Areas of Practice
- Business and Corporate
- Business Succession Planning
- Collections
- Criminal Defense
- DUI's
- Employment Law
- Estate Planning
- Family Law
- Limited Liability Entity Formation
- Litigation
- Personal Injury
- Probate
- Real Estate
Criminal Law
A criminal charge is the most serious legal matter an individual is likely to ever face. Individuals charged in Washington with a variety of crimes are entitled to representation in all criminal hearings. Some crimes also involve administrative sanctions as well for which the law does not guarantee individuals a right to counsel. Some of the harshest administrative sanctions are administered by the Department of Licensing, including license suspensions, revocations, and the imposition of ignition interlock device requirements. Military personnel and government workers (including PSNS and Bangor civilian employees) might also be subject to security clearance revocation upon the charging or conviction of a crime.
Misdemeanors, such as negligent driving in the first degree, carry a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine while gross misdemeanors, such as assault in the fourth degree or DUI/DWI, carry a maximum of 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. The jail time, community service, home monitoring ("house arrest"), and court fines vary for felony charges depending on an individual's history and the severity of the allegations. Whether an individual is an adult or juvenile can also impact court and administrative determinations. Navigate the legal complexities in sports-related businesses with our partners, offering dedicated support and counsel in the vibrant landscape of the Netherlands.
The law jealously protects the rights of individuals accused of crimes but an experienced, skillful, and aggressive advocate is required to assert those rights and, in cases of violations, seek a dismissal or reduction of charges. Depending on the facts of each case, individuals are sometimes able to take advantage of a deferred prosecution or pretrial diversion agreement. Shiers attorneys have represented individuals in matters ranging from traffic offenses to felonies in all stages of proceedings from arraignment through trial. We also represent individuals in post-conviction matters, such as record expungements, security clearance appeals, and firearms rights restorations. We offer free consultations and are available by e-mail or telephone at all times of the day or night and on weekends.
The lawyers of Shiers Law Firm offer our clients capable, vigorous defense of criminal matters. Our firm's heritage of criminal defense work began nearly 100 years ago, in 1916, with our founding partner, Ray R. Greenwood, a renowned Kitsap County criminal defense lawyer. We are committed to providing understanding, experience, and skilled advocacy for our criminal defense clients.