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45+ Years

Of Combined Experience

A Burien Arrest Can Put Everything You Have at Risk

An arrest by the King County Sheriff’s Office in Burien can turn your life upside down in an instant. One moment you are enjoying an afternoon at Seahurst Park or shopping in Olde Burien, and the next you are facing a criminal allegation that threatens your freedom, your family, and your reputation within the community.

Whether you live in Gregory Heights, Shorewood, or near the bustling Town Square, a criminal charge is a serious and isolating experience. At Will & Will, we provide dedicated, local legal defense for Burien residents, leveraging over 45 years of combined experience to protect your rights and your future.

A view of Burien, Washington from above.. Includes Lake Burien and the Puget Sound.
Court and Michelle Will standing outside a law office in Seattle

Navigating King County's Legal System from Burien

Defending a criminal charge in Burien requires more than general courtroom experience; it demands an attorney who knows the specific courts, prosecutors, and procedures that will shape your case. Misdemeanor charges originating in Burien are typically handled at the King County District Court, while felony allegations are prosecuted in King County Superior Court in Seattle. The proximity to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport also means that cases involving travelers, transportation workers, and airport-adjacent incidents carry their own distinct set of legal considerations. Understanding how King County’s courts function, navigating local ordinances, and anticipating the approaches of local prosecutors are all essential to building a defense that genuinely protects what matters most to you.

  • Regular courtroom presence in the King County courts where Burien cases are heard and decided.
  • Familiarity with the investigative methods and reporting practices of the King County Sheriff’s Office, which provides law enforcement services to Burien.
  • Practical knowledge of how proximity to Sea-Tac and major transit corridors can factor into local criminal cases.
  • A consistent record of achieving favorable results for clients throughout King County.

See What Our Clients Are Saying

Types of Cases Our Burien Criminal Lawyers Defend

A criminal accusation requires a defense strategy that is as unique as your situation. We offer dedicated representation across a wide range of practice areas, always with a focus on the local context of your Burien case.

Under Investigation

The worst mistake you can make during a criminal investigation is talking to police without an attorney. If law enforcement has contacted you or asked you in for questioning, do not say a word without an attorney. We handle all communication with investigators and work to prevent charges from being filed.

Under Investigation Attorney

Sex Crimes

We provide tenacious defense against allegations of sexual assault, rape, child molestation, child pornography, and internet sting operations, protecting your freedom and reputation.

Sex Crimes Attorney

Domestic Violence (DV)

Washington’s mandatory arrest law means booking, detention, and a no-contact order at your next court appearance. We step in immediately to challenge the claims and fight for the strongest possible outcome.

Domestic Violence Attorney

Vacating Convictions

We help eligible clients vacate past convictions and seal court records, clearing the path toward better employment and housing opportunities.

Vacating Convictions Attorney

Theft Crimes

From shoplifting to felony burglary or embezzlement, we build defenses aimed at dismantling the evidence and shielding your career.

Theft Crime Attorney

Violent Crimes

Assault, robbery, kidnapping, or homicide charges call for a defense team prepared for the high-stakes setting of King County Superior Court.

Violent Crimes Attorney

Prostitution Stings

We defend clients caught up in prostitution sting operations, working to contain your legal exposure and guard your privacy.

Prostitution Attorney

Online Minor Sex Stings

We bring considerable experience defending against allegations from online sting operations where law enforcement poses as a minor.

Online Minor Sex Sting Attorney

Child Pornography

We scrutinize every piece of evidence and protect your constitutional rights from investigation through the conclusion of prosecution.

Child Pornography Attorney

Drug Crimes

Manufacture and delivery charges carry significant prison time in Washington. We build tailored strategies focused on challenging the evidence and reducing charges.

Drug Crime Attorney

Juvenile Crimes

We fight to protect your child’s record and future, pursuing diversion programs and outcomes focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Juvenile Crimes Attorney

The Will & Will Advantage in King County Courts

Choosing a large, downtown Seattle law firm can leave you feeling like just another case file. At Will & Will, we intentionally limit our caseload to provide the dedicated, personal attention your Burien case deserves. We are not just familiar with your community; we are committed to serving it with the highest level of legal advocacy.

Deep Local Court Knowledge

We regularly appear in the King County District Court and King County Superior Court where Burien cases are heard.

A Collaborative Team Approach

You get two experienced legal minds collaborating on your defense, ensuring every angle is analyzed and the strongest strategy is developed.

Former Prosecutor's Insight

Michelle Will’s experience as a prosecutor gives us a critical advantage in anticipating the prosecution’s tactics and identifying weaknesses in their case against you.

