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Criminal Defense Attorney in Seattle, Washington

Misdemeanors & Felonies

Criminal offenses such as misdemeanors and felonies are serious crimes that are punishable with serious consequences in Seattle and elsewhere. If you have been charged with a crime or are under investigation for a crime, it is extremely important that you retain a qualified criminal defense attorney who can advise you of your rights and aggressively defend you against any charges brought by prosecutors.

Paul L. Schneiderman represents individuals at different stages of criminal cases. And he has represented clients charged with crimes in municipal, district, superior, and federal courts.

An accused person is innocent until proven guilty, and every case and every situation is unique. You deserve a criminal defense attorney who will carefully listen to you to understand your circumstances, and provide a fair and honest assessment of your case. 

Paul L. Schneiderman understands that the first step to mounting an aggressive defense of his clients is understanding the unique circumstances that bring them into his office.  Building on that understanding and trust, Mr. Schneiderman prioritizes communicating with clients to keep them informed at every stage of their case and to ensure that they understand the issues at hand.

There are many steps in the course of a criminal case that come before conviction. That means that there are many opportunities for a skilled criminal defense attorney like Paul L. Schneiderman to give your case the personal attention it deserves so that you are represented in the best possible light and can receive the best possible outcome.

Rights of the Accused

People who have been accused of crimes have constitutional rights that protect them against abuses by law enforcement.

Many people are familiar with the “right to remain silent,” but the United States Constitution guarantees for more than just “pleading the fifth.”

Constitutional rights of the accused include:

  • The right to remain silent
  • The right to be represented by an attorney
  • The right to a public trial
  • The right to a jury trial
  • The right to a speedy trial
  • The right to cross examine witnesses
  • The right not to be tried twice for the same offence, also known as “double jeopardy”

While these rights are guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, it can take an experienced advocate to secure them within the legal system.

Paul Schneiderman is served for nearly ten years as a court-appointed lawyer with the King County Office of Public Defense. Mr. Schneiderman continues to be available to represent possible criminal cases for select misdemeanors and felonies.

What is a misdemeanor?

A misdemeanor is a criminal offense of lesser gravity than a felony. However, if convicted, a person may face serious consequences. In Washington State, many misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail. A conviction can also result in other losses, such as the loss of a driver's license or the loss of a job.

Misdemeanor charges are frequently filed in local municipal and district courts, but occasionally a person can be charged with a misdemeanor in Superior Court. Alternative resolutions, such as Pretrial Diversion, Civil Compromises, and Deferred Prosecution are available for some types of offenses. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney is necessary to help you receive the best possible outcome.

What is a felony?

A felony is a criminal offense that is considered more serious than a misdemeanor in terms of punishment and other consequences. For example, if convicted of a felony, a person may lose the right to vote, hold public office, or possess a firearm – all constitutional rights. Other consequences of a felony conviction can include travel restrictions and immigration consequences for non-citizens.

Having an experienced criminal defense attorney is critical to protecting your rights and creating a thorough and comprehensive defense strategy for whatever charge you are facing.

Contact Paul L. Schneiderman today by calling 206-464-1952.

Contact Me Today

The Law Offices of Paul L. Schneiderman is committed to answering your questions about Personal Injury & Wrongful Death, No-Fault Car Accidents, Sports Law, Sports Injury, Criminal Defense and Crime Victim Representation law issues in Seattle, Washington.

I offer a free consultation and I'll gladly discuss your case with you at your convenience. Call me at 206-464-1952 or email me at [email protected] to schedule an appointment.

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