The Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Kent, Washington
Finding yourself in need of a criminal defense attorney can be an incredibly stressful and anxious time. You want to find someone who is not only experienced and knowledgeable, but also someone you can trust to fight for your best interests.
If you’ve been charged with a crime in Kent, Washington, then you’ll want to find a local attorney who knows the prosecutors and judges and is familiar with the criminal justice system there. Having an attorney who has built relationships in the legal community can often make a big difference in the outcome of your case.
I’ve put together this guide to highlight some of the most skilled and reputable criminal defense attorneys currently practicing in the Kent area. These lawyers have proven track records of achieving positive results for their clients in a wide range of criminal matters.
Jack Ramsey of Ramsey Law Group
Widely regarded as one of the top criminal defense attorneys in Kent, Jack Ramsey has over 25 years of experience representing clients charged with felonies and misdemeanors. He is known for his relentless pursuit of the most favorable outcomes for his clients.
Ramsey employs creative and aggressive legal strategies aimed at getting charges reduced or dismissed pre-trial. If a case does go to trial, he is a fierce litigator who has secured many not guilty verdicts over the years.
While Ramsey has extensive trial experience, he also understands that sometimes the best option is resolving a case efficiently through a negotiated plea deal. He works closely with clients to understand their goals and advocate for deals that make the most sense given the circumstances.
Maria Hernandez of Hernandez Defense Firm
Maria Hernandez is a former public defender who opened her own firm in Kent in 2015. She represents youth charged with juvenile offenses, as well as adults facing misdemeanor and felony charges.
Hernandez is praised for her compassionate approach and commitment to keeping her clients informed and involved in their defense strategy. She takes the time to explain the legal process and potential consequences so clients can make well-informed decisions.
While she pursues pre-trial options like diversion programs whenever possible, Hernandez is also comfortable taking cases to trial. She is adept at identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and presenting compelling defenses.
Robert Johnson of The Johnson Law Firm
Robert Johnson is an experienced trial attorney who represents clients facing serious felony charges like murder, sexual assault, drug crimes, and white collar offenses.
Johnson, who previously served as a prosecutor, has an in-depth understanding of how both sides develop their legal strategies. He uses this insight to exploit flaws in the prosecution’s approach.
Many of Johnson’s past clients have faced lengthy mandatory minimum sentences if convicted. He has successfully defended many of them through jury trials and secured significantly better outcomes. While he’ll take on high-stakes cases other lawyers turn down, his strong reputation often leads prosecutors to offer more lenient plea deals pre-trial.
Tammy Rubin of The Rubin Defense Firm
Tammy Rubin heads one of the most prominent criminal defense firms in the greater Seattle area. She represents clients in Kent as well as throughout King County facing DUI, domestic violence, and other misdemeanor and felony charges.
Rubin is praised for her meticulous trial preparation and relentless cross-examination of prosecution witnesses. She excels at using expert testimony to contradict state evidence and raise reasonable doubt in jurors’ minds.
While she’s secured many outright dismissals and acquittals for clients, Rubin also has a gift for negotiating with prosecutors and judges. She’s frequently able to get charges reduced and sentences minimized through skillful plea bargaining.
David Cooper of Ramirez & Cooper Attorneys at Law
David Cooper is the founding partner of Ramirez & Cooper, which has served clients in the Kent area since 2007. He represents those facing charges ranging from juvenile offenses and misdemeanors to serious violent felonies.
Cooper, who previously worked as a public defender, has a reputation for aggressively defending his clients’ rights and holding police and prosecutors accountable when he believes they have overreached. He has had several cases dismissed after successfully arguing illegal searches, coerced confessions, and other constitutional violations.
While he’s not afraid to take cases to trial when warranted, Cooper also understands the value of crafting creative plea deals that get charges dropped or reduced in exchange for a guilty plea on a lesser charge. This pragmatic approach has benefitted many clients who prefer to avoid the risks of trial.
How to Choose the Right Attorney for Your Case
If you are facing criminal charges in Kent, I encourage you to meet with one or more of these accomplished defense lawyers for an initial consultation. Most offer these consultations for free or very low cost.
When comparing your options, consider factors like the lawyer’s experience with your specific charges, their negotiation skills, their litigation track record, and overall reputation in the legal community. Make sure you feel comfortable communicating openly with the attorney you choose.
The stakes are high when your freedom is on the line, so invest the time to make a thoughtful decision. Retaining one of these skilled advocates greatly improves your chances of the best possible outcome given the circumstances.