Tacoma Robbery Attorneys Take Every Case Seriously

Our criminal defense attorneys are here to give you the representation you need

When you break into somebody’s house, that is burglary. When you threaten them with violence or point a gun or other weapon at them, that’s robbery — and that is a much more serious crime with much more serious penalties.

At The Woods Law Office, PLLC in Pierce County, it our job to minimize the consequences you face with robbery charges. It is our goal to have you acquitted or have the charges dismissed. And while that is not always possible, you can count on Tacoma theft lawyer Doug Woods to mount an aggressive, smart and strategic defense to obtain the best possible outcome.

Robbery in the First Degree

This is a Class A felony — putting it in the same category as Murder in the First Degree. The Penalties for Robbery in the First Degree include:

  • A maximum of life in prison
  • A fine of up to $50,000

A charge of Robbery in the First Degree stems from possession of a deadly weapon (a gun, a knife or other weapon so categorized) during the commission of a crime or when trying to escape capture, displaying what appears to be a lethal weapon, using a weapon to inflict bodily harm — in other words, you have committed an assault with a deadly weapon. Moreover, robbing a bank or other financial institution is always considered a case of First Degree Robbery. If charged with this crime, you need the strategic legal expertise of a Tacoma robbery attorney.

Robbery in the Second Degree

Robbery in the Second Degree is a Class B felony. In Washington State’s “three strikes” law, it is considered a strike offense. Penalties for a first offense can range from three to nine months in prison. Adults with a previous criminal history could be looking at a prison term of up to 84 months (seven years) for an adult offender.

Contact our Pierce County robbery defense law firm for a free consultation

Doug Woods is not only a robbery attorney in Tacoma but also a former prosecutor with a track record of success in defending clients against robbery charges. To schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss your situation and your options, please contact us online. We offer weekend and evening appointments and flexible, affordable payment plans.

Experienced Tacoma Traffic Violation Lawyers In Your Corner

Reckless driving and hit and run attorneys in Pierce County help you protect your driving privileges

The State of Washington has gotten tougher on speeders, reckless drivers and others who violate traffic laws since the court rules regarding traffic violations were revised in 2006, you can still fight your ticket. While it may just seem easier to go in, pay the fine and get it over with, there are ramifications. A guilty plea results in an increase in your auto insurance costs and points on your license. Depending on the violation and any problems you had in the past, it may even mean a suspension of your driving privileges.

At The Woods Law Office, PLLC, we are Tacoma traffic violations attorneys who believe in fighting back.

What is the difference between an infraction and a criminal traffic offense?

Traffic violations may be considered infractions, or they may be classified as criminal offenses. There is a big difference between an infraction and a criminal offense. For one thing, imprisonment is a possibility with a criminal traffic offense, but you cannot be jailed for an infraction. In either case, however, having an effective lawyer — one who is knowledgeable about state and local laws — is essential to achieving the best possible outcome. If you are charged with a serious offense such as a hit and run in Tacoma, attorney assistance is critical.

Infractions and criminal violations include:

  • Reckless driving
  • Reckless endangerment
  • Failure to wear a seatbelt
  • Street racing
  • Speeding
  • Illegal maneuvers
  • Fleeing/eluding police vehicles in pursuit
  • Failure to stop at a red light or stop sign
  • Driving with a revoked or suspended license

Some of the most serious traffic violations include drunk driving, hit-and-run and vehicular homicide. Doug Woods is an experienced vehicular homicide attorney and former prosecutor who knows how to build a strategic defense. For more than a decade, we have also helped those who have been charged with drunk driving. Public outcry from MADD and other groups has increased arrests and enforcement of the laws. If you have been stopped, charged or arrested, contact drunk driving attorney Doug Woods immediately.

Why do I need an attorney for a traffic infraction?

The burden of proof for traffic infractions is lower than the burden required for criminal cases. For traffic infractions, the burden is by “preponderance of the evidence” rather than “beyond a reasonable doubt,” as it is in criminal cases. Under a preponderance of the evidence standard, the prosecution only has to show that a fact is more likely true than not true, which is a much easier standard for the government to meet than the requirement in criminal cases to prove the facts beyond a reasonable doubt.

Contact a Tacoma traffic violations law firm for a free consultation
Fighting a traffic ticket may help save your license and your freedom — and a consultation with attorney Doug Woods is free. To learn more or to schedule your consultation with Tacoma reckless driving attorney Doug Woods, please contact us online. We are available to meet on weekends or evenings, and we offer reasonable payment plans.

Domestic Violence Attorneys Zealously Defend Your Reputation

Are you the victim of a false accusation of domestic violence in Pierce County?

Every year, thousands of women, children — and yes, sometimes even men — are physically, financially or emotionally abused by spouses, family members or domestic partners. We applaud the work of law enforcement and organizations who work diligently to protect victims of domestic violence. Yet, as domestic violence attorneys, we also know that the accused may themselves be victims of false reports, misunderstandings or even revenge.

At The Woods Law Offices, PLLC, we believe that the accused have rights, too. We work vigorously and effectively to present your side and protect your interests. Washington’s domestic violence law is broadly written and can produce long-lasting repercussions above and beyond normal criminal penalties. Moreover, domestic violence consequences can be imposed even without a trial or conviction for any crime. Take these charges seriously — and get the legal representation from experienced criminal attorney Doug Woods immediately.

By definition, a violent crime with harsh penalties

A charge of domestic violence may be leveled because of allegations of rape or assault — as well as non-physical forms of violence, including stalking, harassment or threats of violence — made by a family or household member. Family or household members include spouses, former spouses, persons who have a child in common, persons who are living together, and people who have or have had a dating relationship (current or former boyfriend/girlfriend), as well as those in a parent-child relationship, including stepparents and stepchildren or even grandparents and grandchildren.

You should know that if you are accused of domestic violence, you can be arrested by the police on the spot — basically on the word of your accuser. Once you have been arrested (and possibly jailed), the court may issue a restraining order known as a no-contact order. This is a court order that may require you to stay away from the accuser’s home, school or place of employment and refrain from any contact with the accuser and members of the accuser’s family or household. This means that if you were living at the same home, you can be forced to move out of your own house and refrain from having any contact with your children or other members of your family. If you are facing charges, contact domestic violence lawyer Doug Woods immediately.

Violations of no-contact orders

Even if you are not arrested, if you are charged with an offense such as harassment, there will still be a hearing over whether a no-contact or no-harassment order will be issued. And because domestic violence and harassment may involve dozens of other offenses, a no-contact order can be ordered in just about any case involving a family or household member accused of domestic abuse.

As your felony lawyer, we are here to help you. If you have received a no-contact order, it is imperative that you do not violate the order. While we understand that you may want to talk to your accuser, see your children or gain access to your home, you risk a year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000 — or worse.

Schedule a free consultation to learn more about your options and your rights

We offer skilled legal counsel and representation to those facing criminal domestic violence charges throughout Pierce County and King County. To schedule your free consultation with Doug Woods, a domestic abuse attorney, please contact us online. Weekends and evenings appointments are available.