30min Free Consultation with a Criminal Defense Lawyer at Kitsap Criminal Defense, a division of Compass Legal Services, P.S.!

KitsapCriminalDefense.com is our Criminal Defense website, dedicated to providing detailed information about criminal law and our defense services.  For more information about this practice area, please visit the website.

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Kitsap Criminal Defense provides experienced legal help for criminal law matters in Kitsap County and Surrounding Areas.

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Over 14,000 crimes are reported to local and county police departments each year in Kitsap County. If you are on the wrong side of one of those reports the fear and worry you experience can be overwhelming, even if you have not done anything wrong.  The US criminal justice system is not designed to protect the rights of the accused, or even acknowledge them unless it is demanded. If you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony crime, or even just a civil infraction, or think that you might be, a criminal defense lawyer at Kitsap Criminal Defense can help protect your rights and help you maintain the peace of mind you deserve while navigating the criminal justice system.

If you are facing criminal charges, believe you have been unfairly cited for a civil infraction, your rights have been violated by the criminal justice system or you are a military service member who has been charged or expects to be charged in a criminal law matter, call our office today at 360.471.3300 for a 30min free consultation for criminal law matters.

Kitsap Criminal Defense is the criminal law division of Compass Legal Services. We work with clients across Kitsap County, including Port Orchard, Bremerton, Silverdale, Kingston, Poulsbo, Bainbridge Island and surrounding areas.

If you need a defense attorney for matters in Pierce, King, Thurston, Mason, Jefferson or Clallam Counties we may be able to help you as well.  We take cases outside of Kitsap County based on our attorneys’ availability.

Abogado Penal

Idioma no debe ser una barrera para obtener representación legal efectiva y profesional. El Licenciado Eric McDonald habla español y puede asegurar a los clientes quienes hablan español una representación legal de alta calidad, asequible y profesional.

Si usted ha sido acusado de un crimen y habla español, llame a nuestra oficina al 360.204.5604 para una consulta gratuita confidencial con el Licenciado McDonald.

What should I do if I am charged with a crime, or think I might be?

If you are being questioned about a crime that may or may not have been committed, you have the right to remain silent and you should remain so until you have spoken with a defense attorney.  Always be polite if you are approached by law enforcement and explain that you are happy to be of assistance once you have been advised by your attorney to do so.

If you have been charged with a crime, or expect to be, a criminal defense attorney will serve as the best available buffer between you and the courts, law enforcement and legal process.  The courts and law enforcement are not responsible for protecting your best interest.  Your defense attorney can help you navigate the criminal justice system and advocate for your rights and interests and protect you from making many devastating mistakes that come from lack of understanding of the law and legal process.

Almost universally, No.  The Criminal Justice System and the laws from which it derives are a complicated beast at the very best.  You should always at least consult with a criminal lawyer before entering into any plea deal with the prosecutor or pleading guilty in court.  This is important because the court will not give you legal advice or explain the options available to you.  A guilty plea without an attorney very often turns into a lot of money and frequently more time in jail (even when no time in jail may have been necessary at all).  A plea of Not Guilty can buy you time to seek counsel and be advised of your legal rights and options.

Criminal Defense Lawyer for Felony Cases, including Drug Possession in Kitsap County

Felony criminal charges, whether for Drug Possession, Burglary or other charges, are serious matters.  They carry the potential for five or more years in prison and many thousands of dollars in fines, if you are convicted.  If you have been charged with drug possession or any other felony criminal charge, or expect that you may be, speaking with a Criminal Law Attorney is critical.  Convictions in these matters can have far reaching consequences which may be avoided or diminished with the help of an experience defense lawyer.

If you have been charged with a Felony in Kitsap County, or expect that you might be, contact Kitsap Criminal Defense at 360.471.3300 to schedule a 30min. free consultation with a criminal defense attorney immediately and do not discuss your case with anyone else until advised to do so, or not to do so, by your attorney.  Remember that your right to remain silent is of critical importance.

Criminal Defense Lawyer for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and Other Misdemeanor Cases in Kitsap County

Thousands of misdemeanor criminal complaints are charged each year ranging from simple assault to petty theft and Driving Under the Influence.  While these are considered low level crimes, they can have serious consequences including monetary fines, jail time and loss of your driver’s license.  Additionally, criminal convictions of any kind can affect employment and housing opportunities.

At Kitsap Criminal Defense we provide experienced criminal defense for misdemeanor criminal law matters. If you have been charged with a misdemeanor, whether a DUI or other charges, a defense attorney can help you explore the options available to you, provide an important buffer between yourself, the prosecutor and courts, and negotiate the best possible resolution to your case, including trial defense if necessary.

To schedule a 30min. free consultation for misdemeanor matters please call our office at 360.471.3300.

Criminal Defense Attorney for Military Service Members

Criminal Defense Attorney Eric McDonald is a retired Lieutenant Commander of the United States Navy and former JAG Corps Attorney.  He has been providing criminal defense services for military service members for over twenty years.  If you are a military service member and have been charged with a crime including felony charges and misdemeanor charges, call our office today at 360.471.3300 to schedule a no-cost consultation with Defense Attorney Eric McDonald.

