Vancouver Criminal Defense Attorney
Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer in Vancouver, WA
If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with a crime in Vancouver, Washington, the most important decision you can make is choosing the right criminal defense attorney. At the Law Office of Adin Johnson, we understand the fear and uncertainty that come with criminal charges—and we’re here to help. Our firm is committed to protecting your rights, advocating for your future, and fighting to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or a serious felony, Attorney Adin Johnson provides skilled, strategic, and compassionate representation tailored to your unique situation. With experience in the local courts and a reputation for tenacious advocacy, we work tirelessly to ensure that your side of the story is heard and your rights are upheld every step of the way.
Criminal Charges We Defend
Our Criminal Defense Process
Understanding the legal process can make your situation feel a little less overwhelming. Here’s how we work with our clients from start to finish:
1. Free Initial Consultation
We begin with a confidential consultation to discuss the details of your case. This is your opportunity to share what happened, ask questions, and learn about your rights and legal options. We’ll provide an honest assessment of your situation and how we can help.
2. Case Evaluation & Investigation
Once you hire our firm, we get to work right away. We thoroughly review police reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, and other evidence. We identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and look for violations of your constitutional rights—such as unlawful searches or improper Miranda warnings.
3. Developing a Legal Strategy
With a full understanding of the facts and law, we craft a custom defense strategy. Whether your case is resolved through negotiation or trial, we prepare every case as if it’s going to court—ensuring we’re always ready to defend you.
4. Pre-Trial Motions & Hearings
Depending on the circumstances, we may file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, dismiss charges, or challenge the admissibility of testimony. Pre-trial hearings can be a critical point to weaken the prosecution’s case or even have it thrown out.
5. Negotiation or Trial Representation
In some cases, negotiating a favorable plea deal is in your best interest. In others, fighting your charges at trial is the best course of action. Either way, you’ll have a dedicated trial lawyer on your side, ready to challenge the prosecution and fight for justice.
6. Post-Trial Support
If you’re convicted, we explore all available options, including appealing the verdict or negotiating a reduced sentence. We also assist with record sealing or expungement when eligible, so you can move forward with your life.
Comprehensive Criminal Defense Services
The Law Office of Adin Johnson handles all types of criminal charges in Washington State, providing skilled defense across a broad spectrum of offenses. Our practice areas include:
DUI and Traffic Offenses
Driving under the influence charges threaten your driving privileges, freedom, and financial stability. We challenge breath test accuracy, question field sobriety tests, contest illegal traffic stops, and fight for charge dismissals or reductions. Our DUI defense extends to marijuana DUI, prescription drug DUI, and commercial driver cases requiring specialized knowledge of CDL regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Assault and Violent Crimes
Assault charges range from fourth-degree misdemeanors to first-degree felonies carrying decades in prison under Washington’s assault statutes (RCW 9A.36). We defend clients against simple assault, aggravated assault, assault with a deadly weapon, and domestic violence allegations. Our defense strategies emphasize self-defense claims, witness credibility challenges, and constitutional violations that undermine prosecution cases.
Drug Crimes
Drug possession, manufacturing, and distribution charges carry severe penalties including prison time, substantial fines, and permanent criminal records under Washington’s Uniform Controlled Substances Act (RCW 69.50). We defend against charges involving marijuana, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, prescription drugs, and drug paraphernalia. Our approach includes challenging illegal searches and seizures, questioning chain of custody, and negotiating diversion programs that avoid convictions.
Theft and Property Crimes
Theft offenses from shoplifting to grand larceny, burglary, robbery, fraud, and property destruction require strategic defense addressing intent, value, and circumstances. We negotiate restitution agreements, pursue charge reductions, and when appropriate, advocate for diversion programs allowing first-time offenders to avoid criminal convictions through community service and restitution.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence charges carry unique consequences including mandatory arrest policies, no-contact orders separating families, loss of firearm rights under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922), and immigration complications. We understand the sensitive dynamics in these cases, working to protect your rights while addressing underlying relationship issues and negotiating resolutions that preserve family relationships when appropriate.
Sex Offenses
Sex crime allegations including sexual assault, rape, child molestation, and possession of child pornography are among the most serious charges carrying lengthy prison sentences and lifetime sex offender registration under Washington’s sex offender registration laws. These cases require aggressive defense addressing consent, false accusations, mistaken identity, and constitutional violations. We work with forensic experts and investigators to build comprehensive defenses protecting your freedom and reputation.
White Collar Crimes
Fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, forgery, and other white collar offenses threaten professional careers and financial stability. We defend professionals facing charges related to business activities, providing sophisticated legal representation that understands complex financial transactions and regulatory requirements while protecting your professional standing and future opportunities.
