Experience on YOUR Side
About Us | Whatcom County Criminal Defense
We are a team of dedicated and experienced criminal defense attorneys. Whatcom County is also our home and it is important to treat our clients with respect while at the same time working hard to achieve the best possible result. As experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyers, we can help you! Call us today to see how our Firm can protect your valuable Constitutional Rights.
- Over 50 years combined experience
- Author of 30 DUI | Criminal books
- Former Prosecuting Attorney
- Local Bellingham office
- Free Consultations and DUI Book
- Local Judge Pro Tem
Payment Plans
We understand that you did not plan to be charged with a crime and moreover, you did not plan for an attorney. We want to make the process as easy and affordable as possible. Our flat fees are competitive and our retainers and payment plans more affordable than any of our competitors.
Important Information Following your Arrest
Download your Complimentary Whatcom DUI Handbook
Whatcom County courts are scattered throughout the County but the busiest are both located in downtown Bellingham. Whatcom County District Court and Bellingham Municipal Court are busy courts and process many thousands of people accused of behavior that is considered criminal. Whatcom County lawyers who are familiar with these courts will advise you similarly, which includes speaking to experienced criminal defense attorneys. Whatcom County has a reputation for swiftly dealing with an individual following their arrest for a crime. This results in a court appearance as soon as the next day. In many situations you many actually appear in the Whatcom County Jail courthouse for your criminal arraignment. Because of the haste in which Bellingham criminal cases are processed and the need to have an attorney with you during all criminal procedures it is imperative you or a loved one contact a local Bellingham criminal defense attorney as soon as you are able. Our advise is to request a complimentary consultation, meet with a lawyer and research the attorney thoroughly before hiring him or her.
Probation May Begin Immediately
One of the many frustrations with the court system is having to deal with the demands of the probation department. If you have been previously convicted of a criminal offense or the current criminal charge is deemed severe, you may be placed on "pretrial" monitoring with the Whatcom County Probation Department. Similarly, if you have prior criminal history or have not completed the mandatory requirements imposed by the Court before the resolution of your criminal matter in Whatcom County, you may be placed on active probation for a period of time. Active probation includes monthly meetings with a probation officer, the possibility of random alcohol and drug testing, and extraordinary expenses. One of the many goals of your Bellingham Criminal Defense lawyer is to minimize the damage caused to you. Reducing the length of or eliminating active probation in Whatcom County is one of those goals. To reduce the chance of active probation Bellingham DUI lawyers advise that you complete the anticipated mandatory requirements such as an alcohol evaluation, ADIS class, DUI Victim Panel, Defensive Driving Class or Anger Management Class before the conclusion of your criminal case.
You may only have 7 Days to Save your License
The Department of Licensing (DOL) has never been easy to deal with and now we are dealing with more issues, their own software! Incorrect information is being sent out to clients on a regular basis causing all sorts of trouble. Please double check your license and call us if you have any questions.
As Washington State residents we value our privilege to drive. And a privilege it is, as opposed to a Right. This privilege can very quickly be removed if arrested for a crime in Whatcom County. In certain instances a criminal conviction in Bellingham or Whatcom County is not necessary to suspend an individual's license. Many crimes can cause damage to your driver's license without a conviction and those include a Whatcom County DUI, Physical Control and Minor DUI. If you have been arrested for any of these crimes in Whatcom County you must submit a hearing request form to the DOL within 7 days to preserve your ability to drive. Should you lose your driver's license due to a DUI, Physical Control or Minor DUI arrest or, are convicted of these crimes or other driving crimes, you must apply for a restrictive license, such as an ignition interlock license, to drive lawfully.
Criminal Law Books by Attorney David N. Jolly
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