Criminal Defense Lawyer for Pierce County, King County, Mason County, Thurston County, Jefferson County, Clallam County Cases

Kitsap Criminal Defense offers criminal defense representation outside of Kitsap County in Pierce County, Mason County, King County, Thurston County, Clallam County and Jefferson County on a case by case basis depending on attorney availability.  If you need to speak with a criminal defense lawyer about a case in Pierce County, King County, Mason County, Thurston County, Clallam County or Jefferson County, please contact our office at 360.471.3300 to schedule a no-cost consultation with a criminal lawyer.

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Classifications of Criminal Charges

What is a Felony?

Felonies are the most serious class of crimes in Washington State.  Felony convictions are sentenced according to a 15-level scale of seriousness carrying sentencing ranges of increasing length at each level where Level 1 is the least serious felony.

Class C Felony

A Class C Felony in Washington State is the least serious type of felony but still more egregious than a gross misdemeanor. Class C Felonies include 3rd Degree Assault, theft of property between $750 and $5000 in value, certain drug related offenses and, in some cases, DUI.

Class C Felony Criminal Sentencing Guidelines in Washington State

A Class C Felony in Washington State is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.

Class B Felony

Class B Felonies in Washington State are considered more serious crimes with higher sentencing guidelines.  Class B Felonies include theft of a firearm or motor vehicle, trafficking stolen property, and sexually motivated crimes.

Class B Felony Criminal Sentencing Guidelines in Washington State

A Class B Felony in Washington State is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and $20,000 in fines.

Class A Felony

Class A Felony crimes in Washington State are the most serious class of criminal offenses and may carry a maximum sentencing of life in prison.  Class A Felonies include 1st and 2nd Degree Murder, Rape and Homicide by Abuse.

Class A Felony Criminal Sentencing Guidelines in Washington State

A Class A Felony in Washington State is punishable by up to life imprisonment and $50,000 in fines.

***Please note that our firm is unable to provide criminal defense representation for Class A Felony matters.

What are Misdemeanor and Gross Misdemeanor Crimes?

Misdemeanor and Gross Misdemeanor crimes in Washington State are low level criminal offenses.  Such crimes include trespassing, reckless driving, theft of property valued less than $750.00 and DUI.

Misdemeanor Criminal Sentencing Guidelines in Washington State

A Simple Misdemeanor in Washington State is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and $1,000 in fines.

Gross Misdemeanor Criminal Sentencing Guidelines in Washington State

A Gross Misdemeanor in Washington State is punishable by up to 1 year in jail and $5000 in fines.

Call our office immediately at 360.471.3300 to schedule a no cost criminal law consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

What is a Civil Infraction in Kitsap County and Washington State?

Civil Infractions are misdemeanor crimes that have been decriminalized and appropriated to Municipal and District courts as less serious acts.  Minor Traffic Infractions, noise violations, violations of specific city or county ordinances would be classified as civil infractions.

If you believe you have been unfairly cited for a civil infraction, please contact our office at 360.471.3300 for a no-cost consultation regarding your citation.

When to call a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Waiting to reach out for help is always a bad idea, especially especially in criminal law matters. If you think you need legal advice or don’t feel comfortable managing your case or going to court on your own, don’t wait until a week or a couple of days before a hearing or a deadline to reach out.  If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, you should seek legal counsel immediately and remain silent about the case until you have been advised to do otherwise by a criminal defense attoreny. Our attorneys can provide you with specific guidance and support to help you address your legal matter with confidence.
To schedule a 30 min. free consultation for criminal defense, call our office at 360.471.3300.

Legal Financial Obligation Relief (LFO)

Legal Financial Obligations are fines levied against an individual convicted on criminal charges.  In some cases all or part of these LFO’s can be forgiven by the courts, depending on specific criteria.  At Compass Legal Services, P.S., a criminal law attorney can help you explore the relief options that may available to you.  If you are interested in finding out if you are eligible for relief from LFO’s, please contact our office at 360.471.3300 to schedule a 30-minute free consultation for criminal defense.

“I need a DUI Attorney near me!” If you have been Charged with a DUI in Kitsap County, Contact a DUI Attorney at Kitsap Criminal Defense.

If you have been charged with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs) in Kitsap County, call our office immediately to schedule a 30min. free consultation with an experienced DUI attorney.  DUI charges do not have to destroy your life.  Your DUI attorney can help you examine the facts in your case, address all the options for your defense and negotiate with the prosecuting attorney on your behalf.  Most DUI cases can be resolved without going to trial, but our team is fully prepared to provide the best possible representation in your DUI matter.

To schedule a 30min. free consultation with an experienced DUI attorney at Kitsap Criminal Defense call our office at 360.471.3300.

Criminal Defense Resources

Kitsap County Office of Public Defense

Kitsap County Superior Court

Kitsap County District Court

Bremerton Municipal Court

Port Orchard Municipal Court

Poulsbo Municipal Court

Bainbridge Island Municipal Court

Washington Courts Website