If you have been charged with a Class A felony in Washington state, you need to understand that you are facing the most serious type of charge. Whether your charge is related to domestic violence or some other alleged action, that means you could face decades in prison and devastating fines. In other words, a conviction for a Class A felony could ruin your life.
That is certainly scary, but there is good news. You can fight a Class A felony charge to keep it from turning into a conviction. But, first, you need to understand Class A felony penalties, how this charge can be tied to domestic violence, and how to fight back. To learn more, keep reading or reach out to the experienced defense lawyers at Will & Will.
Defining Class A Felony in Washington State
What is a Class A felony in Washington state? The Revised Code of Washington, Section 9A.20.010 classifies Class A felonies as the most serious crimes you can be accused of. The following are some common Class A felony examples:
- First-degree murder
- Second-degree murder
- Murder that results from child abuse
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Many types of rape
- Many types of sex crimes against minors
Domestic violence is commonly associated with felony charges. But “domestic violence” itself is not a Class A felony that Washington state recognizes. Instead, almost any crime that is considered a Class A felony can have a domestic violence designation added to it.
Keep in mind that alleged victims of domestic violence not only have a right to report the crime to the police but also to file a personal injury lawsuit against the alleged abuser to recover compensation. That means you may face penalties in both criminal and civil court if you don’t mount a strong legal defense.
Class A Felony Penalties
If you have been charged with a Class A felony, you may be wondering about the minimum sentence for a Class A felony in Washington state so you know one of the best possible outcomes if you are convicted. Most crimes do not have mandatory minimums in Washington state, but the maximum sentences are fairly clear.
For a Class A felony conviction, you could face up to life in prison, as much as $50,000 in fines, or both (Revised Code of Washington, Section 9A.20.021). That said, Washington state still follows sentencing guidelines on most all Class A felonies. Thus, what you are truly facing will depend on what you are charged with (including any enhancements) and your criminal history. Calculating this can become complicated in many situations, and is another area an experienced criminal defense attorney can help.
In all Class A felony cases, you are facing life-altering penalties. The best way to avoid or minimize them is to build a strong legal defense against the crime you are accused of.
What to Do if Charged with a Class A Felony in Washington State
It almost goes without saying that a Class A felony in Washington state is a serious charge. In fact, it’s the most serious legal situation you can find yourself in. Facing potential life in prison means your family, career, and freedom are all on the line.
In such a serious situation, you may feel helpless. But you can do something about this. You can fight back. You can do so with the help of a trusted criminal defense lawyer. Everyone deserves a strong legal defense, and that includes you.
Calling a lawyer can be step one in getting your life back. From there, your attorney will negotiate with prosecutors, gather evidence, keep you informed, and build a legal defense that could help you beat your charge.
Class A Felony Charge? Call the A+ Criminal Defense Lawyers
A Class A felony charge calls for A+ legal representation. Don’t settle for less. At Will & Will, Court and Michelle Will work hard every day to give their clients the best legal representation possible. With more than 35 years of experience and countless happy clients in their track record, our firm can help you in this serious legal situation.
The sooner you get a lawyer involved, the better your chances of a successful outcome. So contact Will & Will today. To schedule a free consultation, call 206-209-5585 or contact us online.