Finding the Best Criminal Defense in Spokane, WA

If you or a loved one have been arrested or charged with a crime in Spokane, having a tough, experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side is critical. The stakes are high and the consequences of a conviction can be devastating – jail time, massive fines, probation, criminal records, and more. You need legal counsel with the skills and track record to build the strongest possible case on your behalf and achieve the best outcome under the circumstances.

This guide covers the top-rated criminal defense attorneys in the Spokane area. We’ll provide an overview of when you need to hire a lawyer, potential defenses, key Washington State laws and penalties, and most importantly – what makes certain litigators stand out from the rest. Our goal is to arm you with the information to make the best decision possible if you are facing criminal prosecution in Spokane. An accomplished lawyer’s expertise, resources and history of positive case results could make all the difference.

When Should You Hire a Spokane Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Any time you are questioned, arrested, or charged with a crime in Spokane, having a criminal defense lawyer represent you is critical. Specific situations requiring urgent legal help include:

• You are contacted by police or prosecutors regarding an investigation
• You are arrested and jailed, even if no formal charges yet
• Officers attempt to interrogate you about alleged crimes
• Your property or electronic devices are searched
• You learn you are being charged with a crime

Engaging counsel early in the process can increase the odds charges get dismissed or reduced through effective defense preparation and negotiation. Once convicted, undoing the damage is far more difficult.

Common Criminal Charges in Spokane

Some of the most common criminal cases a Spokane defense lawyer can assist with defending include:

• Assault – Violent attacks against another person. Can range from misdemeanor simple assault to felony assault in the first degree.
• Theft – Shoplifting, robbery, burglary, identity theft, and other theft crimes.
• Drug possession – Charges for possessing illegal drugs like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, etc.
• DUI – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Domestic violence – Physical abuse against a partner or family member.

These charges can lead to substantial fines, probation, and jail time in Washington if convicted. The penalties get harsher the more serious the offense. For instance, second degree assault is a Class B felony with up to 10 years imprisonment and a $20,000 fine. Third degree assault is a gross misdemeanor with up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. An experienced lawyer’s defense could be the difference between felony conviction and charges getting lowered to a misdemeanor or dismissed.

Finding the Best Spokane Criminal Defense Attorney for Your Case

When researching criminal defense lawyers in the Spokane area, keep these tips in mind:

• Look for extensive criminal law expertise and focus on defending your specific charges. Avoid dabbling lawyers who do it all.
• Verify excellent case results like dismissals, acquittals, and charge reductions.
• Seek out lawyers with great reputations among local judges and fellow attorneys.
• Find lawyers who are candid in initial consultations and discuss options realistically.
• Compare reviews from past clients on Google, Facebook, Avvo, and other sites.

Now let’s examine some of Spokane’s most accomplished and respected criminal defense attorneys and law firms:

Jeffrey Fisher, Fisher Law Firm

Jeffrey Fisher is widely recognized as one of the top criminal defense lawyers in Spokane. He has over 25 years successfully defending complex felony cases in state and federal court. His firm takes on serious violent crimes like murder, sex offenses, assault, drug trafficking, and white collar fraud. They also handle DUI, domestic violence, and theft charges.

Attorney Fisher is known for thoroughly analyzing the prosecution’s case, finding creative defenses and negotiating aggressively with prosecutors for reduced or dismissed charges when possible. He also has extensive trial experience and won’t hesitate to take your case to a jury if it’s in your best interests.

Past clients compliment Fisher’s responsiveness, legal knowledge, and compassion for their difficult situations. Other attorneys respect his litigation skills and case preparation.

David Brown, The Law Office of D. Bruce Brown

As a former local prosecutor, David Brown leverages his background and relationships with the Spokane legal community to defend individuals facing criminal prosecution. His experience includes cases involving DUI, domestic violence, white collar crimes, juvenile offenses, assault, robbery, and major drug trafficking.

Attorney Brown is celebrated for his ability to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop winning defense strategies. He has successfully defended many complex felony jury trials in Spokane County Superior Court. Past clients praise his communication skills and focus on achieving the best possible outcome for their unique situation.

Amanda Scarp, Scarp Law Offices

Attorney Amanda Scarp is known as a smart, tough litigator who gets impressive results for clients facing criminal charges in Spokane. She handles cases ranging from simple misdemeanors to serious violent felonies in state and federal court. Her experience includes charges involving drugs, DUI, domestic violence, sex crimes, assault, burglary, and vehicular homicide.

Scarp has successfully defended many complex, high-profile Spokane criminal cases other attorneys declined to take on or advised pleading out on. She is celebrated for her creative defense strategies. Past clients compliment her responsiveness and compassion for their situations.

James Weaver, Federal Defenders of Eastern Washington and Idaho

Attorney Weaver is highly respected for his litigation skills in high-stakes federal white collar and drug crime cases. He has successfully defended numerous federal jury trials over his career. Prosecutors also value his honesty and ethics in negotiating favorable settlements for clients pre-trial whenever possible.

Weaver previously served as an Assistant Federal Defender. He now works in private practice while still taking select cases as a CJA panel attorney. Past clients faced charges including fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, drug trafficking, and firearms offenses. They compliment his ability to explain complex legal issues in understandable terms.

The Importance of an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer in Spokane

If you are facing criminal prosecution in Spokane, the prospect of harsh penalties makes experienced legal counsel essential. Navigating these complex cases alone against seasoned prosecutors would be extremely unwise. Even minor misdemeanor convictions can negatively impact your life for years to come.

The elite Spokane criminal defense attorneys we covered have the skills, experience, resources and track record of positive case results to build the strongest case on your behalf. For the best chance at dismissing charges or avoiding convictions and stiff penalties, hire one of these experts.

Don’t take chances with your future and livelihood. Let one of Spokane’s top criminal lawyers stand between you and devastating consequences. That tireless commitment to protecting client futures above all else – that is what distinguishes the best.