Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions not answered here please do not hesitate to call (253) 845-2711 or email us.

• Q: Why do I need an attorney?

  The courts system can be very complex, and it can be very difficult for people to find their way through the system without special training. Even when judges are understanding, trying to represent yourself can cause undue delay in the resolution of your case, and even small procedural errors can be very damaging to the outcome of a case. In most cases, the best way to protect your rights is to hire an attorney.

• Q: How much does an attorney cost?

  The cost of an attorney can vary substantially. Some types of cases are more costly to litigate than others. For example, hiring a attorney to fight a traffic ticket will cost a lot less than hiring a attorney to fight a felony criminal charge.

  Each case is uniquely different; therefore, all fees are determined on a case by case basis. Fees are determined by several factors for example: What type of case you have - civil or criminal? What are your charges? What jurisdiction? How much time before trial? The initial consultation on all criminal defense matters in this office is $150 for a minimum half-hour of our time to review your documentation and discuss your case and any future fees and costs that maybe involved.

  Additionally, we take certain types of civil suits, particularly personal injury cases, on a "contingent fee" basis, where we do not charge an attorney fee unless we recover money for you. Note: there are legal costs involved in litigation that ordinarily you will be required to repay those costs even if you lose.

• Q: I'm in the military. Why should I hire you for a civilian criminal case?

  We understand the consequences of having a "guilty" plea entered and how that could affect your military career and, in some cases, end that career.

• Q: Can the attorney's secretary/paralegal give me advice?

  No. In Washington, only an attorney can give advice.

• Q: If I simply don't feel like going to court that day or I do not have the attorney's fee, can I just adjourn the court date?

  No. Scheduled court dates are mandatory.

• Q: Does an attorney's fee include court costs and court fines?

  No.

• Q: What is an arraignment?

  An arraignment is where you enter you plea of guilty or not guilty.

• Q: What is a pretrial?

  Pretrial is a way that the court narrows the issues and limits the number of witnesses in an effort to either settle the case, or proceed to trial. Your attorney will discuss your case with the Prosecutor or Opposing Counsel to discuss the best possible resolution of your case.

• Q: What happens at a trial?

  The trial process usually involves a specific format. It isn't quite like what you see on television. The judge usually starts the process with "voir dire" - this is how the jury is selected. Each attorney can ask questions of prospective jurors before selecting the jury. This process allows the attorneys to determine potential bias or unfairness on the part of prospective jurors. In some Federal cases, the judge will ask questions of the prospective jurors. This can be very important to your case; however, it is very tedious, and very boring.

  The potential jury "pool" is held in a separate room. Jury selection takes place and jurors are called into the courtroom by lottery fashion. Initially, each potential juror is given a questionnaire by both sides - this helps the process go faster. The attorneys may exclude some of the jurors for various reasons. This part of the process is still very boring.

  After the jury is selected, the attorneys will make opening statements. These opening statements are brief summaries of the case so that the jury will have a road map of the case. Opening statements are usually short (less than 30 minutes) and a time limit is agreed with both attorneys and the judge.

  Then we get to "opening statements." The prosecutor or the plaintiffs' attorney will present their case by calling you and other witnesses to the witness stand for direct examination. Such witnesses may include doctors, employers, friends, family, police, expert witnesses, and other witnesses who can testify about the allegations, incident, or injuries. After each witness has finished direct examination, opposing counsel will be entitled to cross-examination. That means the prosecutor or plaintiffs' witnesses may be asked questions by the other attorney. After cross-examination, the prosecutor or plaintiffs' attorney may have a few additional questions and this process is called re-direct examination.

  Once the prosecutor or plaintiffs' attorney finishes presenting its side of the case, the defense attorney is allowed to present the other side of the case by calling witnesses for the defense. Again, the prosecutor or plaintiffs' attorney will be entitled to cross-examine those witnesses. Just like on television!

  When both attorneys have finished questioning and presenting the evidence the judge will allow closing arguments. In closing arguments the attorneys have the opportunity to summarize the case to the jury and ask for a verdict. Both sides are entitled to rebuttal arguments after they hear each others closing arguments.

  After closing arguments, the judge will instruct the jury on the law and how it should be applied to your case. The jury instructions have been agreed on by both parties and the judge in a prior hearing. This usually takes an hour or more depending on the judge. The judge's instructions are the final words heard in the case before deliberation. The judge is not allowed to influence the jury one way or the other as to the result in the case.

  Finally, the judge completes instructions and the jury is allowed to deliberate on the case in a closed room. This process usually takes several hours. The jury can send messages to the judge and attorneys if they have questions that need legal clarification. When the jury finishes deliberating and reaches a verdict, they will complete verdict form and advise the judge. The judge will call everyone back to the courtroom and the verdict will be read and announced. You will find out at that time whether or not you won your case and how much money, if any, has been awarded by the jury, or if you have been found guilty or innocent.