Criminal Law

PROTECTING CLIENT RIGHTS FOR MORE THAN A DECADE

If you are being investigated or charged with a crime, it is important to select an experienced criminal lawyer familiar with the judges and the procedures in each court, and the people who work in the courts. Kent Underwood has handled hundreds of cases in the past 12 years. He knows the law and how to apply it to your case to best protect your rights.

Medical Marijuana

INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY DOES NOT WORK HERE

Criminal attorney Kent Underwood diligently defends those accused of manufacturing marijuana or possessing with intent to deliver. Even those with authorization to grow are not safe. If the police choose not to believe your authorization is authentic, or it is decided you are growing too many plants, you may still be charged.

Washington State demands an affirmative defense—defendants must prove their right to grow, possess, or distribute. This means the state can proceed to file criminal charges even though your activities are legal. Kent Underwood aggressively defends clients against the rights violations associated with these kinds of charges.

DUI / DWI

IMPORTANT TO GET LEGAL DEFENSE IF CHARGED

Washington State takes Driving Under the Influence very seriously, using DUI patrols to randomly stop motorists and administer sobriety tests right on the road. If you are charged with a DUI, it is extremely important to obtain experienced legal representation as quickly as possible. The laws are too complex, and mandatory sentences too harsh, to deal with on your own.

Kent Underwood can explain the charges and their consequences to you. He can determine how to defend you against these charges so that you end up with the best possible outcome given your circumstances. He may help you retain your driving privileges as well.

Search and Seizure

YOU HAVE RIGHTS. THEY SHOULD BE PROTECTED.
 
Kent Underwood believes strongly that Americans have a right not to have their homes invaded and privacy infringed upon without authority of law. Note that a search warrant is required before law enforcement agents may enter your residence except under unusual conditions called exigent circumstances.

Exigent circumstances include very specific conditions such as an unlawful act happening in plain sight or the hot pursuit of a fleeing subject. Consult Kent Underwood to determine whether your rights have been violated.

Speaking to the police Contacted by the police? Police are within their rights to contact you if they have reason to believe you have committed a crime. They can ask for proof of identification and a reasonable explanation of your whereabouts. If you have been stopped while driving, they can ask to see your drivers license, registration, and insurance card.

But the police cannot ask you incriminating questions without giving you Miranda warnings. Listening to Miranda warnings is the best thing to do if stopped, arrested, and/or charged with a crime. You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to an attorney. Exercise these rights. And be sure to choose a criminal defense attorney with the experience needed to properly defend your rights. Kent Underwood has practiced criminal law for more than ten years.

Vacate a Prior Conviction

YOU MAY CLEAR YOUR PERMANENT RECORD

Have you been convicted of any of these charges and completed all terms of your sentence? 

• Misdemeanor 
• Gross misdemeanor 
• Class B Felony 
• Class C Felony

You may be eligible to have your conviction vacated. This means you may withdraw your guilty plea and have the judge enter a dismissal. You may also have non-conviction data expunged from your record as well. Why let the past interfere with your future? Contact Kent Underwood to find out if you are eligible to clear conviction and/or non-conviction information from your permanent record.

Restore Firearm Rights

REGAIN YOUR RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS

When convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors in Washington State, you can lose your right to own, possess, or have a firearm under your control in any way. Kent Underwood may be able to help get your state firearm rights restored after you have fulfilled your sentence plus a waiting period. Note that this only applies if you were convicted of a non-violent crime—burglary and Class A felony convictions make you ineligible. Contact Kent Underwood to find out if you qualify.

Criminal Defense

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