Criminal Defense in Washington

Washington classifies felonies into Classes A, B, and C with sentencing ranges determined by the Sentencing Reform Act's standard range table. Defense costs range from $2,500-$6,000 for gross misdemeanors to $10,000-$60,000 for serious felonies. Washington has implemented significant criminal justice reforms including Initiative 940 (police use of force) and various sentencing alternatives. Drug Offender Sentencing Alternatives (DOSA) and first-time offender waivers provide options for reduced sentences. Washington legalized recreational marijuana in 2012 (I-502) but maintains strict DUI per se limits for THC. King County has a progressive prosecutor approach for low-level offenses. Federal cases in the Western District (Seattle) involve significant white-collar, immigration, and cybercrime prosecutions.