Tacoma Criminal Defense Lawyer

When you have been accused of a crime, you might not know what tomorrow looks like, and right now, that is okay. When everything feels like it is spinning, your Tacoma criminal defense lawyer at Puget Law Group is here to steady things with real answers and real support. 

With over 150 years of combined experience, we know what works, and we are here to talk through your options when you are ready to reach out.

How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Protect Your Future

When something this serious lands on your plate, you need someone who knows how to handle it. Your Tacoma criminal defense attorney with Puget Law Group is here to protect your rights and walk you through what can feel like an unpredictable process. We focus on what matters most: keeping your future, your family, and your freedom intact.

The Investigation Process and Gathering Evidence

We begin every case by focusing on the facts. That means digging into what happened, who was involved, and what kind of evidence exists. Our team reviews everything with care, from digital records and surveillance footage to forensic evidence and physical items collected at the scene. 

When needed, we speak with witnesses, request expert input, and make sure your side of the story is heard clearly and fairly. Every detail we uncover helps us prepare your case.

If something looks off or a key piece of evidence was left out, we will catch it. Your case deserves that level of attention. You should never be forced to defend yourself against incomplete or incorrect claims.

How We Build a Strong Defense Strategy

Once we have reviewed the evidence, we begin shaping the defense strategy that best protects your future. Every case is different, and our job is to push back on the parts of the prosecution’s case that do not hold up. We review how your rights may apply and make sure you are not pressured into a rushed outcome. 

You have the right to be treated as innocent unless the state can prove otherwise, and we never let the court forget that. We are deliberate and prepared from day one. Whether we challenge the arrest, contest the charges, or fight to keep flawed evidence out of the courtroom, we are always working to protect what matters most to you.

Charges a Tacoma Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Fight

Your Tacoma criminal defense attorney at Puget Law Group understands the consequences you are facing. We have worked with countless clients like yourself in the past and have learned what needs to be done to combat almost any type of criminal charge. You can be confident that we have the experience and resources necessary to fight any of the following charges:

• Tacoma DUI defense lawyer: If you are convicted of drunk driving, you could spend up to one year in jail as a first-time offender, according to RCW 46.61.502.
• Tacoma manslaughter defense lawyer: Manslaughter convictions are punishable by life in prison and up to $50,000 in fines under RCW 9A.32.060.
• Tacoma homicide defense lawyer: If convicted of first-degree murder, you could spend life in prison without the possibility of parole and be ordered to pay up to $50,000 in fines per Chapter 9A.32 RCW.
• Tacoma domestic violence lawyer: If convicted of a first-time domestic violence offense, you could spend up to five years in prison and pay fines of up to $10,000, depending on the type of domestic violence charge you are accused of committing.
• Tacoma drug crime defense lawyer: The severity of your drug crime penalties will vary based on the amount of drugs in question and the type of controlled substances involved in your case.
• Tacoma sex crime defense lawyer: If you are found guilty of a sex offense in Washington state, you will likely be ordered to register as a sex offender on the Washington state sex offender registry.
• Tacoma property crimes defense lawyer: Property crimes can carry steep criminal penalties, including jail time, fines, and probation, among other penalties.
• Tacoma juvenile defense lawyer: When dealing with juvenile offenders, the courts tend to focus more on rehabilitation than punishment. 

Criminal charges of any kind can change your life. You could be facing time in jail, expensive fines, and lasting harm to your reputation or record.

Whether this is your first charge or you have been through the system before, our firm is here to look closely at your situation, explain your options clearly, and take immediate steps to protect your rights.

Legal Support at Every Stage of Your Case

From the first conversation to the final outcome, you deserve steady support and clear answers. We know how stressful a criminal case can feel, especially when you are not familiar with how the courts work.

That is why we walk through every part of the process with you and give you the legal representation in Tacoma you need to stay informed and protected.

What Happens During Plea Negotiations

Many criminal cases begin with the possibility of a plea agreement. Prosecutors may offer a deal where you agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge, often in exchange for a reduced sentence.

We take these situations seriously and never pressure you into accepting a deal that does not serve your long-term interests. Instead, we look at the full picture and help you decide what is and is not worth considering.

Before any agreement is made, we weigh the evidence, discuss possible outcomes, and explain what each option means for your future. Our goal is to help you feel supported while making an informed decision.

If the deal is unfair or unreasonable, we are ready to take your case to trial without hesitation. You deserve someone who is willing to keep fighting when it matters most.

What to Expect If Your Case Goes to Trial

If your case heads to trial, your criminal defense attorney in Tacoma will be by your side in the courtroom from start to finish. Criminal courts follow specific procedures, and our team has years of experience preparing cases that hold up under close examination. 

