A Criminal Charge Can Change Your Life—Fight Back Now
If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime in Seattle, you are potentially facing an aggressive prosecution team, a complicated legal system, and severe penalties that could impact your life many ways over many years. You need a criminal defense attorney who knows how to fight back—not someone to just guide you through the process, but someone who will take control of your defense and work relentlessly to protect your freedom, your record, and your future.
At Knauss Law, we bring decades of experience, strategic insight from former prosecutors, and a history of helping clients through the worst time of their lives. We represent clients in Seattle, Kirkland, Bellevue, Redmond, Renton, Bothell, Shoreline, Issaquah, Sammamish, Snoqualmie, North Bend, Woodinville, Kent, and Lynnwood, offering a powerful, defense against criminal charges.
Why Choose Knauss Law Firm?
Former Prosecutors Perspectives – We know how the state builds cases—and how to tear them apart. Aggressive Advocacy – We have successfully handled thousands of criminal cases in Washington. Always Know Where Your Case Stands - We provide direct communication and strategic guidance at every stage of your case. Highly Rated & Recognized – Included in The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, Avvo’s Clients’ Choice Award Winner, and holding a perfect 10.0 Avvo rating. Criminal Charges We Defend in Seattle
Assault & Violent Crimes
A conviction for assault in Washington can result in jail time, probation, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Even a fourth-degree assault charge, which is considered a gross misdemeanor, can have lifelong consequences – with security clearances, and finding employment or housing.
Important to Know:
Most people don’t realize that assault cases are rarely straightforward. Washington law does not require injuries for an assault charge—even an argument that gets physical for a split second can lead to an arrest. The police often make snap judgments when responding to disturbances, and once charges are filed, the prosecution is likely to pursue the case even if the alleged victim doesn’t want to proceed.
Potential Consequences:
- Jail time
- Probation and fines
- Permanent criminal record
- Difficulties with security clearances
- Challenges finding employment or housing
How We Fight Your Case:
- Challenging the credibility of witness statements
- Proving self-defense or defense of others
- Uncovering bias in police reports
- Negotiating for reduced or dismissed charges
Domestic Violence Charges
Washington State has some of the toughest domestic violence laws in the country, and even a misdemeanor charge can have life-altering consequences.
Common Misconception:
One of the biggest misconceptions about domestic violence cases is that the alleged victim controls the case—they don’t. Only the prosecutor can decide whether to drop or pursue charges, and once an arrest is made, they usually proceed no matter what.
Potential Consequences:
- Jail time or probation
- A no-contact order restricting you from seeing your own family
- Loss of gun rights
- Immigration consequences if you’re not a U.S. citizen
Our Defense Approach:
Many cases involve false allegations, exaggerated claims, or misunderstandings that can spiral out of control. We fight aggressively to expose weak evidence, inconsistent statements, and law enforcement errors that can make the difference between a conviction and freedom.
DUI Defense – Fighting to Protect Your Record & License
Washington has some of the strictest DUI laws in the nation, and a conviction can dramatically impact your life and freedom.
Common Misconception:
Many people assume that failing a breathalyzer test means an automatic conviction—but that's far from the truth. DUI cases often involve technical and procedural issues that can be challenged.
Potential Consequences:
- Jail time (even for a first offense)
- Loss of your driver’s license
- Thousands of dollars in fines
- Mandatory alcohol treatment programs
- Ignition interlock device requirements
Our Defense Strategies:
- Inaccurate breathalyzer results
- Unreliable field sobriety tests
- Illegal traffic stops
- Procedural errors by law enforcement
We challenge every aspect of a DUI charge, from the legality of the stop to the accuracy of the breath test, working to get charges reduced or dismissed.
Reckless Driving & Traffic Offenses
In Washington, reckless driving is a serious criminal charge, not just a traffic ticket. A conviction can result in significant penalties that affect your driving privileges and record.
Potential Consequences:
- License suspension
- Increased insurance rates
- Permanent criminal record
We analyze police reports, challenge officer testimony, investigate mitigating factors, and fight to protect your driving privileges.
Theft & Property Crimes
A theft conviction can haunt you for years, making it difficult to find a job, rent an apartment, or obtain professional licenses. Even petty theft (shoplifting items under $750) can lead to jail time.
Our Defense Approach:
- Expose weak or circumstantial evidence
- Fight for dismissals or reductions
- Negotiate alternative sentencing options
A Criminal Conviction Will Impact Your Future
Many people think that once their case is over, they can move on. That’s not how the system works. A criminal conviction follows you, affecting:
- Job opportunities – Many employers run background checks, and even a misdemeanor can disqualify you from certain careers.
- A conviction may carry years of probation where any ‘mistake’ could result in incarceration.
- Housing applications – Landlords frequently deny applicants with criminal records.
- Professional licensing – Doctors, nurses, engineers, and other professionals can lose their licenses over a conviction.
- Immigration status – Non-citizens face visa revocation, green card denials, or deportation.
In criminal law, mistakes are next to impossible to be undone – and even then, it takes years. That’s why you act now and consult a criminal attorney.
Criminal Law is Unforgiving—Get It Right the From the Start
Why You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately
Unlike civil law, where appeals and settlements are common, criminal law does not allow for easy fixes. If your defense isn’t handled correctly from day one, you could:
- Lose your case even though it’s based on weak or circumstantial evidence
- Have an inexperienced lawyer push you into a plea deal when you have a strong defense . . .
- . . . or the reverse, destroying any chance of effective negotiations
- Face harsher penalties because your attorney failed to challenge the prosecutor’s case, present you in the proper light, or tell your story
Judges, prosecutors, and the police make mistakes all the time—but in criminal law, those errors usually aren’t readily apparent. Only experienced criminal defense attorneys have the training and hard-earned instincts to spot those errors.
The only way to protect yourself is to address the charge aggressively, head on, from the start.
Take the First Step – Protect Your Rights Now
If you or a loved one has been arrested, do not wait. The prosecution is already building its case against you. You need to act immediately to protect your future.
At Knauss Law, we provide aggressive, no-nonsense criminal defense. We work tirelessly to challenge evidence, expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and push for dismissals whenever possible.
Call us at 425-300-5566 or contact us online to start building your defense today.
425-300-5566