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Criminal Lawyers Seattle - Seattle Criminal Lawyers
By Ecommerce Positioning Dated: Jun 12, 2009
Your Rights if You Are Charged with a Crime All rights discussed previously still apply if you are formally charged with a crime. In addition, you have the right to be brought "promptly" before a judge for a determination of probable cause. Introducing http://www.criminallawyersseattle.com/ Your Rights if You Are Charged with a Crime All rights discussed previously still apply if you are formally charged with a crime. In addition, you have the right to be brought "promptly" before a judge for a determination of probable cause and the setting of bail. If you are taken into custody, this must be done "as soon as practicable," but in any event before the close of business on the next court day. A person charged with a crime has a responsibility to appear before the court on the dates and at times as directed. That person must comply with any other specific conditions of release set by the court pending trial. Some of these conditions may include not contacting certain witnesses in the case or the requirement for you to live at a particular address. Back to Top Your Rights in Court When you appear in court, you have the right to be told the nature of the charges against you and to have those charges formally read in open court. (This right may be waived if you wish and if you were advised previously of the charges.) You have a right to an attorney and, if you cannot afford an attorney, you have a right to have one appointed to represent you. At a formal trial you have the right to a jury trial, the right to confront the witnesses against you, and the right to call witnesses on your own behalf at no expense to you. If convicted following a trial, you have a right to appeal that conviction to a higher court. If you plead guilty to a charge, your attorney and the court must tell you the rights that you are giving up by entering a plea of guilty. These include your right to a trial and the right to appeal. You have the right to know the maximum sentence that may be imposed by the court and the recommendation that the prosecutor will make to the court about your case. In Washington, the court ordinarily will not tell you in advance what your sentence will be. However, you must be advised of the maximum sentence that may be imposed, and of any mandatory minimum sentences that apply. Back to Top Service of an Attorney If you can afford an attorney but do not know one, you may wish to ask friends, coworkers or an employer for suggestions. Many county bar associations operate lawyer referral services. The Washington State Bar Association also publishes two related pamphlets: Consulting a Lawyer and Legal Fees.
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If you cannot afford an attorney, the clerk of the court may help you locate an appointed attorney. Before you can receive the help of appointed counsel, you may have to submit a financial statement to the court or agency that will determine your eligibility. It is important to be honest in any financial affidavit submitted to the court. If you wish to have a lawyer help you, it is a good idea to consult with one before making any decisions in your case. You have the right to a lawyer at all stages of the proceeding, and you may ask the court to delay matters until you have a reasonable opportunity to obtain an attorney. ### There are several King County District Court locations. The King County District Courts are located in Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Burien, Kent, Shoreline and Vashon Island. All felony matters are heard at either the downtown Seattle courthouse or the Regional Justice Center in Kent. From our downtown Seattle offices, we assist clients in Burein, Kent, Tukwila, Renton, Shoreline, Federal Way, Auburn and all other King County cities. If you are facing a criminal charge, you don't have to do it alone. We understand the criminal laws of Seattle and WA State. Let us protect you and your rights.
Category Tags Email Phone Fax Address City/Town State/Province Zip Country Legal, Family, Government criminal defense lawyers, best criminal defense lawyer, seattle defense lawyer Click to email author (425) 672-1700 (425) 672-1788 19505 44th Ave. W Suite F Lynnwood, WA 98036 Lynnwood Washington 98036 United States
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