The lawyers at Ashbach Law Offices, LLC provide aggressive, strong defense for those having received felony expedited offers throughout Skagit, Snohomish, King and Whatcom Counties. Our goal is to aggressively protect you, your family and your interests from the prosecution, saving jail time, licenses, occupations and reputations. With offices in Marysville and Mill Creek, Washington, we are available to meet you discuss your case. We help good people in bad situations. Let us help you.
Recognizing that prosecutor and police resources are rare, some prosecuting attorney offices offer “Expedited Felonies” to persons charged with less serious felony crimes. In general, a person charged is given the option to plead guilty to one or more gross misdemeanors in exchange for a fast resolution to a case. Even so, people who are given these offers are told to first consult with an attorney before making a decision.
Which Courts
Typically, these offers are made in District Court, rather than in Superior Court. If an Expedited Plea offer is rejected, the case normally is dismissed from District Court and then filed in the county Superior Court. In Snohomish County, for example, Expedited Felonies are filed in Everett District Court. If the offer is not accepted, the case is re-filed in Snohomish County Superior Court. In King County, offers are similarly made in District Court. If the offer is rejected, or no response is given, the case is then dismissed and refiled in King County Superior Court.
Time to Make Decision
Typically, a person receiving an Expedited Plea offer is given only a short period of time to make the decision, normally around two to three weeks. It is therefore imperative to consult an attorney about the case and offer ASAP. Often, the advice is to not take an offer as there is a significant weakness in the case that could result in a dismissal or “not guilty” verdict later on. Do not make a hasty decision to simply accept the offer. The impact of a guilty plea could be felt for many, many years.
If you have received an Expedited Felony offer, contact our office today at 360-659-4950 or 888-WA-LAW-NW (888-925-2969) to get advice on how to best handle your case.
Ashbach Law Offices, LLC, aggressively represents clients throughout the Washington I-5 corridor, covering Skagit, Snohomish, King and Whatcom Counties. Regular courts of practice include, but are not limited to, Anacortes, Arlington, Bellevue, Bellingham, Blaine, Burlington, Edmonds, Everett, Issaquah, Lynnwood, Marysville, Monroe, Mount Vernon, Mountlake Terrance, Redmond, Seattle, Sedro Woolley and Shoreline.