney of your choice at that time, and you are not guaranteed access to an attorney in person before taking any test. If you do not have an attorney or cannot reach the attorney of your choice at the time of your request, you should ask for a private connection with an “on call” public defender, an attorney provided at no cost to you for a confidential telephone conversation about your situation and options. This conversation does not mean that the attorney is now your defense attorney for the duration of the case. But it is still a “protected” lawyer-client conversation, and the content of that conversation cannot be revealed to others without your express consent.
It is generally our advice to clients stopped for a DUI to refuse field sobriety tests, and indicate that you are doing so at the advice of a lawyer. These are voluntary tests, though many people feel pressured to submit to them when asked by an armed police officer – and with good reason! The tests are daunting physical challenges, and are used to “build a case” against you. They very rarely are helpful to your case. They are difficult even in the calmest and most peaceful settings, and are much more difficult in the setting of a typical roadside stop.
Accused of Criminal Charges
Before charges are filed, you can retain an attorney to assist you in the pre-filing stages of your case. A Seattle attorney who is retained before charges are filed can advise the client how to handle the pending investigation, how to assert your rights and avoid answering any questions, and what potential charges and consequences are possible. A Seattle criminal attorney can also conduct investigation, interview witnesses (sometimes through a hired investigator), and research angles on your case. Sometimes a criminal defense lawyer can influence the prosecuting attorney’s decisions on how the case is ultimately filed, by proving what defenses could apply to the charge, and what problems the prosecuting attorney may have in proving the charge.
We protect our clients’ rights at every stage of the proceedings against them, and hold the police and prosecution to the highest standards of proof.
Robertson Law proudly serves clients in Seattle, Washington, and throughout the greater Seattle-Eastside Metro area, including Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Issaquah, Sammamish, Tacoma, Renton, Kent, Auburn, Puget Sound, SeaTac, Federal Way, Puyallup, Everett, Lynnwood, Bothell, Marysville, Tukwila, Burien, Mt. Vernon, King County, Pierce County, Snohomish County, and Skagit Counties.
