45+ Years
Of Combined Experience
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.
Defending a criminal charge in Lakewood calls for more than broad legal experience; it takes an attorney with firsthand knowledge of Pierce County’s courts, prosecutors, and procedures. Misdemeanor cases arising from incidents in Lakewood are prosecuted in Pierce County District Court, while felony allegations are handled in Pierce County Superior Court, both located in nearby Tacoma. For service members at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, a civilian charge introduces an additional layer of complexity, putting your security clearance, rank, and military career at risk alongside your freedom. Knowing how Pierce County’s courts operate, understanding local ordinances, and recognizing the unique challenges facing military clients are fundamental to mounting a defense that protects everything you stand to lose.
Our firm offers comprehensive legal services tailored to the challenges faced by the Lakewood community. With a husband-and-wife team that includes a former prosecutor, we bring double the expertise to every case.
For JBLM service members, an investigation triggers consequences on two fronts: civilian court and military command. Whether military or civilian, getting an attorney involved at the investigation stage is the most effective way to protect yourself.
We deliver determined defense against allegations of sexual assault, rape, child molestation, child pornography, and internet sting operations, fighting to protect your freedom and reputation.
A domestic violence call in Lakewood almost always ends in an arrest under Washington’s mandatory arrest law, followed by overnight detention and a no-contact order at your first court appearance. We move immediately to challenge the accusations and protect your rights.
We help eligible clients vacate prior convictions and seal court records, ensuring past charges no longer stand in the way of your future.
From shoplifting to felony burglary or embezzlement, we craft targeted defenses aimed at dismantling the evidence and protecting your career.
Assault, robbery, kidnapping, or homicide charges require a defense team ready for the demanding environment of Pierce County Superior Court.
We defend individuals targeted in prostitution sting operations, fighting to limit your exposure and shield your privacy.
We have substantial experience defending against allegations from online sting operations where law enforcement poses as minors.
We methodically challenge the evidence and safeguard your constitutional rights through every stage of these life-altering cases.
Manufacture and delivery cases are a priority for Pierce County prosecutors, carrying severe prison time. We develop focused strategies to reduce charges and protect your future.
We work to shield your child’s record, exploring every diversion option and fighting for outcomes centered on growth and rehabilitation.
When your future is on the line, choosing a law firm that knows the local terrain is critical. We are not a large, impersonal firm where your case gets lost in the shuffle. By intentionally limiting our caseload, we provide the dedicated, one-on-one attention you deserve. Michelle Will’s background as a former prosecutor gives our team a unique advantage, allowing us to anticipate the prosecution’s strategies and build a more effective defense. We are committed to the Lakewood community and are ready to be your steadfast advocates.
Former prosecutor experience provides insight into how the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office builds its cases.
We limit our caseload to ensure your case is always a top priority.
We concentrate our practice in the Puget Sound region, giving us deep familiarity with the courts that serve Lakewood.
We believe in clear, predictable pricing with no surprise hourly bills, allowing you to focus on your defense, not on mounting legal fees.
We have a clear, strategic process designed to protect your rights from the moment you contact us and to build the strongest possible defense.
Your case begins with a free, no-obligation consultation. We will listen to your side of the story, analyze the details of your Lakewood arrest or investigation, and provide an honest assessment of your legal options.
Once retained, we immediately contact law enforcement and the prosecutor’s office on your behalf. We gather all evidence, including police reports and witness statements, and begin our own independent investigation to find weaknesses in the state’s case.
We handle all court appearances for you at the Pierce County courts in Tacoma. Our primary goal is to resolve the case favorably before trial, whether through a dismissal, a reduction in charges, or entry into a diversion program.
If a fair resolution cannot be reached, we are always prepared to take your case to trial. With over 45 years of combined experience, we are skilled litigators who will aggressively fight for a “not guilty” verdict.
Our firm represents clients across every neighborhood in Lakewood and the surrounding communities in Pierce County. We are your local legal advocates, ready to defend you.
Nestled in the heart of Pierce County, just southwest of Tacoma, Lakewood is a vibrant and steadily evolving Washington city shaped by its military presence, diverse residential neighborhoods, and a busy network of commercial corridors and commuter traffic. People from every walk of life find themselves confronting accusations involving domestic conflicts, property offenses, physical confrontations, and serious sex-related investigations.
The consequences of a single arrest extend well beyond the courtroom, threatening careers, housing security, immigration status, and personal reputation in ways that can linger for years. Engaging a criminal defense attorney at the earliest possible moment is the single most critical decision you can make after being accused of a crime in Lakewood. Will & Will provides dedicated, hands-on representation grounded in the specific courts, prosecutors, and procedures that define Pierce County cases.
Lakewood’s continued growth as a Pierce County hub has been accompanied by a steady rise in law enforcement activity and criminal case filings across the city. Property crimes, vehicle-related offenses, domestic disturbances, and assault investigations keep local authorities persistently occupied, and many residents find themselves blindsided by formal charges stemming from situations they never expected to escalate.
Misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor matters in Lakewood are typically handled in Pierce County District Court, while felony allegations are prosecuted in Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma. For service members at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, civilian charges carry additional consequences that can affect military standing and career. Mandatory arrest policies, assertive prosecutorial strategies, and tight procedural deadlines can transform even seemingly minor incidents into serious legal battles with far-reaching consequences.
Understanding how Lakewood’s courts and prosecutors approach these cases, and having seasoned defense counsel by your side from the beginning, can prove decisive in determining the outcome.
Misdemeanor cases are typically heard at the Pierce County District Court, and felony cases are handled at the Pierce County Superior Court. Both are located in the County-City Building in Tacoma. Our attorneys are highly familiar with both locations.
A civilian criminal conviction can lead to severe consequences from your command, including administrative separation, loss of security clearance, or non-judicial punishment under the UCMJ. It is crucial to hire an attorney who understands both civilian law and the potential military repercussions.
Washington has a mandatory arrest law for domestic violence calls. You will likely be booked into the Pierce County Jail. Your first court appearance is typically the next business day, where a no-contact order will be issued, preventing you from returning home or contacting the alleged victim. We can represent you at this first hearing to argue for your release and fight for fair conditions.
Yes. If your conviction occurred in Pierce County, we can determine your eligibility under Washington’s New Hope Act and file the necessary motions to vacate the conviction. This legally allows you to state that you were never convicted of that crime.
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 with you, protect your rights and your freedom, and fight for the best possible outcome for your case.