The consequences of a criminal conviction in Federal Way can extend far beyond the courtroom. A guilty verdict can follow you into job interviews, housing applications, custody hearings, and nearly every corner of your daily life. The defense strategy you choose right now matters more than almost any other decision you will make.
At The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz, our Federal Way criminal defense lawyer has tried and negotiated thousands of criminal cases, and we leverage that depth of experience for every client we represent. Contact us today for a free consultation and start building the defense your future depends on.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz?
- Our lead attorney, Mark S. Treyz, brings decades of courtroom experience to every case we handle, fighting aggressively to protect the rights and futures of clients throughout Federal Way.
- Financial pressure should never stand between you and legal representation. We offer flexible payment plans tailored to your budget.
- A strong defense begins with thorough preparation. We dedicate the time and resources to independently investigate every case so that no detail goes unexamined and no opportunity is missed.
Common Types of Criminal Charges in Washington State
Criminal law in Washington covers a broad range of offenses, from misdemeanors that carry relatively short jail sentences to serious felonies that can result in years of incarceration. Our firm has experience defending clients against many charges within the state’s criminal code, including:
- Assault: Assault involves intentionally causing or attempting to cause physical harm to another person. Washington recognizes four degrees of assault, with charges escalating based on factors like the severity of injury, use of a weapon, or the identity of the victim.
- Fraud: Fraud encompasses a wide range of offenses rooted in deception for financial or personal gain, including identity theft, forgery, credit card fraud, and schemes involving false statements or misrepresentation.
- Theft: Theft occurs when a person unlawfully takes or exercises control over someone else’s property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it.
- Drug Crimes: These charges involve the possession, manufacture, delivery, or trafficking of controlled substances.
- Sex Crimes: Sex crime charges cover offenses such as rape, indecent liberties, sexual exploitation, and child molestation. These allegations typically involve claims of non-consensual sexual contact or conduct involving a minor.
- Domestic Violence: Domestic violence is a designation added to an underlying offense, such as assault or harassment, when the alleged victim is a family or household member.
- DUI: Driving under the influence is charged when a person operates a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both, or while having a blood alcohol concentration at or above the legal limit.
How a Criminal Case Moves Through the Washington State Court System
A criminal case typically begins with an arrest or a notification of charges. In some situations, law enforcement takes you into custody at the scene; in others, you may receive a summons. Next comes the arraignment, your first formal court appearance. The judge reads the charges against you, and you enter an initial plea.
Following the arraignment, you and your lawyer may negotiate with the prosecution for a favorable plea agreement. If no acceptable agreement can be reached or you believe the charges are without merit, you may enter a not-guilty plea. During the pre-trial phase, your defense attorney reviews evidence, files motions to suppress improperly obtained evidence, interviews witnesses, and builds the strongest possible case on your behalf.
If no resolution is reached, the matter proceeds to trial, where the prosecution must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. If you are convicted, the case moves to sentencing, where the judge determines your penalties.
Your Rights During and After an Arrest in Federal Way
Being stopped, detained, or arrested by law enforcement is an incredibly stressful experience. In these moments, many people unknowingly say or do things that weaken their own defense. The U.S. Constitution guarantees you specific protections at every stage of a criminal investigation, and exercising those rights is one of the most important things you can do.
If you come into contact with the police, remember the following:
- The Right to Remain Silent: You are not required to answer questions from law enforcement during or after an arrest. If officers continue to press you for information, calmly and clearly state that you are invoking your right to remain silent. Remember, anything you say can be used against you in court.
- The Right to an Attorney: You have the right to consult with a lawyer before answering any questions, and if you cannot afford one, the court must appoint counsel on your behalf. After your arrest, repeatedly request to speak with an attorney.
- The Right Against Unreasonable Searches and Seizures: Under the Fourth Amendment, police generally need a warrant or your voluntary consent to search your person, vehicle, or home. Evidence obtained in violation of this right may be excluded from your case.
- The Right to Due Process: You are entitled to fair treatment throughout every stage of the legal process, including timely hearings, access to the evidence against you, and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
How a Federal Way Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Protect Your Future
Criminal charges affect your immediate freedom and can cast a long shadow over your work, relationships, and daily life in the years ahead. When that much is on the line, you need a criminal defense attorney in Federal Way who will commit real time and resources to your case and fight relentlessly to protect what matters most to you.
The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz will aggressively defend your rights from day one. We conduct a detailed investigation into every case we take on: interviewing witnesses, examining forensic evidence, challenging procedural errors, and identifying weaknesses in the state’s case that can lead to reduced charges, dismissed counts, or acquittals. Our goal is always to position you for the best available outcome while keeping you informed and prepared every step of the way.
Talk to a Federal Way Criminal Defense Attorney About Your Case
No matter what charges you are facing, you deserve a strong and dedicated defense. The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz has spent years defending the rights of individuals throughout Federal Way and the greater Puget Sound region, and we will put that experience to work for you. Call our office or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation—the sooner you reach out, the sooner we can start fighting for your future.