Murder Attorney in Port Orchard
Serious Charges Require Steady, Local Defense—Call Our Experienced Murder Defense Lawyer
Being investigated or charged with homicide in Washington is life changing. In a moment, you may find yourself facing the possibility of years in prison, a permanent felony record, and damage to your family, reputation, and future. When that happens in Port Orchard, you need a murder defense attorney that knows the local courts and understands what is at stake.
At Glisson Legal, we focus our practice on criminal defense in Washington courts. For more than 20 years, we have represented people accused of serious crimes and guided them through the court system with clear communication and straightforward advice. We are based in Port Orchard, and we regularly appear in Kitsap County Superior Court, where many felony homicide cases are heard.
If you or someone you care about is facing a murder allegation, you do not have to navigate it alone. We work to listen carefully, evaluate the situation, and help you understand your options so you can make informed decisions under very difficult circumstances.
Protect your rights with a firm that has over 20 years of experience in Kitsap County courts. Call Glisson Legal at (360) 526-8191 or fill out this online form to speak with a dedicated Port Orchard murder lawyer. Your defense begins with a free consultation.
Understanding Washington Murder Laws
Washington law classifies homicide into several degrees, each carrying distinct legal requirements and life-altering penalties. Understanding these distinctions is the first step in building your defense.
Murder in the First Degree (RCW 9A.32.030)
This is the most severe charge and is classified as a Class A felony. To secure a conviction, the state must prove:
- Premeditated Intent: The intent to cause death was formed over more than "a moment in point of time."
- Extreme Indifference: Conduct that creates a grave risk of death to others, manifesting an extreme indifference to human life.
- Felony Murder (1st Degree): A death occurs during the commission or attempted commission of specific "enumerated" felonies, including robbery, rape, burglary, arson, or kidnapping.
Murder in the Second Degree (RCW 9A.32.050)
Also a Class A felony, second-degree murder applies when:
- There was an intent to cause death, but without premeditation.
- Felony Murder (2nd Degree): A death occurs during the commission of any felony not listed under the first-degree statute (such as an assault).
Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Murder Convictions in Port Orchard
Since Washington formally abolished the death penalty in 2023, the maximum penalty is now life imprisonment.
Criminal Sentencing
- 1st Degree Murder: A mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison, up to life without the possibility of parole.
- 2nd Degree Murder: Significant prison time, typically ranging from 10 to 25 years depending on your prior criminal history (your "offender score").
- Aggravated First-Degree Murder: The only possible sentence for an adult is Life Without Parole (LWOP).
Additionally, a murder conviction carries severe collateral consequences beyond prison time, including the permanent loss of important civil rights. This typically means losing the right to vote and to serve on a jury, along with a lifetime ban on possessing or even being near firearms. In addition, having a violent felony on your record can make it extremely difficult to obtain stable housing or secure professional employment in the future.
Why Choose Our Firm For Murder Defense In Port Orchard
When facing a murder charge, choosing a lawyer is about more than credentials. You need someone who will stand with you in court, answer your questions, and guide you through a demanding and stressful process. Our firm is built around providing that kind of steady, hands-on representation when it matters most.
With more than 20 years of experience in Washington criminal courts, our practice is focused on criminal and DUI defense, including serious felony cases. This focus keeps us current on developments in Washington law and gives us regular courtroom experience, helping us understand how judges and prosecutors approach complex and high-stakes cases.
Based in Port Orchard, our firm is deeply familiar with Kitsap County courts and local procedures. We combine that local knowledge with personalized client care, clear communication, and thoughtful strategy. Our goal is to challenge the accusations against you while building a defense that reflects your situation, priorities, and long-term concerns.
The prosecution has already started building its case against you. Level the playing field by contacting a murder attorney in Port Orchard now at (360) 526-8191 or contact us online. With our extensive trial experience and free consultation, we provide the defense you need to fight for your future.
Building A Strong Defense In A Homicide Case
We start by examining the state’s evidence, including police reports, witness statements, recordings, and forensic material when available. Our goal is to identify not only what is present in those materials, but also what might be missing or inconsistent.
At Glisson Legal, we utilize our over 20 years of experience to challenge the state’s narrative. No two cases are alike, but common defense strategies include:
- Self-Defense (RCW 9A.16.050): If the act was committed to prevent a felony or to defend yourself from imminent danger, it may be classified as justifiable homicide.
- Challenging Premeditation: We argue that the event was a sudden, unplanned reaction, which can reduce a first-degree charge to second-degree murder or manslaughter.
- Alibi and Mistaken Identity: We use digital forensics, cell phone records, and surveillance data to prove you were not the perpetrator.
- Forensic Expert Analysis: We employ independent medical examiners and forensic specialists to challenge the state's "cause of death" or DNA evidence.
Throughout the case, we aim to protect your constitutional rights and to press the state to meet its burden of proof. Building a strong defense can involve filing motions, preparing for cross examination, and evaluating whether negotiations might lead to a resolution that is better than the risks of trial. Our goal is always to work toward the best outcome that the law and facts allow in your situation.
Talk With Our Team About A Murder Charge
If you or a loved one is facing a homicide allegation, the decisions you make now can affect the rest of your life. Having a criminal defense team with more than 20 years of experience in Washington courts, located in Port Orchard, can provide guidance and support when you need it most. We work to protect your rights, explain your options, and stand with you in Kitsap County Superior Court.
To speak with a murder attorney in Port Orchard, call (360) 526-8191 or reach out online for a confidential consultation.
