Frequently Asked Questions
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To prepare for your initial consultation, gather any relevant documents related to your case, write down questions you have, and be ready to discuss your situation in detail. This will help us better understand your needs and provide you with the best advice possible.
Yes, you will work directly with your attorney throughout your case. We believe in maintaining open communication and ensuring that you are informed and involved every step of the way.
Our law office specializes in various practice areas, including DUI / criminal defense, personal injury, probate, and estate planning. Please contact us to discuss your specific legal needs.
The duration of a case depends on several factors, including its complexity, the court’s schedule, and the willingness of both parties to negotiate. We will provide an estimated timeline during our initial consultation.
Yes, we offer free initial consultations to discuss your case and determine how we can help. This allows you to meet our team and understand your options without any financial commitment.
The cost of hiring an attorney can vary widely based on the type of case, complexity, and attorney experience. We offer transparent pricing and will discuss fees during your initial consultation to ensure you understand the costs involved.
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Personal Injury & Wrongful Death FAQs
Every case is unique, and damages from case to case can vary; however factors like medical costs, lost wages, the severity of the accident, and general damages (pain and suffering) should all be considered. Be sure to talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer to get a case evaluation specific to your circumstances.
Yes, Washington has a strict liability policy regarding dog bites/attacks. That means the dog owner is responsible regardless of whether the dog has a history of bites/attacks or not.
The statute of limitations (deadline) to bring an injury or wrongful death claim can vary depending on the circumstances. Be sure that you consult with an attorney right away to find out what the applicable statute of limitations is for YOUR case.
No. Washington requires that a court-appointed Settlement Guardian Ad Litem (SGAL) approve of any settlement(s) and/or other resolution(s) for the claims of a minor.
Washington law provides a hierarchy of only certain relatives that qualify as a “wrongful death beneficiary”; and therefore can pursue a wrongful death claim. Be sure to consult with an attorney to see if you fall within one of the allowed categories.
Nothing. Personal Injury and Wrongful death claims are taken on a “contingency fee” basis. That means that the attorney fee is based on a percentage of how much the attorney is able to recover for you, whether through settlement or litigation. No recovery equals no attorney fee, so you don’t bear the risk.
If you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage on your auto insurance policy, you should send your medical bills to your auto insurance and they will pay for them up to the limits of your PIP coverage, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. If you do not have PIP coverage, and/or if your PIP coverage gets exhausted (used up), you should have your medical providers bill your medical insurance and contact a personal injury attorney about your options going forward.
Yes. The property damage and personal injury claims are separate; and typically even handled by two different insurance claims adjusters.
Probably not. Your medical records can contain certain sensitive information that you may not be comfortable sharing and/or that can negatively impact your potential injury claim. Be sure to consult with a personal injury attorney to see if it makes sense for you to allow the insurance company to have direct access to your medical records/information.
Yes, you are required to pay back/reimburse your medical providers and medical insurance from any settlement or other personal injury/wrongful death recovery. A well versed, skilled personal injury lawyer will negotiate reductions on the reimbursement amount(s) as part of their representation of your injury/wrongful death claim.
Maybe. “Comparative fault” (meaning you had part of the fault) doesn’t necessarily preclude you from bringing an injury claim. Be sure to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney about your specific situation to find out what claims/options you have.
DUI & Criminal Defense FAQs
The consequences of a criminal conviction go beyond jail time and fines. License suspensions and criminal records can impact your work and professional credentials. Some conviction records are reported by media outlets, so the impact can go well beyond the courtroom.
Each case is different and the duration of a court case depends on several factors, including complexity, court schedule and both sides’ willingness to discuss important evidentiary issues. We can provide a rough estimated timeline during our initial consultation.
Our defense team focuses on criminal traffic charges, like DUI and Reckless Driving. Our practice is not limited to only these cases, so please contact us to discuss your specific case.
Just call or email us! We will check the Washington State court records to get accurate information about what you’re facing. You can also write down any questions and unique issues or goals that you have and be ready to discuss your case in detail. Having more information about you and your case allows us to craft resolutions catered to your needs.
Certain drugs, even prescribed medications, can lead to a DUI/DWI charge. Your case will depend on what you consume, details in the police report and other factors.
A conviction has direct consequences like license suspensions and fines. It also has long-term consequences. A conviction will show up on your background checks, make it impossible for you to drive a car professionally and make accessing public services very difficult.
The consequences for a DUI depend on your individual circumstances. The law treats underage drivers differently than those over 21 years old. It treats regular drivers differently than truckers. In general, you can expect to pay an expensive fine, have new restrictions on your license and face jail time. To find out what to expect for your case, in particular, call our office and speak to an attorney.
An experienced DUI attorney will ensure you get the best possible result on your case. This begins by explaining procedures and alleviating the fear of the unknown. From there your attorney will review the evidence and analyze legal arguments. Every case is different because every person is different.
A DUI related license suspension in Washington is not immediate. However, most people have only 7 days after their arrest to fight the Department of Licensing to try to save their license. This is why it is so important to consult with an experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible.
In Spokane, most people accused of DUI have a court hearing the next business day. This is a DUI First Appearance. At this hearing the prosecutor will summarize the police report and most people will then enter a “not guilty” plea. Lastly, the judge will schedule a pre-trial court hearing and order release conditions. These release conditions are very important so it is a good idea to consult with an attorney ahead of time.
Estate Planning FAQs
Currently, you can pass approximately $2.2 million in assets through your estate without paying any Washington (or Federal) estate tax. If you are close to, at, or above this threshold, be sure to consult with an experienced Estate Planning attorney about your options.
It depends. Everyone’s situation is unique, and your documents should address your specific needs. You can check out our free guides to see some of the most commonly utilized Estate Planning documents; however, when it comes time to have your Estate Plan prepared, make sure you’re not getting “one size fits all” documents.
Probably not. There is no legal requirement that your Will be drafted and/or changed by an attorney; however, there are very specific requirements when it comes to drafting, changing, and/or signing your Will. As they say, it’s difficult to know what you don’t know. Be sure you consult with an experienced estate planning attorney.
Not necessarily. Trusts are often advertised as being better than a Will because they “avoid probate”. While this can be true, often a basic Will is just as effective and more economical than establishing a Trust. Make sure to consult with a Washington Estate Planning attorney about your specific needs.
If you’re an adult, yes. Estate Planning is not just for the elderly and/or wealthy. All adults should have some amount of Estate Planning; and if you wait until you “need” it, it’s probably too late.
Probate FAQs
To be a Personal Representative, you must be over the age of 18, mentally competent, and not convicted of a felony or other crime of moral turpitude. With proper Estate Planning, you can choose who you want to be your Personal Representative. In the absence of a properly designated Personal Representative, Washington law provides a hierarchy of who is entitled to serve as Personal Representative under RCW 11.28.120.
Yes, with proper Estate Planning, probate can easily be avoided and/or simplified to make things as easy and cost effective as possible for your loved ones.
It depends on the circumstances, but general probate (and/or other estate administration) takes about 6 months – 2 years to fully complete.
Generally, all Estates that either 1) include any real property, and/or 2) have a total value of $100,00.00 or more must go through probate. Still, it depends on the Assets, Debts, and any Estate Planning that has already been put in place. Be sure to consult with experienced Probate & Estate Administration attorneys to know the exact steps that must be taken, whether in probate or otherwise.
Probate is the court process for administering someone’s Estate after they pass away. Probate can often seem intimidating and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Probate in Washington is relatively straight forward compared to most other States, and we can guide you through every step.
