Felonies / Misdemeanors

Spokane, Washington Felony ● Misdemeanor Attorney

Providing criminal defense for federal or state charges and for felonies or misdemeanors

When the state or the federal government charges you with a crime, no charge is minor. In the courtroom, the prosecutor is an attorney and the judge is an attorney. Additionally, the investigative resources available to prosecutors are substantial: police investigators, lab technicians, forensic pathologists, firearms experts, medical professionals, computer specialists, and others. In order to establish a balance of power in the courtroom, you need a dedicated attorney at your side. I am attorney Gerald R. Smith of the Law Offices of Gerald R. Smith and I can provide your defense against criminal charges, whether state or federal and whether felony or misdemeanor.

If you have been arrested on a felony or misdemeanor charge, contact criminal defense attorney Gerald R. Smith today to schedule a free, completely confidential consultation regarding your case.

Understanding Jurisdiction

Criminal charges may be brought in either state or federal courts. Federal trial courts are district courts. There are two federal districts in the state of Washington: the Western District and the Eastern District. The Cascade Mountains are roughly the dividing line between the two.

Kinds of Felony and Misdemeanor Charges

Many charges are often brought in federal court, including drug charges, firearm offenses, white collar crime, and various charges involving computers and Internet crimes such as child pornography, fraud, and identity theft. Many other crimes such as DUI, theft and other property crimes, as well as burglary, assault, murder, sex offenses, and other violent offenses may be brought in federal court if committed within the boundaries of special maritime or territorial jurisdictions of the United States or on Indian Reservations. Any of these charges may also be brought in state court. Many factors influence whether you will be charged in federal or state court.

Differences between Felonies and Misdemeanor Charges

In either state or federal court, an offense may be either a felony or misdemeanor. A misdemeanor has a maximum punishment of not more than one year in jail or prison, while a felony is punishable by any term of imprisonment up to life or the death penalty. In federal court, misdemeanors are further classified as Class A, B, or C misdemeanors. Others are classified as infractions, referred to as "petty offenses."

Felonies range from Class A felonies down to Class E felonies. The State of Washington has similar classifications. State law felonies in Washington are prosecuted in Superior Courts of each county, while District Courts have jurisdiction over misdemeanors. Many municipalities have Municipal Courts in which misdemeanor offenses committed within the city limits are prosecuted.

In addition to the more severe prison terms, felonies also carry with them the loss of certain civil rights, including the right to vote and hold office, to serve on a jury, and the right to possess a firearm. Indeed, being a felon in possession of a firearm is a serious offense which, by itself, can result in a return to prison for many years.

Contact Criminal Defense Lawyer Gerald R. Smith Today

The Law Offices of Gerald R. Smith can serve your defense needs in any situation, from the most serious felony to the least serious infraction. I can ensure that your rights are honored and your defense is presented effectively. If you are under investigation or have already been charged in a criminal case, contact criminal defense attorney Gerald R. Smith and schedule a free, confidential consultation today to discuss how I can help you.