Under Article I, § 21 of the Washington Constitution, you have the right to a trial by jury. We help you exercise that right by delivering strong legal representation and making sure the court hears your story.

Trials can be intimidating for many people, especially first-time defendants, but we stay organized, focused, and ready to challenge the state’s case at every turn. When we walk into a courtroom, we are prepared to win.

Why Clients Choose Puget Law Group

When your future is on the line, you want a legal team that actually sees you, not just your charges. We are proud to be the criminal defense law firm people in Tacoma turn to when they need smart strategy and honest support. The way we see it, your constitutional rights deserve more than quick answers and empty promises.

Former Prosecutors Who Understand Both Sides

Nine of the Tacoma criminal lawyers at our firm are former prosecutors. They bring firsthand insight into how the other side builds its case. That helps us spot weak evidence, anticipate the state’s arguments, and respond effectively. Facing a felony or a misdemeanor, you benefit when someone understands both the law and the mindset behind it.

That perspective lets us argue from experience. We know where the prosecution might be overconfident, and we use that to your advantage. With that kind of practical insight, we build defenses that can hold up under pressure in criminal courts.

What Real Clients Say About Working With Us

You should never feel like just another file number on someone’s desk. As one client shared, “They treated me like family. Always professional and on time… I am so thankful they fought for me and got my case dismissed.” – D.A. That comes from real trust earned by real results.

Another client said, “Puget Law Group got the job done. Compassionate and skilled services. Attorney Tim Lewis is an excellent lawyer. Very grateful to have his representation.”  These stories matter because having a criminal record can affect your life for years. You deserve legal advocates who care and deliver.

What You Should Know About Pretrial Release in Washington

Right after an arrest, the first question on most people’s minds is whether they will be able to go home. In Washington, the pretrial release process decides whether you stay in custody while your Tacoma criminal case moves forward. Knowing how this works can help you feel more prepared and supported during those first critical days.

Bail Hearings and Release Conditions

After an arrest, the court will schedule a bail hearing to determine whether you can be released before trial. The judge looks at several factors, including the seriousness of the charge, your prior record, and whether you are considered a flight risk. Sometimes you may be released without having to pay bail at all. In other cases, the court may set a financial bond or impose conditions for release.

Common conditions include things like no contact orders, regular check-ins, or avoiding alcohol or drug use. You might be asked to stay within a specific county or submit to drug testing while your case is pending.

These requirements are meant to keep the process on track. Our team is here to make sure you understand every term clearly and avoid missteps that could affect your case.

How Pretrial Decisions Can Affect Your Case

What happens before your trial can influence how the rest of your case unfolds. If you follow all court orders and stay on track with your release conditions, it can send a positive message to the judge or prosecutor later on. On the other hand, violating your release conditions may result in your bond being revoked or new charges being filed.

That is why it helps to have a criminal defense lawyer in Tacoma early in the process. We can guide you through the hearing, explain your options, and step in if anything changes along the way. Pretrial release is not just about getting out of jail. It is about staying steady while we build your defense and keep your case moving forward.

The Long-Term Consequences of a Conviction

Being charged with a crime can feel overwhelming in the moment, but the impact often lasts far beyond the courtroom. A conviction can follow you into every corner of your life, from job interviews to housing applications. We want you to understand what is at stake so you can make informed decisions and protect your future.

How a Conviction Can Follow You for Life

Even after fines are paid and time is served, a conviction can stay with you. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards often check criminal records during application processes. You may face rejection based on one decision that happened years earlier. If you are not a U.S. citizen, a conviction could even affect your immigration status.

It can also limit your access to student loans, education programs, and professional certifications. Every opportunity becomes harder to reach when your criminal record is used against you. That is why building a strong defense now is one of the most important ways to protect your options later.

Why Early Legal Intervention Makes a Difference

The earlier we get involved, the more we can do to shape the outcome of your case. From negotiating with prosecutors to preparing for trial, timing matters. In some cases, quick legal action may lead to reduced charges, pretrial diversion, or other alternatives that help you avoid lasting consequences.

We focus on protecting your future, not just managing your present charges. Whether this is your first experience with the criminal justice system or you have been through it before, you deserve a team that takes your situation seriously and responds with care, urgency, and experience.

Speak With Your Criminal Defense Attorney in Tacoma Today

Your criminal defense lawyer in Tacoma from Puget Law Group is ready to talk through your situation and help you understand what options may be available based on your circumstances. 

We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and every conversation stays private. If you need answers or support, contact us to schedule a pressure-free consultation whenever you are ready.