Criminal Defense Attorneys in Tacoma
When you receive an accusation of a crime can be a frightening experience. But you have the right to a strong defense! Our Tacoma criminal defense attorneys are here to mount a strategic, aggressive defense to your specific case as we protect your interests and strive to bring about the best possible outcome.
It’s normal to feel worried, distressed and uncertain. An arrest or indictment can lead to many questions and concerns, including concerns over serving jail time, fines, and the impact of having a criminal record. Individuals accused of a sex offense have the added concern of being forced to register as a sex offender, which can have a significant impact on every aspect of your life and your family’s life.
Our legal team is well-equipped to handle all sorts of different cases, from misdemeanors to the most serious felonies. Whether you’re facing charges of theft and larceny, arson, DUI, domestic violence, white-collar crimes, assault, drug crimes, gang crimes, robbery, child endangerment, sexual assault, child pornography or even murder, our legal team is ready and prepared to defend you and your freedom.
Serving Tacoma and the surrounding region, The Law Offices of Kevin Trombold, LLC was established by Attorney Kevin Trombold, a criminal defense attorney more than 20 years in practice. Collectively, we have the legal skills and experience that is required to enhance your chances of a desirable outcome.
Our Tacoma law firm has worked with clients from different stages of life. And while each client and their case is unique, our focus typically remains the same: to defend you with the professionalism and dedication that we would want to see if we were in your position.
Concerns and Questions After a Tacoma Arrest
Our Tacoma defense lawyers routinely answer questions and address concerns from our clients who are not familiar with the legal process. They may also be uncertain of what to expect.
At The Law Offices of Kevin Trombold, LLC, our team firmly believes that keeping our clients informed and involved can reduce much of the distress that they experience. So the following is a look at some of the most pressing concerns and questione amongst defendants.
What Are the Different Types of Crimes?
In Washington state, there are different crime classifications, each with its own unique sentencing guidelines. There are two types of misdemeanors, four classes of felonies, plus there are a total of 15 “seriousness” levels.
What Are the Classifications for Misdemeanors?
Misdemeanors are less serious than the other type of crime – felonies. The two types of misdemeanors are simple misdemeanors (also called regular misdemeanors) and gross misdemeanors.
A simple misdemeanor is the least serious type of crime. Disorderly conduct and shoplifting are two examples of a simple misdemeanor. The maximum punishment, if you are found guilty, is a $1,000 fine and up to 90 days in jail, though many see far less serious consequences.
According to The Revised Code of Washington (RCW), gross misdemeanors – the more serious of the two types – is up to $5,000 in fines and up to one year in jail. An example of a gross misdemeanor is a violation of an order of protection charge or a first-offense, involving driving under the influence charge.
What Are the Classifications for Felonies?
Felony crimes are usually addressed in Washington’s Superior Courts. There are four types of felony classifications — A, B, C and aggravated first-degree murder, which stands in a class of its own.
Here are some of the potential penalties for these felony classes in Washington:
- A Class C Felony is punishable by up to $10,000 in fines and up to five years in prison.
- A Class B Felony is punishable by up to $20,000 in fines up to ten years in prison.
- A Class A Felony is punishable by up to $50,000 in fines and up to life in prison.
- Aggravated First Degree Murder – This charge is the most serious than a Class A felony, and it carries a potential death penalty sentence.
In addition to being assigned a class, felonies are also assigned a level of seriousness, which ranges from Level I to Level XV. Every level is associated with its own unique sentencing guidelines, although the judge is usually free to impose another sentence, as other factors — such as an individual’s age, mental health, and other circumstances — are typically taken into consideration.
What is the Statute of Limitations in Washington?
A statute of limitations restricts the timeframe for prosecuting or taking legal action in a particular case. The more serious the crime, the longer the timeframe tends to be.
The courts typically refuse to hear cases in instances where the statute of limitations has expired (although there are some exceptions that can arise in special circumstances.)
The timeframe for statute of limitations typically starts on the date when the alleged crime took place; however, there are exceptions. Sexual assault cases often have a different timeframe, which may begin when a sexual assault victim reaches a certain age or the date DNA test results implicate a particular individual.
Some of the most serious murder-related crimes have no statute of limitations, which means that they can be prosecuted today or in 100 years from now. Crimes that do not have a statute of limitations in Washington state include the following:
- Murder;
- Homicide by Abuse;
- Vehicular Homicide;
- Hit and Run Resulting in Death;
- Vehicular Assault Resulting in Death; and
- Arson Resulting in Death.
Serious felony crimes like arson and rape have at least a ten-year statute of limitations.
Some less serious felonies like theft have at least a six-year statute of limitations.
A simple misdemeanor has a timeframe of one year, while gross misdemeanors usually have a two-year statute of limitations.
Our Tacoma Criminal Defense Attorneys Will Work to Protect Your Freedom
Finding yourself in court, facing serious criminal charges can be a very scary, life-altering experience, regardless of whether you actually committed the crime in question. Our Tacoma defense lawyers believe that each and every defendant deserves a strong, strategic defense and that’s precisely what we provide to our clients. Our objectives are to protect your freedom and your interests, while maximizing your chances of seeing the most ideal conclusion to your case.
Our law firm was founded by Attorney Kevin Trombol, who has more than 20 years of experience. Our firm is comprised of a talented, elite legal team that’s ready to take on your case.
Call us at 206-590-7667 for your free consultation.
