Criminal Defense on Whidbey Island, Washington
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO IF I HAVE A CRIMINAL CASE ON WHIDBEY ISLAND?
If you have been accused of or charged with a crime, or even if police are investigating you for a crime - it is time to seriously think about getting an attorney involved. You have a right to an attorney at every critical stage of a criminal case, and you should always exercise that right, and never try to go it alone when you don’t have to. You have options, and deciding what is best for your case is a personal decision that depends on your specific situation. We are here to help you make that decision, which is why our consultations are always free - if you are at this crossroads you can schedule a free consultation here.
When should I get an attorney involved?
The answer to this question depends on the specifics of your case, and also your goals and priorities. At Claire Highland Law, our promise to you is that we will help you make an honest assessment of whether it is time to get someone on your side so that you can make the best decision for your case. Here are some common scenarios where people need an attorney on their side:
If you are being investigated or accused
For some people, even an accusation of a crime can be detrimental to their personal life or careers. For this reason, many clients come to us for early intervention to work to stop a case in its tracks. Many people don’t know their rights in this process, or think that simply being honest with law enforcement will make the problem go away; unfortunately this usually has the opposite effect.
If you have been accused of a crime, or law enforcement is investigating you we can start advocating for you immediately. We can intervene at law enforcement level without you suffering the negative consequences that come from speaking to law enforcement without an attorney; and we can also advocate with the District Attorney’s office not to file the case against you.
If this situation applies to you, please read more specific information in these articles: What to do if you have been Accused of a Crime and What to do if Law Enforcement Want to Speak With You.
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime
If you have been charged with a crime, the time for questioning is over, you will have a court date and you will absolutely need an attorney to help you navigate that. Dealing with a court case is a stressful experience, and because of this many people put off hiring an attorney until the last minute. At Claire Highland Law, we are used to working on tight timelines and can help you even if that is the case, however we find that most of our clients feel a sense of relief by getting an attorney onboard sooner rather than later. That way they can be advised on what to expect, know they have someone to handle it, and also be advised of any proactive measures they can start taking now.
If you have been arrested, there is a possibility you can still not be charged, and we can work to help make that possible. However most people who get arrested are looking at a charge and will need an attorney. We can also help you or a loved one work to get this person out of custody as soon as possible.
If this situation applies to you, please read more specific information in these articles: What to do if you have been Arrested and What to do if you have been Charged with a Crime.
MISDEMEANORS ON WHIDBEY ISLAND
What happens if I get a misdemeanor charge on Whidbey Island?
On Whidbey Island, misdemeanors are handled at the Island County District Court in Oak Harbor, WA. Misdemeanor cases prosecuted by both Island County and the City of Oak Harbor are handled in this courthouse. This courthouse has two courtrooms, one which is handled by a Judge and primarily deals with Island County misdemeanor cases, and one handled by a Court Commissioner which primarily handles misdemeanors with the City of Oak Harbor and post-conviction matters such as probation violations; but there is crossover between the two.
If you are arrested on a misdemeanor charge you may be taken to the Island County Jail, or the jail at the Oak Harbor Police Department, depending on whether your charges are with the county or city of Oak Harbor. If you are summoned to appear in court to answer for a charge or released from jail with a court date through the Island County District Court this court in Oak Harbor is the courthouse where you will need to appear for future court dates. One of the benefits of having an attorney is that your attorney can appear for you at almost every court date so that you do not need to be present for them.
What are the potential outcomes for a Misdemeanor charge on Whidbey Island?
Washington State has two levels of misdemeanors, regular Misdemeanors and Gross Misdemeanors. Gross misdemeanors have higher punishments than a Misdemeanor. The most common Gross Misdemeanors are crimes of domestic violence and DUIs. We can walk you through your options and what the possible outcomes in your case are, and help you find a way to reach your goals.
