Areas of Practice

Every felony charge exposes the accused to potential prison time.  Having a felony conviction can result in serious life-long consequences, including incarceration, loss of job, gun rights and voting rights. The sentencing guidelines in Washington State are particularly complex. Also, many felonies can have enhancements that are not charged initially.  

 

If you are charged with a felony at any level, it is vital to hire an attorney with the ability to spot these hidden issues, as they can often be the difference between freedom and prison.  

An encounter with the criminal justice system is daunting at any age, but especially so for a child. Many juvenile offenses carry serious consequences, including incarceration, steep fines, and a criminal record that may follow the youth into adulthood. The juvenile court system is quite different from the adult system.

 

If you or a loved one is facing a juvenile charge, it is critical that you hire an attorney who is experienced in representing children and who really understands how the juvenile system works. For example, not all records are sealable and certain crimes can stay on your record for your entire adult life.  We’ve handled all manner of juvenile charges and draw from a wealth of experience representing youthful offenders. We will do everything in our power to protect and defend your loved one and ensure the best possible outcome. 

Mere accusations of sexual misconduct have severe consequences on a person’s life, liberty, and reputation. In Washington, many Sex Offenses can result in indeterminate life sentences. If you’re accused of a Sex Offense, it is imperative that you have an experienced, aggressive advocate to defend your rights and reputation.

 

At Obsidian Law Offices, we have vast experience representing people charged with Sex Offenses and have earned outstanding results, including dismissals, not guilty verdicts and other favorable outcomes. 

When a person is sentenced for a sex offense to an indeterminate sentence, the judge will set a minimum sentence that the person must serve in prison. Once the person has completed serving that sentence, they could continue serving the rest of their life in prison unless an Indeterminate Sentencing Review Board determines that they are safe to be released to the community.

 

If you are facing a sex charge carrying an indeterminate sentence, you may be facing a potential life sentence. It is imperative that you have an attorney experienced in defending such charges

Penalties for misdemeanor crimes can range from community service to a year in jail (or more for consecutive sentences). There are often collateral consequences such as No Contact Orders, loss of gun rights, and loss of driving privileges. Often people are charged with misdemeanors that could be charged as a felony.  Certain misdemeanors also affect felony sentencing.  

 

Multiple charges of certain misdemeanors can elevate that same misdemeanor act to a felony. This is why it is important that even with misdemeanor charges your attorney have felony experience. 

Domestic Violence is a designation that can be added to any criminal charge and can result in severe consequences, including (1) forcing you to leave your home; (2) limiting or precluding access to your children; and (3) loss of your right to possess a firearm.

 

If you are charged with a domestic violence offense, it is important that you have an experienced attorney knowledgeable in defending these cases and preserving your rights. We’ve handled hundreds of domestic violence cases and have taken dozens to trial, including Assault, Malicious Mischief, Harassment, Property Destruction, Burglary and No-Contact Order Violations. 

Strike offenses, also known as “most serious offenses” include:

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• Any felony defined under law as a Class A felony or criminal solicitation of or criminal conspiracy to commit a Class A felony:

• Assault in the Second Degree

• Assault of a Child in the Second Degree

• Child Molestation in the Second Degree

• Controlled Substance Homicide

• Extortion in the First Degree

• Incest when committed against a child under age fourteen

• Indecent Liberties

• Kidnapping in the Second Degree

• Leading Organized Crime

• Manslaughter in the First Degree

• Manslaughter in the Second Degree

• Promoting Prostitution in the First Degree

• Rape in the Third Degree

• Sexual Exploitation

• Vehicular Assault, when caused by DUI or operating a vehicle in a reckless manner

• Vehicular Homicide, when caused by DUI or operating a vehicle in a reckless manner

• Any Class B felony with a finding of Sexual Motivation

• Any felony with a deadly weapon verdict

 

In Washington, a person who is convicted of three strike offenses (or 2 sex strike offenses) must be sentenced to life in prison without any possibility of release or parole. We have experience defending people charged with strike offenses and have prevented life without parole sentences.   

We recognize the impact a criminal record can have on your life. Washington State allows many misdemeanor and felony convictions to be sealed, vacated and/or expunged from your criminal history.

 

While it may not always be possible, we can advise you about what is possible and what potential benefits it will have for you.