Criminal Defense Overview

Our team at Verity Criminal Defense has vast experience in a wide variety of criminal cases and are here to help you through all stages, including the initial investigation, your first hearing, and beyond. We believe in fostering strength and trust in our attorney-client relationships, which we’ve found to be invaluable during this stressful experience. We’ll be right alongside you, guiding you throughout the entire legal process and working tirelessly on your defense.

Regardless of the criminal charge and circumstance you, or someone you know, find yourself in, we are here to stand by you. With vast experience in handling all types of criminal matters, we have developed the skills necessary to listen intently and empathize with the unique circumstances of your case. We’re ready to use our years of experience in the criminal justice system, representing thousands of clients, to help ensure the best outcome possible for you. Don’t wait to reach out and learn more about how we can help guide you throughout the legal process.

In addition to handling assault, domestic violence, drug crime, and DUI-related cases, we can also provide expert legal defense for criminal charges such as those listed below.

Protection Order Violations

A Protection Order is placed with the intention of preventing two parties from being in contact with one another. Contact can mean physical/personal, phone, email, social media, or even through a third person. Keeping a certain distance away from another person can also be a part of the Protection Order. It’s important to know the different types to further understand your case and build a tailored defense: 

• Domestic Violence Protection Order

• Sexual Assault Protection Order

• No-Contact Order

• Restraining Order

Each of the above types comes with different criteria and consequences if violated. Washington State requires certain evidence that the order has actually been violated, including proof that a valid order was in place and proof that you were actually informed of the order.  If you or someone you know has been charged with violating a Protection Order, reach out to our skilled team immediately to begin your defense.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanor crimes are considered less severe than felonies and can be broken down into two categories: simple and gross. Gross misdemeanors are weighed more severely, however, they’re still not as severe as felonies. Examples of each type are:

• Simple Misdemeanors: possession of marijuana and shoplifting

• Gross Misdemeanors: DUI and theft worth up to $750

Along with the type of crime, the penalties for a simple or gross misdemeanor can vary greatly in regard to maximum jail time and fine. The statute of limitation on prosecuting each type of misdemeanor differs. In Washington State, it is one year for a simple misdemeanor and two years for a gross misdemeanor.

Theft Crimes

Generally, Washington State defines theft as the intention to wrongfully take or obtain property or services from the rightful owner and is classified based on severity. The penalty for theft is typically dictated by the value of the property or services wrongfully taken. However, certain types of property stolen are taken into account as well.

Theft crimes qualify as either a misdemeanor or a felony and are broken down by degrees of severity (first, second, and third):

• First Degree Theft is considered a Class B felony and the value stolen exceeds $5,000

• Second Degree Theft is a Class C felony and the value stolen exceeds $750

• Third Degree Theft is the least severe, considered a gross misdemeanor, and the value stolen is no more than $750