Do you or a loved one have a criminal record? Has a criminal charge hurt your career or business, prevented overseas travel, stopped you from getting a home loan, kept you from getting the job you want, or limited your future employment options?
Your freedom, reputation, and finances are on the line. Our criminal defense attorneys at McBurney Law Firm have many years of combined experience. We have been successful in many court cases. We will help defend your rights in court and work to reduce the impact any criminal conviction may have on your life.
Call McBurney Law Office now for a consultation.
Why do I need a Yakima County Criminal Defense Attorney?
Whether you’ve been accused of a crime or if you’re being investigated for one and are looking at the possibility of criminal charges, it’s always a good idea to hire a criminal defense attorney who will help you understand your rights, keep you informed about the process, and help you protect your interests.
Finding a good attorney is a hard thing to do. So many lawyers claim to be the best and have the best experience. Here are some of the qualities you should look for in a good Yakima County criminal defense attorney:
- An established reputation and experience
- A commitment to effective client communication and a complete understanding of your criminal case
- A history of success with difficult cases
- A willingness to keep you informed about the details of your case
McBurney Law Office is THAT firm. Our criminal defense lawyers have many years of experience representing clients in a wide range of difficult cases. We know how to put ourselves in your shoes, and we’ll keep you informed about all aspects of your case. We’re a close-knit legal team who genuinely cares about our clients, and we have a track record of success because of it.
What is Criminal Law?
Criminal law primarily concerns persons accused or convicted of committing a crime. Criminal law is a complex system of laws (typically referred to as statutes and ordinances) and procedures (such as rules of court procedure and evidence) that define criminal acts, establish punishments, and outline the rules that govern the criminal process from investigation and arrest to sentencing and parole.
The United States Constitution and each state’s constitution put boundaries on what the government can and cannot do regarding criminal laws and procedures. Courts assess how statutes and procedural rules are applied in a criminal case and determine whether these laws violate constitutional constraints. Court judgments (case law) provide additional legal direction.
Criminal Cases
A criminal offense that is punishable by law is classified as follows:
- Violent crimes
- Drug and alcohol-related offenses, including DUIs
- Sexual crimes
- The crime of the white collar
- Post-conviction relief/appeals
- Juvenile justice
- Other offenses
Types of Criminal Offenses
Felons and misdemeanors are the two main categories of crime. The potential punishment for committing either of these categories of crimes distinguishes them. Speak with a Yakima County criminal defense lawyer to learn more about minor and felony sanctions.
FELONY
A felony is a crime that carries a sentence of more than one year in jail. The following are examples of common felonies:
- Murder
- Robbery
- Treason
- Rape
- Kidnapping
MISDEMEANOR
A misdemeanor is a felony punishable by a year or less in prison. Misdemeanors that are commonly committed include:
- Petty theft
- Driving under the influence
- Minor in possession of alcoholic beverages
What are the Four Different Types of Criminal Defenses?
The jury or judge must determine guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to find a defendant “guilty” of a crime in a criminal court. That is why criminal defense attorneys adopt various criminal defense methods to raise reasonable doubt in the minds of their clients.
When it comes to criminal matters, criminal attorneys typically deploy four key criminal defense strategies: innocence, constitutional violations, self-defense, and insanity. Each of these techniques has its uses in different instances. Choosing the appropriate strategy for a case depends on the case itself and the criminal lawyer’s expertise and prowess. Let’s look at the four main types of criminal defenses.
- Innocence
The claim of innocence is one of the easiest defenses against criminal responsibility. When you deny guilt for the crime, you invoke this defense. Always remember that the prosecution must prove every element of the crime brought against you.
You need not provide any evidence to support your innocence. You can prove your innocence by providing testimony, records, and other types of proof.
- Constitutional Violations
These forms of criminal defenses are utilized in criminal cases and concern how police and other law enforcement officials gather evidence. Pay attention to these crucial defenses because doing so could lead to the case being dismissed altogether.
