Seattle Criminal Defense Attorneys - McNeese & Trotsky
An Overview of Washington Criminal Defense
When faced with criminal charges, a defendant may feel that our criminal-justice system is quite overwhelming. In the U.S., the rate of incarceration is much higher than that of other industrialized countries throughout the world. If you have been charged with a serious crime in Seattle, you may be facing very severe consequences and should contact an aggressive Bellevue criminal attorney from McNeese & Trotsky, PLLC for a free case evaluation. Please note that if you have been arrested or charged with a crime, you do not have to answer any questions posed to you by law enforcement officers and should request to have your Washington criminal defense lawyer present during any questioning.
Within our criminal justice system, criminal liability is assessed according to two categories:
- Mens rea - This term is translated from Latin to mean "guilty mind," and this category describes the intent of an individual to commit a criminal violation.
- Actus reus - This term is translated from Latin to mean "guilty act," and in this category involves actions taken by a defendant.
Therefore, a person is not guilty for thinking about committing a criminal offense or (in general) not guilty for causing a criminal deed without having the intent to do so. This is a complicated area, and a Washington criminal lawyer should be consulted as early as possible in the event of a criminal investigation, or following an arrest.
Due to the complexity of our criminal justice system, and to make certain that fair proceedings take place, our court systems have rules of criminal procedure. These rules govern the actions of everyone involved in the matter, including the police officers, prosecutors, criminal defense lawyers, judges, and jury members.
According to the United States Constitution, it is required that all criminal defendants receive due process of law in all proceedings filed against them. As a result, during the criminal process, all rules of criminal procedure must be observed, which requires that reasonable notice of proceedings take place and the defendant receive a fair hearing.
In certain situations, a criminal defendant and the prosecutor are able to negotiate an agreement which may entirely resolve the criminal matter. Typically, the prosecutor will agree to reduce the charge that the defendant is facing, possibly drop more serious charges, or recommend that the defendant receive a lesser sentence. These actions are dependant upon the defendant pleading guilty. With the proficiency of a skilled Seattle criminal defense lawyer who understands the plea-bargaining process and has excellent negotiating skills, you may be able to have your sentenced reduced.
When the court imposes a sentence, such as incarceration, monetary fines, restitution, probation, etc., the defendant may also experience indirect negative consequences as well. Upon conviction, many people suffer years of social stigma within the community, difficulty with familial relationships, trouble seeking gainful employment, firearms restrictions, and countless other negative repercussions. With so much at stake, it is imperative that you seek the legal advice of a dedicated Seattle criminal attorney at McNeese & Trotsky, PLLC today to discuss your case. At our Washington criminal defense law firm, our Kirkland criminal lawyers have years of experience defending clients involved in serious criminal matters.
DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.