Accessible and Responsive Counsel

We believe strong communication is the foundation of a successful defense and a less stressful experience for our clients.

Our Strategic Approach to Your Burien Case

Our process is designed to protect you from the moment you call us and build the strongest possible defense for a favorable outcome in the King County courts.

Step 1: Confidential Case Evaluation

It all begins with a free, confidential consultation. We will listen to your side of the story, review the details of your investigation or arrest in Burien, and provide an honest assessment of your situation and potential legal options.

Step 2: Investigation and Strategy

We immediately contact the investigating detective or prosecuting attorney on your behalf, instructing them that all communication must go through our office. We obtain police reports from the King County Sheriff’s Office and begin our own defense investigation.

Step 3: Navigating the Court Process

We handle every aspect of the court process, from your initial appearance and arraignment to all pre-trial hearings. We work proactively with prosecutors to negotiate for dismissals, reduced charges, or other favorable resolutions that protect your record.

Step 4: Resolution and Your Future

Our ultimate goal is the best possible outcome for you. Whether that means securing a complete dismissal, negotiating a plea that avoids the most serious consequences, or preparing a powerful defense for trial, we fight for your future with unwavering determination.

Proudly Serving Clients Across Burien

Our firm proudly provides premier criminal defense services to individuals throughout Burien and the surrounding South King County communities.

Burien Neighborhoods:

  • Seahurst
  • Gregory Heights
  • Five Corners
  • Olde Burien
  • Downtown Burien
  • Shorewood
  • Three Tree Point
  • Sunnydale
  • Salmon Creek
  • And all surrounding communities
Two lawyers in their criminal defense law office
A view of waterfront homes near Seahurst Park in Burien, Washington.

Burien Criminal Defense Attorneys

Tucked along the southwestern edge of King County just minutes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Burien is a spirited and growing Washington city known for its diverse population, active local business scene, and a strong sense of community identity. Yet residents across every neighborhood and background find themselves unexpectedly confronting accusations involving domestic disputes, property crimes, physical altercations, and serious sex-related investigations.

The fallout from a single arrest reaches far beyond any courtroom appearance, putting jobs, housing stability, immigration status, and personal reputation at risk in ways that can take years to overcome. Contacting a criminal defense attorney the moment you are accused of a crime in Burien may be the most important decision you ever make.

Will & Will offers committed, personalized representation built on an in-depth knowledge of the courts, prosecutors, and local procedures that determine the outcome of King County cases.

Understanding Criminal Charges and Crime Trends in Burien, Washington

As Burien has grown into a more densely populated and commercially active community, law enforcement activity and criminal case filings have risen alongside it.

Property crimes, vehicle-related offenses, domestic disturbances, and assault investigations are a regular fixture of local police work, and many residents are blindsided when situations they thought were minor result in formal charges and court appearances. Misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor cases in Burien are typically heard at King County District Court, while felony charges are prosecuted in King County Superior Court in Seattle. Mandatory arrest laws, determined prosecutorial approaches, and rigid procedural timelines mean that even seemingly small incidents can quickly spiral into serious legal matters.

Understanding how Burien’s courts and local prosecutors handle these cases, and securing experienced legal counsel before the process gets away from you, can be the difference between a life-altering outcome and a path forward.

no contact order WA state

FAQs About Burien Criminal Charges

What court will my Burien case be heard in?

Misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor charges are typically handled at King County District Court. Felony charges are more serious and will be filed in King County Superior Court, with cases from Burien usually heard at the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent or the downtown Seattle courthouse.

What happens after a domestic violence arrest in Burien?

Due to Washington’s mandatory arrest laws, a domestic violence call almost always results in an arrest. You will be booked into a King County jail and will see a judge the next business day, where a No-Contact Order will likely be issued, preventing you from contacting the alleged victim or returning home if you live together.

How much does it cost to hire your firm for a Burien case?

We handle all criminal defense cases on a flat-fee basis. This provides you with cost certainty and transparency. The total fee depends on the complexity of your charge. We will provide a clear, upfront quote during your free consultation.

Do you know the local prosecutors and judges?

Yes. With decades of combined experience, we have built professional relationships and a strong reputation within the King County justice system. We are familiar with the prosecutors in the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the local city attorney’s offices, as well as the judges and commissioners in both district and superior court.

Get a Dedicated Burien Defense Team on Your Side

An accusation is not a conviction. You have the right to a powerful defense. The husband-and-wife team at Will & Will is ready to stand by your side, protect your rights and your freedom, and fight for the best possible outcome for your Burien case.

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