I have been practicing Criminal Defense in the Puget Sound area for nine years, and if you have been arrested for and/or charged with a crime you need to immediately do two things: (1) remain silent and (2) get an attorney.

You need to remain silent because anything you say can be used against you, and it will. The police officers, in this situation, are not your friends no matter how nice/professional they are. Innocent or guilty, trying to talk your way out of it will only backfire.

You need an attorney because there are practical consequences to criminal charges and convictions such as the loss of your freedom (jail time), loss of your driver's license, deportation, etc. An attorney can explain all of the consequences of the charge(s), and even if you end up entering a plea, more likely than not, can negotiate a far better agreement than you could on your own.

That’s because an attorney knows what the Court’s policies are regarding the crime you are charged with (a typical sentence given the crime) and what factors

can be used to negotiate the best agreement (criminal history or lack thereof, specifics of your case, credibility of the alleged victim(s), etc.).

If you qualify for a public defender, great!  Take advantage of their services!  If you do not qualify for a public defender, call me!  Aside from the reasons above, you will find I am knowledgeable, compassionate, responsive (I return calls and answer questions ASAP), and  my rates are RIDICULOUSLY LOW.  Why do I offer such low rates? The reason is simple: everyone deserves a fair shot.

Staci R. Gossett, Attorney at Law