Obtaining an inappropriate confession, illegally searching your home, automobile, clothing, or person, or failing to read your “Miranda Rights” at the moment of your arrest are all constitutional infractions. Other examples include failing to get a warrant for entry or entering without one. Police frequently commit errors while performing their duties. These errors might necessitate the suppression of the evidence used against you, if not the dismissal of the prosecution’s case altogether.
- Insanity
The insanity defense, commonly discussed in television courtroom dramas, is rarely employed for several reasons. The first is the insanity defense, another affirmative defense that calls for the defendant to establish, beyond a reasonable doubt, that they were experiencing a severe mental illness or defect at the time the offense was committed.
The insanity defense claims that the offender was either unable to differentiate right from wrong at the time of the crime (the M’Naghten Rule) or that the offender had an “irresistible drive” to do the act despite knowing it was wrong but being unable to stop.
Insanity is rarely used as a defense since the defendant must acknowledge both that the crime was committed and that they were the one who committed it. If the jury finds that the defendant was not mad, they have conceded far too much evidence against them and have likely handed the prosecution a fairly straightforward victory. The fact that institutionalization frequently follows a successful insanity defense is a third reason why insanity defenses are less common than you might expect.
- Self-Defense
For crimes like assault, battery, and murder, the self-defense argument may be made if the defendant used force in self-defense in response to the victim’s use of force or threat of use of force. The defendant’s use of force must be reasonable and proportionate (usually equal to or less than the victim’s use of force).
In a daycare setting, a defendant’s self-defense against toddlers crawling on him will be substantially different than a defendant’s self-defense against a middle-aged guy striking him with a broken bottle during a bar brawl.
When do I need a Yakima County Criminal Defense Attorney?
To handle a criminal case, a defendant should nearly always retain legal services. A lawyer’s expertise and legal advice can make a significant difference when so much is at risk.
Call our Yakima County Criminal Defense Attorney Now!
Choosing a Yakima County criminal defense lawyer from McBurney Law Office minimizes the possibility of severe legal penalties. You can have an experienced and skilled lawyer at your side through every step of your case.
Directly below is our schedule, including hours of availability. Give us a call now to discuss your case or legal issue, so you can begin making plans for your defense!
In addition to criminal defense, our law firm can help you with bankruptcy, family law, and estate planning. Contact us right now to set up an initial consultation
Yakima County, located in south-central Washington state, is known for its scenic beauty and rich history. Here are some little-known facts about the area:
Little Known Facts About Yakima County
Yakima County, located in south-central Washington state, is known for its scenic beauty and rich history. Here are some little-known facts about the area:
History
Yakima County was originally inhabited by the Yakama Nation, a tribe of indigenous people who continue to call the area home today. The Yakama Nation’s reservation is located in the county and is the largest in Washington state.
The county was officially established in 1865 and was named after the Yakama Nation.
Tourist Spots
- The county is home to many historical sites, including the Yakima Valley Museum, which tells the story of the Yakama Nation and the early settlers of the area. The museum is located in Yakima, the county seat.
- Yakima County is also home to the Yakima Training Center, a military base that was established during World War II. The base was used to train soldiers for combat and is now used as a training center for the National Guard.
- The county is also known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including Mount Rainier, which is located just east of the county. The mountain is one of the most popular tourist spots in the area and is a popular spot for hiking and climbing.
- Yakima County is also known for its wine and agriculture. The Yakima Valley is home to many wineries and is one of the oldest and most renowned wine regions in the state. The valley is also home to many fruit orchards and is one of the leading agricultural regions in the state.
Recreational Activities
Yakima County also has many outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking, fishing, hunting, and skiing. The county has many parks, lakes, and rivers that offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Overall, Yakima County is a beautiful and historic area that offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors. From learning about the Yakama Nation’s history to enjoying the natural beauty of the area to experiencing the local wine and agriculture, there’s something for everyone in Yakima County.
How To Visit Our Yakima County Law Office
- Get on I-82 E from Ahtanum Rd
- Follow I-82 E to E Badger Rd in Benton County. Take exit 109 from I-82 E
- Drive to W Clearwater Ave in Kennewick
