Penalties for Felonies

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Seattle

There are three classes of felony offenses in our state, aside from cases that involve the death penalty.  The only offense that can result in the death penalty is aggravated murder in the first degree, which consists of premeditated murder with a statutory aggravating factor.  In non-death penalty cases, the three classes of felony crime are met with their own unique penalties.  They are as follows:

• Class A Felony - This includes crimes such as kidnapping, rape, and murder.  The penalties for a Class A Felony include life imprisonment and a $50,000 fine.
• Class B Felony - This includes crimes such as manslaughter, kidnapping, drug crimes, sex crimes, burglary or robbery, and white collar crimes.  The penalties for this class include a maximum 10 years of imprisonment and a $20,000 fine.
• Class C Felony - Crimes in this class include drug crimes, theft, criminal trespass, DUI, witness tampering, and possession of stolen property.  They can be met with a maximum 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Baker, Lewis, Schwisow & Laws, PLLC is a criminal defense law firm with over 45 years of combined experience.  We pride ourselves on the service we provide to our clients, which includes close and focused attention to each case, full education of the client as to the details of their legal proceedings, and a vigorous defense on their behalf.  If you are facing felony charges, contact a Seattle criminal defense lawyer at our firm today, and we will fully investigate your charges in order to determine the proper legal strategy for your case.

Felony Statute of Limitations

There are specific time limitations that apply to the prosecution of felony crimes in our state.  They include:

• No limitation - Murder, homicide by abuse, vehicular homicide, hit and run injury causing death
• 10 years - Rape (if reported within one year of the commission of the crime), arson, misconduct by a public official
• 6 years - Profiteering, organized crime
• 5 years - Any Class C Felony
• 3 years - All other felonies