In any misdemeanor case there are 4 potential outcomes:
Your case is dismissed
You complete a diversion program where you can earn a dismissal in time
You enter a plea in exchange for a “deal” or lighter sentence
You go to trial where you will either be acquitted or found guilty
Potential punishments for a conviction for a Misdemeanor or Gross Misdemeanor are as follows:
Jail Time
Misdemeanor: 0-90 days
Gross Misdemeanor: 0-365 days
Alternatives to jail include electronic home monitoring or community service
Fines & Restitution
Misdemeanor: 0-$1,000
Gross Misdemeanor: 0-$5,000
Restitution is considered by the court at a victim’s request and is reimbursement for damages
Probation
Misdemeanor: 2 years
Gross Misdemeanor: 5 years
Classes or Treatment
Domestic Violence Classes
Counseling
Mental Health treatment
Alcohol or Drug Treatment
Alcohol or Drug Classes
Anger Management
No Contact Order
The court can order you not to have contact with a person or business, even over that person’s objections
Loss of Firearms Rights
A domestic violence conviction can make you ineligible to possess a firearm for life.
FELONIES ON WHIDBEY ISLAND
What happens if I get a Felony charge on Whidbey Island?
On Whidbey Island, felonies are handled at the Island County Superior Court in Coupeville, WA. Felony cases are prosecuted by Island County and handled in this courthouse. This courthouse has two courtrooms and two judges, and your case may be heard by either. This court can also handle misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors that accompany your felony case.
If you are arrested on a felony charge you will be taken to the Island County Jail. If you are summoned to appear in court to answer for a charge or released from jail with a court date then the Island County Superior Court in Coupeville is the courthouse where you will need to appear for future court dates. One of the benefits of having an attorney is that your attorney can appear for you at almost every court date so that you do not need to be present for them.
What are the potential outcomes for a Felony charge on Whidbey Island?
In any Felony case there are 4 potential outcomes:
Your case is dismissed
You complete a diversion program like Drug Court where you can earn a dismissal in time
You enter a plea in exchange for a “deal” or lighter sentence, including amending your charge down to a misdemeanor
You go to trial where you will either be acquitted or found guilty
Potential punishments for a conviction for a Felony are as follows:
Jail or Prison Time
Class C felony: 0-5 years
Class B felony: 0-10 years
Class A felony: 0-life
Time under one year will be served as jail at the Island County Jail
Time over one year will be served in the Department of Corrections at a prison
Alternatives to jail include electronic home monitoring or community service
Fines & Restitution
Class C felony: 0-$10,000
Class B felony: 0-$20,000
Class A felony: 0-$50,000
Restitution is considered by the court at a victim’s request and is reimbursement for damages
Probation or DOC Supervision
If you are sentenced to time in DOC custody, they may supervise you for a period of time afterwards depending on your charge,
If you are sentenced to local jail time then your probation will be supervised by the court.
Classes or Treatment
Domestic Violence Classes
Counseling
Mental Health treatment
Alcohol or Drug Treatment
Alcohol or Drug Classes
Anger Management
No Contact Order
The court can order you not to have contact with a person or business, even over that person’s objections
Loss of Firearms Rights
Both a felony, or a domestic violence conviction can make you ineligible to possess a firearm for life.
HOW WE CAN HELP WITH YOUR WHIDBEY ISLAND CRIMINAL CASE
We have experience and a good reputation in this community
I lived on Whidbey Island, and began my career as an attorney as a public defender in Island County from misdemeanors in the District Court to the most serious Felony cases in Superior Court. Because of that experience, I spent every day in the courts and jails of Island County. I understand the expectations and preferences of the judges, and I know what you need to do to be able to navigate the Island County legal system through the jails and courts.
I have handled a wide variety of cases in this county, including through a successful win at trial. I have also helped clients get into diversion programs, including working with the Island County Drug Court program. I can help you achieve the absolute best outcome for your case, no matter the seriousness.
As an attorney in this community I am known for fiercely advocating for my clients, but also being a professional who my peers enjoy working with, even when we are adversaries. This is how I get the best results for my clients, by fighting for you and being a trusted and hardworking legal professional.
We believe in the work that we do
I truly got into criminal defense because I care about helping people. As an attorney I don’t believe that being a tough adversary in the courtroom comes at the cost of compassion. I am here to walk you and your family through the most difficult time in your life, and help you look at the whole picture. People are far more than just the things they have been accused of, my job is to listen to you and tell your story while helping you get your best possible outcome.
