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45+ Years

Of Combined Experience

The Stakes of a Criminal Accusation in Auburn

When you are facing an investigation by the Auburn Police Department or have been charged with a crime, the stress can be overwhelming. Will & Will is a husband-and-wife criminal defense team with over 45 years of combined experience, providing a dedicated and knowledgeable defense to protect the rights and freedom of residents throughout the Auburn area, from the busy corridors of Downtown to the quiet neighborhoods of River’s Bend.

Auburn
Court and Michelle Will standing outside a law office in Seattle

Navigating Auburn's Unique Dual-County Legal System

Auburn sits directly on the King County and Pierce County line, which means a criminal charge here involves a layer of complexity that many attorneys overlook. A felony charge stemming from an incident in Auburn will move through either King County Superior Court or Pierce County Superior Court, with jurisdiction determined by the location of the alleged offense. Misdemeanor charges occurring within Auburn city limits are heard at the Auburn Municipal Court, while offenses taking place outside city boundaries are typically directed to the King County District Court or the applicable Pierce County District Court. We have spent years navigating both systems and know how to use that knowledge to your advantage.

  • We regularly appear in the courts that handle Auburn cases, including the Auburn Municipal Court, King County District Court, and Pierce County District and Superior Courts.
  • We are familiar with the investigation tactics and reporting procedures of the Auburn Police Department.
  • We defend against charges common to the area, from theft allegations at The Outlet Collection Seattle to domestic disputes in residential communities and assault investigations along SR 167.
  • We know the local diversion programs and alternative sentencing options that may be available to protect your record.

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Types of Cases Our Auburn Criminal Lawyers Defend

Our focused approach means we are prepared to handle the specific types of criminal allegations common in Auburn. We limit our caseload to ensure your defense receives the dedicated attention it deserves.

Under Investigation

If law enforcement has reached out or you believe you are under investigation, the decisions you make right now matter most. We step in to handle all communication and work to prevent charges from being filed.

Under Investigation Attorney

Sex Crimes

We fight aggressively against allegations of sexual assault, rape, child molestation, child pornography, and internet sting operations, challenging every element of the prosecution’s evidence.

Sex Crimes Attorney

Domestic Violence (DV)

Washington’s mandatory arrest law means a DV call almost always ends in an arrest, overnight detention, and a no-contact order. We move quickly to challenge the accusations and pursue the best possible outcome.

Domestic Violence Attorney

Vacating Convictions

We help clients vacate qualifying convictions and seal court records where the law allows, reducing the impact on employment, housing, and personal opportunities.

Vacating Convictions Attorney

Theft Crimes

From shoplifting to felony burglary or embezzlement, we attack the evidence and shield you from consequences including loss of professional licenses.

Theft Crime Attorney

Violent Crimes

Assault, robbery, kidnapping, or homicide charges demand a defense team ready for the demanding environment of King County Superior Court.

Violent Crimes Attorney

Prostitution Stings

We defend clients targeted in prostitution sting operations, working to limit your exposure and preserve your privacy.

Prostitution Attorney

Online Minor Sex Stings

We bring deep experience defending against allegations from online sting operations where law enforcement poses as minors.

Online Minor Sex Sting Attorney

Child Pornography

We challenge the prosecution’s evidence and uphold your constitutional rights at every stage of these life-changing cases.

Child Pornography Attorney

Drug Crimes

Manufacture or delivery charges carry severe penalties in Washington. We develop targeted strategies aimed at reducing charges, limiting penalties, and protecting your future.

Drug Crime Attorney

Juvenile Crimes

We defend minors with a focus on their long-term future, pursuing diversion programs and resolutions designed to keep doors open.

Juvenile Crimes Attorney

The Will & Will Advantage in Auburn's Courts

Choosing a local law firm that understands the specific legal environment of Auburn is crucial. National firms do not know the local players, and a solo practitioner may not have the resources. Will & Will offers the perfect blend of a dedicated, two-person legal team with deep roots and experience in the courts serving King and Pierce Counties.

Local Expertise

We know the judges, prosecutors, and procedures in the Auburn Municipal Court and the relevant county courts.

Dual-County Proficiency

Our team is adept at navigating the complexities of cases that fall within either King or Pierce County jurisdiction, ensuring a seamless defense.

Proactive Intervention

We can engage with the Auburn Police Department detectives during the investigation phase to protect you from self-incrimination and potentially prevent charges from being filed.

Quality Craftsmanship

With over 45 years of combined experience, our husband-and-wife team provides double the expertise and a comprehensive analysis of your defense.

Our Strategic Approach to Your Auburn Defense

We have developed a clear, strategic process to guide you through the justice system and fight for the best possible outcome.

