Fighting for the accused is what we do.
45+ Years
Of Combined Experience
Will & Will, a husband-and-wife criminal defense law firm serving Seattle and surrounding cities, is led by Court and Michelle, dedicated advocates who work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcomes for their clients.
Being accused of a crime is overwhelming. Your liberty and fundamental constitutional rights are on the line. Both the short term and long term consequences can be dire, and the government will use its vast resources to try and convict you. You need an experienced team behind you to help level the playing field. One that is trial tested and will fight for you every step of the way. One that truly cares and will not give up. Will & Will is that team.
Whether you are fighting a protection order or seeking one, we’re here to help.
Trying navigate the legal minefield that makes up the world of civil protection orders can be daunting. From knowing what to include in your declaration and what to leave out, to how to file and then properly serve the other party, to how to best argue your position in court, there are many opportunities for missteps that can damage your odds of success.
The good news is there’s nothing daunting to us about any of this. We know how to best prepare for and handle these hearings.
Will & Will is 100% dedicated to helping those accused of criminal offenses. We are proud of the fact that we have built an excellent reputation in the community through years of hard work.
The high marks our clients give us stems from the fact that we deliver the best possible outcome for those who we represent. Read on to learn more about the advantages Will & Will offers you.
Double the Expertise
When you select Will & Will, you’re getting the power of a skilled husband and wife legal team that brings expertise from not one but two successful legal careers to your case. We collaborate on every single case, meaning we ensure that we are analyzing your case from every possible angle and developing the best strategy possible for success.
Great Communication
Unlike some firms that pile on heavy caseloads, we are intentional about the number of cases we take on at any given time. By keeping our caseload manageable, we are able to dedicate the necessary time, attention, and resources to your individual case. We care about each client and make that clear in our decision to limit our caseload to better serve your needs.
Track Record of Success
We have over 45 years of combined experience in criminal defense ranging from California to Washington State. We have successfully represented clients accused of everything from domestic violence, to sex crimes, to murder, and everything in between. We fight for the best possible resolution in the pre-trial stages of a case, and if the case cannot be resolved there, we excel at trial.
While it may not feel like it once you have been arrested and charged with a crime, our constitution demands that you are to be presumed innocent of the crime you have been accused of until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
As a criminal defendant, the prosecutor must prove the charges against you “Beyond a reasonable doubt.” This is the highest standard of evidence that exists in the law, and is a very heavy burden. In a civil case, for instance, the standard is typically only a “preponderance of evidence.” For instance, a jury in a civil matter can return a verdict in favor of an injured plaintiff for millions of dollars if they are just ever so slightly convinced that the respondent is responsible for the injury.
The burden of proof in a criminal case rests 100% with the prosecution. A defendant does not have to prove his/her innocence. For example, the prosecution could present 10 witnesses and enter 30 exhibits into evidence while the defense sits in silence and ultimately just tells the judge and jury that we have no evidence to present. If the prosecution failed to meet their burden, then the case would be dismissed despite the fact that the defense didn’t present a case. Obviously, this is not usually how things play out.
In Washington State, you are protected against unreasonable searches and seizures by both the Fourth Amendment and by Article 1, Section 7 of the Washington State Constitution. If evidence is collected in violation of your rights, we will file a motion seeking to exclude the evidence from being admitted in court.
We’ve all heard the phrase, “I plead the Fifth!” People say this when they are invoking their Fifth Amendment right against self -incrimination. No one can force you to make a statement that incriminates yourself, and this right extends to the witness stand. You should never talk to the police or anyone else about your case without your attorney present.
Anyone who has seen an episode of COPS has heard the police read someone the Miranda warning: “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you? With these rights in mind, do you wish to speak to me?” Here’s a free tip: The answer to the last question is always, “NO, I want an attorney!”
You must be read your Miranda rights when the police wish to interrogate you while you are in custody; also referred to as “custodial interrogation.” Failure of the police to read these rights to you and/or their failure to stop questioning you once you invoke your rights results in a violation of your 5th Amendment rights. A skilled attorney will then move to have any statements you made in violation of your rights excluded as inadmissible.
NOTE: Any police questions that you answer pre-custody are not required to under Miranda and are admissible so be careful!
Both the Fifth and Sixth Amendments give defendants in criminal cases the right to an attorney for most proceedings. You should always exercise this right!
You have the right to a Speedy Trial guaranteed to you by the Sixth Amendment. However, this is not always a right you will want to exercise. There are many instances when having additional time works in the favor of the defense. In order to get this additional time, you would have to waive your right to a speedy trial. On the other hand, there are also many scenarios when you would want to exercise your right to a speedy trial. Every case is different and we would need to know everything about your particular situation before we could advise you one way or another on this issue. Further, if you feel as though your rights to a speedy trial have been violated, give us a call for a free consultation.
The Sixth Amendment states in part, “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to…be confronted with the witnesses against him.” In other words, this guarantees your attorney the chance to cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses and dispute their testimony. Further, the guarantee applies to both statements made in court AND to statements made out of court that are offered as evidence in trial.
Court and Michelle Will of Will & Will, PLLC have a combined 30 years of experience and can help you today. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.
Send us a message using our contact form or reach out to us by phone, text, or email.
