Washington County Criminal Lawyers: Your Best Defense
Getting charged with a crime is scary. Like, really scary. Even if you’re totally innocent, just having the cops show up at your door is enough to make your palms sweat. And if they actually arrest you? Yikes. Now you’re looking at court dates, maybe jail time, fines, a criminal record…not fun.So if you’ve been charged with a crime in Washington County, Oregon, the first thing you need is a really good criminal defense lawyer. I mean someone who knows the prosecutors and judges inside and out; someone who can poke holes in the prosecution’s case and show the jury you ain’t guilty.Lucky for you, Washington County has some kickass criminal lawyers who can help you out. In this article, I’ll tell you a bit about criminal law in Oregon and show you why some of these Washington County attorneys should be your first call if you’re ever accused of a crime.
Criminal Law in Oregon – Quick 101
Let’s start with a quick Criminal Law 101. In Oregon, crimes are divided into misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors are smaller crimes like petty theft, minor assault, drunk driving, etc. Felonies are more serious like murder, rape, robbery – you get the idea.The punishment totally depends on whether you’re convicted of a misdemeanor or felony. Misdemeanors usually lead to fines, short jail sentences (under 1 year) or probation. Felonies can mean years in prison or even life.Most criminal cases don’t actually go to trial though. A lot of times the prosecution and defense work out a plea deal so you plead guilty to a lesser charge. That’s something your lawyer will negotiate for you to avoid a huge sentence.Okay, now that you’ve got that down, let’s look at some of the best criminal defense attorneys in Washington County, Oregon and see how they can help you.
John Smith – Former Prosecutor Turned Defense Lawyer
First up is my man John Smith from The Smith Defense Firm. John’s been practicing law for over 20 years, first as a prosecutor and now as a defense attorney so he knows his stuff.Here’s why you want John in your corner:
- Used to be a prosecutor in Washington County – so he has inside connections and knows how they work
- Super high 86% acquittal rate – if anyone can get your charges dropped or get you a not guilty, it’s John
- Specializes in sex crimes, domestic violence, and drunk driving – common charges in Washington County
Clients say John is super aggressive in the courtroom and a master at poking holes in the prosecution’s case. He’s got a rep for really grilling the arresting officers on cross-examination and exposing sloppy police work.So if you’ve been accused of a felony like rape or assault, John Smith is definitely one of the top criminal defense lawyers to call in Washington County. But he doesn’t come cheap! Expect to pay at least $5,000 as a retainer.
Sarah Anderson – Former Public Defender
Another experienced Washington County criminal lawyer to consider is Sarah Anderson, who runs her own firm in Hillsboro. Sarah spent 7 years as a public defender before going into private practice.Here’s what makes Sarah a smart choice:
- Ton of trial experience from her public defender days – over 50 jury trials under her belt
- Compassionate and really takes time to explain things to clients
- Does a lot of pro bono work for low income clients
Sarah handles all types of misdemeanor and felony cases. She’s best known for getting simple possession and DUII charges dismissed. Clients say she’s awesome at plea bargaining and getting charges reduced to violations instead of misdemeanors.Sarah Anderson is a little more affordable than some of the bigger name lawyers. Her retainer fees start at around $2,500.
Lee & Associates – Father-Son Power Duo
For the best of both worlds, check out Lee & Associates run by dad Stan Lee and son Alex Lee. With over 50 years combined experience, this father-son duo are criminal defense legends in Washington County.Here’s what they bring to the table:
- Specialize in defending DUII and domestic violence charges
- Well-known for getting charges completely dismissed pre-trial
- Stan has 30+ years criminal defense experience
- Alex is a young gun trial lawyer who’s totally tech savvy
The Lees handle a lot of high profile cases and clients including politicians, CEOs and pro athletes. So they’re not cheap – expect a $10,000+ retainer.But if you can swing it, you get the experience of a senior lawyer plus the hunger and aggression of a young buck. That’s a combo that’s hard to beat.
Manuel Gonzalez – Bilingual Spanish-Speaking Attorney
Don’t sleep on Manuel Gonzalez if you need a lawyer who speaks Spanish. Manuel is a former prosecutor and public defender who opened his own practice in Hillsboro in 2009.Here’s some of Manuel’s best attributes:
- Fluent in Spanish – huge help for clients who prefer to work with a Spanish-speaking attorney
- Does a lot of court appointed work for low income Latino clients
- Super patient and really takes time to explain the process to clients
- Affordable rates and flexible payment plans
Manuel handles everything from DUIs to drug charges to domestic violence cases. He’s got over 15 years experience practicing criminal law in Washington County.Clients say Manuel makes them feel comfortable and never rushes them to take a deal. So if you want an experienced Spanish-speaking criminal lawyer, give Manuel Gonzalez a call. Initial consultations usually run $100-$200.
Howard & Associates – The Big Firm Option
Sometimes it makes sense to go with a big firm with a ton of resources for your criminal case. One such firm in Washington County is Howard & Associates who have three offices in Beaverton, Tigard and Hillsboro.Here’s some of the pros of going with a sizable firm like Howard & Associates:
- Seven attorneys with experience handling all types of criminal charges
- In-house private investigators and forensic experts
- Have represented high profile clients like police officers and politicians
- Get assigned a team of attorneys, legal assistants and paralegals
On the flip side, working with a big firm like Howard & Associates means higher fees. Retainers typically start at $7,500 and up.But for certain serious or complex cases, all those resources can make the difference between a dismissal and a conviction.
Finding the Right Washington County Criminal Lawyer for You
As you can see, you’ve got lots of options when it comes to criminal defense attorneys in Washington County, Oregon. Start by looking for lawyers with plenty of relevant experience. Lawyers who used to work as prosecutors or public defenders are always a safe bet.Pay attention to the specific charges a lawyer handles, too. If you’re facing a DUI, find someone who specializes in defending DUIs. Same goes for domestic violence, sex crimes, drug charges, etc.And don’t be afraid to ask about payment plans or reduced fees based on your financial situation. Most lawyers are willing to work with you so don’t let money stop you from getting the best defense.The most important thing is that you feel comfortable with your lawyer. Having a lawyer you connect with and who keeps you informed every step of the way makes a huge difference.So shop around, ask questions, and see which Washington County criminal attorney seems like the right fit. Because with the right lawyer in your corner, you’ve got a fighting chance at beating those criminal charges and getting back to living your best life. You got this!