Weapons Charges
Unlawful possession of firearms, carrying concealed weapons without permits, and weapons enhancements to other charges create serious legal consequences under Washington’s firearms laws (RCW 9.41). We defend Second Amendment rights while challenging illegal searches, questioning possession elements, and negotiating resolutions that preserve your ability to own firearms legally.
Juvenile Defense
Young people facing criminal charges need attorneys who understand juvenile court systems emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment. We represent juveniles charged with all offenses, working to keep cases in juvenile court, avoid adult certifications, and secure outcomes that don’t derail educational and career opportunities.
Why Choose the Law Office of Adin Johnson for DUI Defense?
When you’re charged with driving under the influence, your choice of legal representation can make all the difference. At the Law Office of Adin Johnson, we understand how overwhelming a DUI arrest can be. You may be wondering if you’ll lose your license, face jail time, or see long-term consequences on your record. That’s where we come in.
As a trusted DUI defense law firm in Vancouver, WA, we offer:
Extensive experience in Washington DUI law
Tailored legal strategies based on your specific case
Strong negotiation skills with prosecutors
Effective courtroom representation when trial is necessary
Responsive, one-on-one attention throughout your case
We fight hard to defend your rights at every stage of the process, from the moment of your arrest to the final resolution of your case.
Contact the Law Office of Adin Johnson Today
If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime in Vancouver, WA, don’t wait. The sooner you have a criminal defense attorney on your side, the better your chances of achieving a favorable outcome. The Law Office of Adin Johnson is ready to fight for your rights, protect your freedom, and guide you every step of the way. Contact us for a free consultation.
Criminal Defense Attorney FAQs
When should I hire a criminal defense attorney?
Hire a criminal defense attorney immediately upon arrest or when you learn you’re under investigation, before speaking with police or prosecutors. Early representation protects your rights, prevents damaging statements, preserves evidence, and provides maximum time to build strong defenses that secure favorable outcomes.
The moment you become aware of criminal investigation or charges, contact an attorney before making any statements. Police often claim cooperation helps your case, but statements made without counsel present frequently become prosecution evidence used against you at trial. Your attorney can communicate with investigators on your behalf, preventing incriminating statements while demonstrating cooperation when strategically beneficial. Early representation allows your attorney to conduct independent investigation while evidence remains available, interview witnesses before memories fade, photograph crime scenes before conditions change, and preserve surveillance footage before deletion. Attorneys hired immediately after arrest can appear at bail hearings arguing for release on recognizance or reasonable bail amounts, while those hired later inherit unfavorable bail conditions. Early involvement also provides maximum negotiation time with prosecutors before formal charging decisions, sometimes preventing charges from being filed at all. Some people wait until arraignment to hire counsel, but this delays defense preparation and wastes valuable time. Others attempt to handle cases themselves initially, making procedural errors that destroy otherwise winnable cases. The absolute worst time to hire an attorney is after accepting unfavorable plea agreements or making damaging statements to police—at that point, even the best attorneys cannot undo damage already done.
How long does a criminal case take?
Criminal cases typically take 3-6 months for misdemeanors and 6-18 months for felonies from arrest to resolution, though complex cases involving multiple defendants, extensive discovery, expert witnesses, or trial preparation can extend beyond two years depending on jurisdiction, court scheduling, and case complexity.
Case timelines vary dramatically based on numerous factors. Misdemeanor cases generally proceed faster with arraignments within 2-4 weeks of arrest, pretrial conferences at 30-60 day intervals, and trial dates set 90-180 days out. Felony cases involve preliminary hearings to establish probable cause, more extensive discovery periods, additional motion hearings, and longer trial preparation extending timelines considerably. Defendants in custody have constitutional speedy trial rights requiring faster resolution, typically 60-90 days, while defendants released on bail face longer timelines as courts prioritize custody cases. Plea negotiations can resolve cases quickly when defendants accept prosecutor offers, sometimes within weeks of arraignment. Cases proceeding to trial require more time for jury selection, witness preparation, and courtroom scheduling. Continuances requested by either party extend timelines when attorneys need more investigation time or when witnesses become unavailable. Court congestion in busy jurisdictions delays cases when limited courtrooms and judges cannot accommodate all scheduled trials. Some defense strategies intentionally delay cases, allowing witnesses’ memories to fade or giving clients time to complete treatment programs or community service that support favorable plea negotiations. Other cases benefit from quick resolution before prosecutors strengthen weak cases through additional investigation. Your attorney advises whether delaying or expediting your case serves your interests based on evidence strength, witness availability, and strategic considerations specific to your charges and circumstances.