Step 1: Confidential Case Evaluation

It begins with a free, confidential discussion about the details of your Auburn-area arrest or investigation. We listen to your side of the story and provide an honest assessment of your legal situation and options.

Step 2: Investigation and Strategy

Our team immediately begins our own investigation, securing police reports from the Auburn PD, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing the prosecution’s evidence. We then craft a defense strategy tailored to the specific court, whether it is Auburn Municipal, King County, or Pierce County, where your case will be heard.

Step 3: Navigating the Court Process

We handle every court appearance and legal filing on your behalf. We engage directly with the city or county prosecutor, filing motions to challenge evidence and negotiating from a position of strength for a dismissal, reduced charge, or other favorable outcome.

Step 4: Resolution and Your Future

Our primary goal is a resolution that safeguards your future. Whether we secure a pre-trial dismissal, negotiate a plea that avoids the worst consequences, or prepare a powerful defense for trial, we are relentless in our fight for you.

Proudly Serving Clients Across Auburn

Our firm proudly represents clients in every corner of Auburn and the surrounding communities. We are your local defense team, ready to stand by your side.

Auburn Neighborhoods:

  • Lea Hill
  • West Hill
  • Downtown Auburn
  • South Auburn
  • Lakeland Hills
  • River’s Bend
  • Christopher
  • And all surrounding communities
Two lawyers in their criminal defense law office

Auburn Criminal Defense Attorneys

Situated along the Green River Valley where King County and Pierce County meet, Auburn is a dynamic and fast-evolving Washington city defined by its industrial strength, growing residential corridors, and high volume of daily commuters and freight traffic. As the city continues to expand, so does the frequency of criminal allegations affecting everyday residents. Across all income levels and backgrounds, people in Auburn face accusations involving relationship conflicts, property crimes, physical altercations, and sensitive sexual offense investigations. A single arrest carries consequences that can reach far beyond the courtroom, disrupting careers, housing stability, immigration standing, and personal reputation for years to come. Retaining a criminal defense attorney as early as possible is the most important step you can take after being accused of a crime in Auburn. Will & Will delivers focused, hands-on representation built around the specific courts, prosecutors, and procedures that govern cases in this area.

Understanding Criminal Charges and Crime Trends in Auburn, Washington

Auburn’s growth as a regional hub has brought with it a corresponding rise in law enforcement activity and criminal case filings. Property crimes, vehicle-related offenses, domestic disturbances, and assault investigations keep local authorities consistently active, and many residents are surprised to find themselves facing formal charges following incidents they believed would never escalate.

Misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor matters are typically heard in the Auburn Municipal Court or the King County District Court, while felony charges move through the King County Superior Court or the Pierce County Superior Court based on where the alleged offense occurred. Mandatory arrest policies, aggressive prosecutorial approaches, and procedural timelines can turn even minor allegations into serious legal battles with lasting consequences.

Knowing how local courts approach these cases and having experienced counsel in your corner from the start can make all the difference in the outcome.

how reliable is dna evidence

FAQs About Auburn Criminal Charges

My case is in Auburn. Will it be in King County or Pierce County court?

This depends on the address where the alleged incident occurred. The county line runs through Auburn. Generally, the northern part of the city is in King County, and the southern part is in Pierce County. We will verify the jurisdiction immediately to ensure your case is handled in the correct court system.

What happens after a Domestic Violence arrest by the Auburn Police Department?

Washington has a mandatory arrest law for domestic violence calls. If you are arrested, you will likely be held in jail until your first court appearance, which is usually the next business day. A judge will almost certainly issue a No-Contact Order at that hearing. It is critical to have an attorney present to argue for your release and challenge the conditions of the order.

Are there diversion programs for a first-time shoplifting charge from The Outlet Collection?

Yes, depending on the specifics of your case and your criminal history, you may be eligible for a pre-trial diversion program like a Stipulated Order of Continuance (SOC). This could lead to a dismissal of the charge upon completion of certain conditions. We are highly experienced in negotiating these outcomes with local prosecutors.

Do you have experience with the prosecutors who handle Auburn cases?

Absolutely. We have spent years working with and against the prosecutors in the Auburn City Attorney’s Office, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. This familiarity allows us to anticipate their strategies and negotiate more effectively on your behalf.

Get a Dedicated Auburn Defense Team on Your Side

An accusation of a crime in Auburn demands immediate, skilled legal action. You do not have to face the King or Pierce County justice system alone. As a dedicated husband-and-wife team, we provide the personal attention and aggressive defense you need to protect your rights, your future, and your freedom.

  • We only handle cases in Washington State. What City/County is your case located in?