DUI & CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Washington State is one of the toughest states in the nation when it comes to DUI convictions. Unlike most gross misdemeanors, which have a maximum sentence of a year in jail and a $5,000 fine, but no minimum penalties, DUIs not only have minimum penalties, but those penalties increase substantially with each DUI conviction. DUIs not only result in license suspension, an ignition interlock device, SR-22 insurance, and a loss of a person’s commercial driver’s license, they also carry a 5 year probationary period during which there are multiple requirements that must be met. If you are facing a DUI, it is necessary to work with an attorney experienced in DUI defense in order to achieve the best possible outcome. Just Law Yakima knows the ins and outs of DUIs and is here to help if you need us. Set up your consultation today at 509-494-8590. Let us help you be proactive  and successful in fighting your DUI.

If you are charged with a domestic violence offense, harassment, assault, or a similar offense, it is extremely likely that a no contact order will be entered against you. A no contact order can easily be violated not only by coming within a certain distance of a person or their home, but also through mail, telephonic or electronic contact, such as social media. Even if the alleged victim allows you to contact them or contacts you, if you engage in such contact, you will be charged with a no contact order violation.

A common perception of assault is that it involves serious physical harm. While this often is the case, those cases are typically charged as felonies. 4^th degree assault is a common gross misdemeanor charge that can involve much less severe contact. A person may be found guilty of 4^th degree assault if they have engaged in the harmful or offensive touching of another or committed an act in which they intentionally placed another in fear of apprehension of imminent harm.

If an assault is allegedly committed against a family member, intimate partner, or anyone that you have lived with, it will be charged as domestic violence. When police are called to a domestic violence assault incident, an arrest will likely be made regardless of the severity of the alleged assault. If you are involved in a family law case at which custody is an issue, your parenting plan will be affected by a domestic violence charge. As assault charge can also affect future employment opportunities.

If you have been charged with assault, Justice Law Yakima will aggressively defend you. There are multiple steps that can be taken to mitigate an assault charge. Contact us today  509-494-8590 to ensure your rights are protected.

Common misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors include driving while license suspended, negligent driving, hit and runs, assault 4^th degree, DUIs, criminal trespass, shoplifting, malicious mischief, and more. The maximum sentence you can receive on a basic misdemeanor is 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. If you are charged with a gross misdemeanor, your potential sentence jumps to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine. In certain cases, a misdemeanor can be elevated to a felony, which will very likely result in much more serious consequences. Equally important to many people, these charges, and any convictions that result from them, will go on your criminal record. Depending on the charge, they can also have adverse consequences related to driving, employment, housing, and immigration.

While misdemeanor convictions can sometimes be vacated after 3 years provided the sentence  has been served and all of the imposed conditions have been completed, there are other factors that will be considered. It is critical to have an attorney that is well versed in criminal law represent you if you are facing a criminal case. At Justice Law Yakima, our team cares about the outcome of your case and will zealously advocate for you every step of the way.