Felony Defense: What is a Felony?

A felony offense is a serious crime for which the punishment may be more than one year in a state or federal prison. All felonies in Washington, including juvenile felonies, are handled in the Superior Court.

Washington State law establishes three classes of felonies:

Class A Felonies: These include the most "violent offenses" and "seriously violent offenses" under state criminal law (explained below) and carry a possible maximum penalty of death or imprisonment for life and a maximum $50,000 fine.

Class B Felonies: Constitute violent crimes and crimes against persons. This level of felony carries a possible maximum term of imprisonment of up to ten years and a maximum fine of $20,000.

Class C Felonies: These are lesser offenses, most are non-violent in nature, but they carry a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Washington State courts also utilize a detailed sentencing guideline which further divides all state felonies into 15 seriousness levels from Level I (least serious) to Level XV (most serious). Both the class and seriousness level are important when it comes to determining the actual number of months or years a defendant may be facing if convicted of a felony. Federal courts use a similar sentencing guideline system.

State felony offenses can also be divided into other general categories such as: seriously violent, violent, violent-sex, non-violent, non-violent sex, and non-violent-traffic. These classifications can sometimes impact the rate at which a person convicted of a felony receives earned release time in prison (credit for good time) as well as whether the felony conviction can someday be removed or vacated from the person's record.

What Can a Felony Defense Lawyer do for Me?

There is strength in numbers. If you have been charged with a felony offense, you need experienced and responsive legal backing immediately. When you retain the Lustick Law Firm as your attorney of record, you get the strength of a team of former prosecutors who have worked in the justice system.

As experienced trial attorneys, we use our reputation and skill as effective courtroom advocates as a source of leverage to try and get our client's case dismissed, or if that is not possible, to get the charge reduced to a outcome which is acceptable to you as the client. When necessary, however, we also use these same skills to present your defense at a trial by a jury to obtain the best possible results in your specific case.

Some of the felony offenses that Lustick Law Firm attorneys have recently provided legal representation for include:
• Homicides, Attempted Murder, Manslaughter
• Rape and other sexually related offenses
• Burglary and Residential Burglary
• Major Drug Offenses (Manufacturing, Delivery, Possession of CS)
• Assault in the First Degree, Second Degree or Third Degree
• Theft First or Second Degree or Possession of Stolen Property
• Malicious Mischief in the First or Second Degree
• Felony Harassment and Threats to Kill
• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
• Vehicular Homicide or Vehicular Assault
• Conspiracy to Commit a Felony Offense
• Many other Class A, B, and C Felonies

We defend felony cases in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, Island and San Juan Counties. Also, special arrangements can be made for the Lustick Law firm defense team to represent you in any other county in Washington State.

Don't delay... Call Us Immediately After Your Arrest.

The Lustick Law Firm criminal defense team will defend you against felony charges in state or federal court and will work very hard to ensure that your rights are vigorously protected.

Call the Lustick Law Firm today for a free consultation about your felony case. Our free one-hour consultation with our former prosecutors and experienced felony defense counsel is very comprehensive, helpful, and informative and will give you a better understanding of the felony defense process. In Bellingham, call (360) 685-4221 and in Mount Vernon, call (360) 873-8882 to schedule your free consultation today.