Experienced Defense of Felony Charges
Washington State Defense Attorney
A wide range of criminal offenses can be charged as a felony; some can be either a felony or a misdemeanor, (such as theft). These are known as "wobblers." A felony offense is serious and requires a vigorous defense.
Felony offenses are classified as Class A (most severe), Class B, and Class C (least severe). Washington state law provides three possible prison terms for felony offenses. The sentence you may be facing will depend upon your existing criminal record and the prosecutor's recommendation.
While a judge is not legally required to follow a prosecutor's recommendation, it is assumed that the standard sentence is appropriate unless a jury finds that there are exceptional reasons for a sentence outside the standard range.
If you've been charged with a felony offense, it's even more important to work with an experienced Washington criminal defense lawyer. Disruption to your family life and your career, your very freedom may be at stake. A defense lawyer with years of experience, like defense attorney Steve Karimi, will understand how prosecutors build a case and the defense strategies that work during a jury trial.
"Let My Extensive Experience as a Former Prosecutor Work For You."
Contact the Law Offices of Steve Karimi to schedule a free initial consultation. Work with a defense attorney with a proven track record in court. Expect an effective defense during negotiations or trial, and clear communication so you are never in the dark about the status of your case.
Felony Offenses in Washington State
Defense lawyer Steve Karimi represents people in any state criminal court in Washington against a wide range of criminal felony charges, including:
- Theft offenses (1st and 2nd degree), residential burglary, robbery, auto theft, embezzlement, fraud and identity theft
- Felony assault
- Unlawful imprisonment
- Felony harassment
- Felony DUI (a charge you may face if you have had 5 prior DUIs in the past 10 years)
- Felony drug charges
Felony Sentences
Frequently, it is appropriate for a criminal defense lawyer to negotiate a "plea-bargain," to reduce the seriousness of the potential sentence, or to seek a compromise on the proposed punishment to avoid more serious consequences that could result if a case goes to trial.
If a defendant is sentenced on a felony offense, he or she may be sent to prison or to a drug rehabilitation center if the offender is addicted to drugs. A judge can also sentence a defendant to probation (unless the law specifically precludes probation for that offense). The conditions of probation may include jail time, fines, community service, and restitution.
Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer
Seattle felony and burglary defense lawyer Steve Karimi has handled a wide range of felony offenses. Calls are accepted 206-660-6200, or email our Seattle law office.
Representing people charged with felonies and misdemeanors in King County, Washington state, including Seattle, Bellevue, Everett and Snohomish.
Non-citizen residents including H-1 visa holders, green card holders, and permanent residents, are all subject to deportation and inadmissible status if convicted of a crime of moral turpitude i.e., theft that is punishable up to 365 days in jail. Even if a non-citizen is convicted of a crime of moral turpitude and sentenced to a deferred or suspended sentence of 180 days in jail, he/she may be determined to be inadmissible for entry into the U.S. and impacts lawful status and potential citizenship. Even crimes involving drug use/possession of marijuana can have disastrous immigration consequences. The federal government can and will deport a non-citizen for possession of marijuana of forty grams or less. It is critical that any resolution of a case is crafted in such a manner as to prevent the federal government from utilizing the "record of conviction" to support inadmissibility and deportation.
Steve Karimi is experienced at helping non-citizen clients avoid inadmissibility and deportation for any criminal case. He has helped many clients charged with theft or other criminal cases preserve their freedom to live and work in the United States.