What happens if I'm found guilty?
If found guilty after trial or by pleading guilty, the court proceeds to sentencing where judges impose penalties ranging from fines and probation to incarceration, based on offense severity, criminal history, and mitigating or aggravating circumstances. Convictions create permanent criminal records affecting employment, housing, professional licensing, and civil rights.
Sentencing occurs either immediately after guilty verdicts or at separate hearings scheduled weeks later, giving probation departments time to prepare presentence investigation reports. These reports detail your criminal history, personal background, employment, education, family circumstances, and substance abuse issues, making sentencing recommendations to judges. Your attorney presents mitigating evidence including character reference letters, proof of employment or education, completion of counseling or treatment, and arguments for leniency based on your circumstances. Prosecutors argue for harsh sentences emphasizing offense severity and impact on victims. Judges consider statutory sentencing ranges, sentencing guidelines, and case-specific factors when imposing sentences. Sentences may include incarceration in jail or prison, supervised probation with conditions like drug testing and counseling attendance, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, and no-contact orders. Some convictions carry mandatory minimum sentences removing judicial discretion, while others allow alternatives to incarceration like home detention, work release, or treatment programs. Felony convictions eliminate gun ownership rights, voting rights in some states, and eligibility for certain professional licenses. All convictions create criminal records appearing on background checks, affecting employment in fields like education, healthcare, finance, and childcare. Conviction consequences extend to immigration status for non-citizens, student financial aid eligibility, public housing qualification, and child custody determinations in family court.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
Misdemeanors are less serious crimes punishable by up to one year in county jail and fines, while felonies are serious crimes carrying prison sentences exceeding one year, larger fines, and more severe collateral consequences including permanent loss of civil rights like voting and firearm ownership.
Criminal offenses are classified by severity, with classifications determining potential penalties and long-term consequences. Misdemeanors include crimes like simple assault, petty theft, DUI, disorderly conduct, and trespassing. Most states divide misdemeanors into classes (A, B, C or 1, 2, 3) with Class A or 1st-degree misdemeanors being most serious and carrying maximum one-year jail sentences. Lower-class misdemeanors carry shorter maximum sentences, often 90 days or 6 months. Misdemeanor convictions create criminal records but generally don’t eliminate voting rights or gun ownership, though domestic violence misdemeanors carry federal firearm prohibitions. Felonies encompass serious crimes like robbery, burglary, drug trafficking, aggravated assault, sex offenses, and murder. Felonies are also classified by degree or class, with first-degree or Class A felonies being most severe and carrying life imprisonment or death penalty in capital murder cases. Lower-degree felonies carry shorter prison sentences, sometimes as little as 16 months. Felony convictions eliminate voting rights in many states, prohibit firearm ownership nationwide, and disqualify defendants from professional licenses, public office, and jury service. Many jurisdictions also recognize infractions or violations, minor offenses like traffic tickets carrying fines but no jail time and not classified as criminal convictions. Some offenses are “wobblers” that prosecutors can charge as either misdemeanors or felonies based on circumstances and criminal history, making attorney negotiation crucial for securing misdemeanor classifications that minimize consequences.
What are my rights if I'm arrested?
If arrested, you have constitutional rights including the right to remain silent, right to an attorney before police questioning, protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, right to know charges against you, and right to appear before a judge within 48-72 hours for bail determination.
The Fifth Amendment protects you against self-incrimination, meaning you can refuse to answer police questions beyond providing identification. Anything you say can be used against you in court, so exercise your right to remain silent until consulting with an attorney. Tell police clearly: “I’m invoking my right to remain silent and want to speak with an attorney.” Police must stop questioning once you invoke these rights, though they often continue asking questions hoping you’ll change your mind. The Sixth Amendment guarantees your right to counsel, and if you cannot afford an attorney, courts appoint public defenders to represent you. Don’t waive this right by speaking with police without counsel present, even if you believe you can explain away suspicions or talk your way out of arrest. The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, requiring police to have probable cause for arrest and warrants for most searches, though numerous exceptions exist. Police must inform you of Miranda rights before custodial interrogation, warning you of your right to silence and counsel. If police violate Miranda by questioning you in custody without advisement, resulting statements may be suppressed at trial. You have the right to reasonable bail in non-capital cases, preventing indefinite detention before trial. At initial appearances, judges review charges and set bail based on flight risk and public safety concerns. You’re also entitled to speedy and public trials, confrontation of prosecution witnesses through cross-examination, and presentation of defense witnesses and evidence. Exercise all rights by remaining silent, requesting counsel immediately, and refusing consent to searches whenever possible.