Practice Areas

Spokane, Washington, Criminal and Civil Trial Attorneys

For more information about Andersen Staab's practice areas, click on the headings:

Criminal Defense

Criminal charges can affect your freedom, your job, your family life, and your rights to vote and own firearms. At the law firm of Andersen Staab P.L.L.C. in Spokane, Washington, our lawyers are very mindful of the effect criminal charges can have on your life now and in the future.

DUI/DWI Arrest

The penalties for DUI/DWI in Washington have consistently increased since 1995, when the state decided to change its DWI (driving while intoxicated) charge to a DUI charge with a penalty scale. The most recent changes occurred in July of 2007 and have further heightened the personal and financial cost of a drunk driving arrest. Washington State is considered to have the most severe penalties for DUI in the nation. This year, Washington State adopted a felony DUI for the first time. This means that multiple charges could potentially result in a prison sentence.

Washington State DUI/DWI Penalties

This page provides a summary of the penalties for drunk driving in Washington state.

DUI Procedure

If you have been charged with a DUI, at the first opportunity you should seek experienced and competent legal counsel. Your attorney needs to be able to review the evidence and determine the strength of the state’s case against you. Our first goal is dismissal of the case against our client. When a dismissal is not an option, there may be alternatives available, such as suppression of evidence. Additionally, you may be able to plead to a reduced charge such as reckless driving, negligent driving or an infraction. You may also enter into a deferred prosecution. If you are diagnosed as alcohol-dependent and enter into treatment, you may be able to have your charges dismissed. Under the deferred prosecution option, the court will hold your case for five years.

Drug Charges

Some of the more common types of controlled substances include marijuana, meth or methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, ecstasy and date rape drugs. Charges may include possession of drugs, possession of illegal drug paraphernalia, drug possession with intent to distribute, drug trafficking, or drug delivery. Drug charges and penalties attached to them are increased if the alleged offense occurred near a school zone or school bus stop. Drug convictions can have a long term impact on your future employment and an immediate impact on your ability to get financial aid for college. You should consult an experienced attorney when charged with serious drug charges.

Domestic Violence

When most people think of domestic violence, they think of spousal abuse. However, domestic violence charges can also involve family members, roommates and others who are in a domestic relationship. If you have been charged with domestic violence, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights in a system that deprives you of your freedom before you are even convicted. A domestic violence conviction has an impact that extends beyond the current charge. This can include the loss of the right to carry a firearm.

Personal Injury

When you or someone you care about is the victim of a serious personal injury, the aftermath can be some of the hardest times in your life. You may be so focused on medical care and bills that all of the other things going on in your life don't seem to matter. You may not know what to do next or whom to go to for advice. At the law firm of Andersen Staab P.L.L.C. in Spokane, Washington, we offer a free initial consultation to inform you of your rights and your options.

Car Accidents

A car accident can have severe consequences on your finances, your job, your health and your quality of life. While an insurance company may offer to settle your claim, it will not tell you what you are actually entitled to under the law. Likewise, once you accept an insurance company settlement, you will not be able to go back later and request more money if your injuries turn out to be more serious than you and your doctor first thought.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall injuries can affect your life for months or even years into the future. However, many property owners and insurance companies do not take these cases seriously until you hire an attorney. Having an attorney represent your interests lets the insurance company know you are serious about your claim.

Wrongful Death

While your family is going through the grieving process, you may also be dealing with an adversary who denies any responsibility for your loss. Our lawyers can help hold the liable party accountable through the civil justice system.

Divorce and Child Custody

Ending a marriage is a difficult process. Beyond the emotional issues, you will have to deal with financial issues, such dividing your assets and liabilities. If you have children, you will also have to make arrangements for custody, visitation and support. An attorney is supposed to relieve some of the stress of these situations, not add to it.

Free attorney consultation: To discuss your case with a lawyer at our firm, call 509-327-6100 or fill out our simple contact form.