What a Criminal Charge Really Means — and What Happens Next
Being charged with a crime in Washington doesn’t mean you’ve been convicted. It is an accusation only. The only thing being charged means is that the State of Washington – make no mistake, by the way, the government charges and prosecutes people - believes it has enough evidence to try. That belief, however, is often wrong — built on incomplete reports, assumptions, or moments taken out of context.
A criminal charge is not a conclusion; it’s the beginning of a story that still has to be told and told correctly.
For many people, the moment they hear they’re being investigated or charged is the first time they realize how fast the system moves and how slow it is to listen. Fear, confusion, and anger mix with the hope that if you just explain, it’ll all make sense. It rarely does. What matters now is not explaining — it’s acting strategically, understanding the process, and protecting yourself before the story hardens into the State’s version of events.
Understanding Criminal Charges in Washington
A criminal charge is simply an accusation filed by the State of Washington. It begins when law enforcement submits a report to the prosecutor’s office, which then decides whether to file formal charges. Once that happens, the system engages — with deadlines, hearings, and consequences that most people don’t see coming until it’s too late.
Washington classifies crimes by severity. Misdemeanors are the lowest level, punishable by up to 90 days in jail. Gross misdemeanors can mean up to a year in jail and higher fines. Felonies are more serious and can lead to prison time. But what most people miss is that the label doesn’t always match the facts — many cases filed as felonies end up reduced or dismissed when challenged correctly.
After charges are filed, your first appearance is called an arraignment. That’s where you’re officially told what the State claims you did and enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. From there, both sides begin discovery — exchanging evidence, reports, and video. This stage, though procedural, is where good defense work changes outcomes: by spotting what’s missing, what’s misstated, and what doesn’t add up.
The Real Consequences
The direct penalties — jail, fines, probation — are only part of what’s at stake. A criminal charge can ripple through nearly every corner of your life. Even before trial, you may face job suspension, loss of security clearance, professional licensing issues, travel restrictions, or immigration complications. Friends and family can become cautious or distant. The damage often starts long before any verdict.
This is why early, careful strategy matters. The system isn’t built to pause while you gather yourself — it keeps moving. Without an experienced defense, that movement works against you. Knauss Law steps in to slow it down, correct the narrative, and make sure what’s said about you in those first few filings don’t become the permanent version of events.
What to Do If You’re Arrested or Told You’re Under Investigation
When you’re arrested or even told you’re under investigation, what happens in the next few minutes can decide the shape of the entire case. People often try to talk their way out, cooperate too freely, or assume that politeness will help. It doesn’t and it never will. What helps is strategy.
Here’s what to do immediately:
Stay calm. Don’t argue or explain. The less said, the better.- Ask for a lawyer — early and clearly. Once you ask, questioning should stop.
- Stay silent. Even small talk can be used later as “inconsistency.”
- A Write down what happened. Preserve names, times, and details while they’re fresh.
- Call Knauss Law. Early contact allows us to protect your rights before the prosecutor even sees the full file.
The sooner you bring counsel into the process; the better chance we have to prevent a bad assumption from becoming a charge — or a charge from becoming a conviction.
What Not to Do
Most people don’t make big mistakes; they make small ones at the wrong time. Texting a friend, replying to a detective, or venting online can all seem harmless in the moment, but each one gives the State more to work with.
Avoid these common traps:
- Don’t assume you can “clear things up” by talking to investigators.
- Don’t text, call, or email anyone about your case. Every message can be evidence.
- Don’t post about it — even vague or “funny” references are traceable.
- Don’t ignore paperwork or court dates. Missed appearances create new problems.
- Don’t take advice from friends, coworkers, or the internet. Criminal defense is not DIY.
The prosecution’s file often grows because people keep adding to it. The silence of a well-advised client is one of the strongest defenses there are.
Why Early Legal Strategy Changes Everything
Criminal defense isn’t about reacting — it’s about positioning. Once a case is filed, prosecutors already have a story they believe. Your defense isn’t just evidence; it’s the process of showing them that their story won’t hold. That starts early, before the case is locked in.
Knauss Law focuses on this front end: challenging probable cause, identifying constitutional violations, and opening communication channels with prosecutors before they commit to a narrative. In some cases, that early pressure leads to reduced or dismissed charges. In others, it sets up the leverage needed for the best possible outcome.
The point is simple: the earlier we’re involved, the more options exist. Once the process advances too far, choices narrow fast.
Common Myths About Criminal Charges
Even smart people fall for courtroom myths — most of them built from TV scripts and wishful thinking. Reality is far less dramatic and far less forgiving.
“If I’m innocent, I don’t need a lawyer.”
Innocence doesn’t prevent misinterpretation. Many cases start with incomplete facts that make innocent behavior look suspicious. A defense lawyer’s job is to fill in the missing context before it’s too late.
“Police wouldn’t charge me if they didn’t have proof.”
The standard for charging is probable cause, which is closer to a reasonable hunch than certainty. Many cases collapse once evidence is tested.
“I’ll just explain my side.”
Once you do, your words become part of the case. And they’re usually not remembered the way you meant them.
“Pleading guilty gets it over with.”
It gets something over with — but it creates years of barriers that can’t easily be undone. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards don’t see context, only convictions.
FAQs
Contact Knauss Law
If you’ve been arrested, charged, or told you’re under investigation, don’t wait. The first hours often decide whether a case escalates or deflates.
Knauss Law defends clients across Washington State, focusing on strategy, timing, and results. We don’t wait for trial to start building your defense — we begin shaping the case before the State finishes building theirs.