Violent Crime Attorney in Port Orchard
Defense Built on Prosecutorial Knowledge of Kitsap County Courts
When you’re facing a violent crime charge in Port Orchard, the attorney across the table from the prosecutor matters. Stan Glisson spent years as a Kitsap County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney before building his criminal defense practice here. He knows how that office assembles its cases, where the arguments are strongest, and where they can be challenged. That inside knowledge now works for the accused, not against them.
Washington treats violent crimes, offenses involving the threatened or actual use of force against another person, as among its most serious charges. A conviction can mean years in prison, a permanent felony record, and consequences that reach into every part of your life long after any sentence is served. Mistakes made at any stage, including in the hours immediately after arrest, can narrow your options before a defense has even begun. If you or someone you care about is facing these charges, contact a violent crime lawyer in Port Orchard right away.
Our team at Glisson Legal serves Port Orchard and the surrounding areas of Kitsap County. Call us at (360) 526-8191 or reach us through our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.Your Rights from the Moment of Arrest
From the moment you’re arrested, the Fifth Amendment gives you the right to remain silent. You can politely inform law enforcement that you won’t be answering questions until your attorney is present. That isn’t obstruction. It’s a constitutional protection, and using it is one of the most important steps you can take.
Statements made without an attorney present can be used against you in court. Early invocation of your rights and prompt retention of counsel can directly affect how your case unfolds. At Glisson Legal, we’re committed to identifying any violations of your rights and addressing them as part of your defense. We’ll listen to your account of events, collect evidence, review the prosecutor’s allegations, and build a strategy around what we find.
Common Violent Crime Charges in Washington
Any offense in which bodily injury is threatened or caused qualifies as a violent crime under Washington law. These charges span a wide range of conduct, and the consequences scale accordingly.
We defend clients facing charges including, but not limited to:
- Robbery: This occurs when someone uses force or threat of injury against another to obtain their property.
- Assault: A person commits assault when they engage in behavior that causes or threatens bodily harm to someone else.
- Manslaughter: If a person recklessly causes someone else’s death, they could be charged with this offense.
- Kidnapping: This offense occurs when a person intentionally and forcibly abducts someone else.
- Arson: Intentionally and maliciously setting a fire that could harm others or damage property is a violent offense.
This list isn’t exhaustive. Many other offenses may qualify as violent crimes under Washington law, and each carries its own sentencing implications.
Penalties for Violent Crime Convictions in Washington
Violent crimes in Washington are generally charged as felonies, which means prison time rather than a county jail sentence. The sentencing range depends on the specific offense and the circumstances involved. Washington uses a structured sentencing guidelines framework, and prior criminal history can increase the range significantly.
At minimum, felony classifications carry these incarceration terms:
- A class C felony, the least serious classification, carries up to 5 years in prison.
- A class A felony, the most serious, can result in up to life imprisonment.
Sentencing enhancements can apply when a weapon is involved, when the offense results in serious injury, or when the victim falls within a protected class. These enhancements can substantially increase the penalty beyond the standard range.
The consequences don’t end at release. A felony conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can affect your ability to find employment, maintain professional licenses, secure housing, and retain civil rights including firearm ownership. Violent crime charges often also result in stricter bail conditions, meaning the case can affect your life well before any conviction occurs.
How We Defend Violent Crime Cases in Kitsap County
Stan Glisson’s years as a Kitsap County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney shape how he approaches every violent crime defense. He understands how the Kitsap County Prosecutor’s Office builds its cases for Superior Court, which means he knows where to look for problems in the state’s evidence before it ever reaches a jury.
Effective defense at this level requires more than reviewing paperwork. We examine police procedures for violations, analyze physical evidence for inconsistencies, and evaluate witness credibility carefully. Where applicable, we develop recognized legal defenses under Washington law.
Defense strategies we may explore include:
- Self-Defense: Washington law recognizes self-defense as a legal justification when the force used was necessary and proportionate to an imminent threat.
- Mistaken Identity: Eyewitness accounts are fallible. We investigate identification evidence thoroughly to expose unreliable testimony.
- Lack of Intent: Many violent crime charges require proof of specific intent. When intent can’t be established, the prosecution’s case can weaken.
- Evidence Integrity: Physical and digital evidence must be collected and preserved according to legal standards. Chain-of-custody failures can render evidence inadmissible.
The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, the highest standard in the criminal justice system. Our job is to work to prevent that standard from being met.
Start Your Defense with a Free Consultation
If you’ve been charged with a violent crime in Port Orchard or anywhere in Kitsap County, the time to act is now. Stan Glisson brings more than 20 years of experience in Washington courts and the perspective of a former Kitsap County prosecutor to every case he defends.
Call Glisson Legal at (360) 526-8191 or reach us through our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. We can review your situation and help you understand your options.
